1. Determine an Allergic Reaction
If you are allergic to insect venom or certain foods, your neck swelling could indicate a histamine reaction. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, especially if breathing becomes difficult. Neck swelling that has come on suddenly or spreads to the face is often a sign of an allergic response and should be assessed by a doctor.
2. Do a Self-Screening
Checking your own neck will help you determine the next course of action. If you are recovering from a cold, an upper respiratory infection or certain skin rashes, you will feel some swelling along both sides of your neck or under your chin. These are your lymph nodes, and they may feel tender during or after a cold. Generally, this isn't an issue unless your cold symptoms last longer than usual, or the lymph nodes remain swollen for weeks after your infection has cleared.
3. Consult a Doctor for Unusual Swelling
Neck swelling that is not caused by infection may be more serious, and requires immediate medical attention. Thyroid problems can produce swelling at the front of the neck around the Adam's Apple, and can be caused by numerous factors, such as an overactive pituitary gland or an iodine deficiency. When inflamed, the subhyoid bursa, a small sac located in the neck, may appear as a lump. Cysts may also appear in your neck, causing small pockets of swelling. Your doctor must run tests to diagnose the causes.
4. Visit a Rheumatologist
Some autoimmune disorders may produce neck swelling. If your doctor suspects you have rheumatoid arthritis, or Kawasaki disease, he may refer you to a rheumatologist. Kawasaki disease occurs only in childhood and causes chronic swelling of the lymph nodes. Rheumatoid arthritis, although most common in late childhood and early adulthood, can appear at any time in a person's life. Specialized tests and treatments are required if you or your doctor suspects either condition.
5. Undergo a Biopsy
Thyroid cancer and Hodgkin's Disease can cause swelling in the neck, and require an oncologist or cancer specialist to diagnose and treat. Scans such as X-rays and an MRI can help to diagnose the severity of disorders, though often a biopsy is needed. Even benign tumors can cause lymph node swelling in your neck, so it is best to have an expert thoroughly test your condition.
