Swollen Lymph Nodes in Elderly

Common causes of swollen lymph nodes in elderly and what you should know.

Common Causes

  • Infections due to weakened immunity — Age-related immune decline might make even minor infections cause noticeable swelling.
  • Cancers like lymphoma or metastatic cancers — Higher cancer risk in older adults could lead to persistent, hard nodes.
  • Medications such as seizure drugs — Certain medicines, like phenytoin, may trigger swelling as a side effect.
  • Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis — Chronic inflammation from these diseases might cause ongoing lymph node enlargement.

Learn More

For a full overview of this symptom, including home remedies and when to see a doctor, read our complete guide on Swollen Lymph Nodes.