Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

2

1

Among my digestive issues, fatigue, poor skin quality and dark circles I have swollen glands in my neck that have been there for years, mostly on the right side, they swell and lessen from time to time

Is there any connection here? Should I be concerned? Is it an adrenal problem? Someone mentioned that my symptoms were consistent with hyperthyroidism, could these swollen glands in my neck be linked?

Thanks

edited May 3 2012 at 23:34

Paul
10.6k●2●12●57

asked May 3 2012 at 12:11

HuntingBears
5,499●3●15●40

1

Hyperthyroidism would present with excess energy, sweating, increased temperature, skin flushing, and constipation. Hypothyroidism would present with fatigue, dry itchy skin, decreased temperature, and diarrhea. – interrobung May 3 2012 at 14:30

I thought hyperT was associated with diarrhea, and hypoT with constipation? (because hyper is too fast, hypo too slow). I had very bad hyperT and I had super dry itchy nearly bleeding skin, never sweated even though I was always very hot, had lots of adrenaline energy but it left me tired all the time, and yeah, lots of diarrhea... skin flushing... thought I was menopausal at 22. I agree with the person who said this is probably why you have dark circles! Thankfully nowadays my thyroid only swells after I cheat on gluten and grains, after paleo the enlarged thyroid got smaller. – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:11

But you need to get help, this can kill you! Thyroid problems are no joke! It can ruin your whole body. I waited years before getting help, despite people telling me all the time to go. Don't be like me! – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:13

1

Is this the gland you're talking about? umm.edu/graphics/images/en/8966.jpg – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:22

1

The usual practice of moderators is to add the see-a-doctor tag to questions like this, in accordance with the FAQ. It is indeed assumed that people who ask such questions will know to go to the doctor, but also want additional perspective from other users. Although just in case we add the tag. This cannot always happen promptly, but it is helpful if people flag the posts. Also, "trusted users" (whatever that means) can go ahead and add the tag themselves; this is a community after all, and it is better to err on the side of too much "go to a doctor" advice than on the side of not enough. – Paul May 3 2012 at 23:38

show 2 more comments

blueballoon · Answer 1 · 2012-05-03 12:21:22Z UTC

3

I hate to ask the obvious, but have you been to a doctor for this problem? If your swollen glands were a new thing I'd first suspect some kind of acute illness (happens to me), but since you say it's been years (coupled with other symptoms), I say get thee hence to a medical professional.

answered May 3 2012 at 12:21

blueballoon
4,838●1●4●13

I have a bit of a fear of going to the doctors as i've been quite a lot in my life and there 's nothing worse than going in with vague symptoms, on the other hand maybe i just need to go in again about this and see what they say – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 12:40

1

What is vague about swollen glands that have been for years. You should go to a doctor and not be looking for answers here. No one here can tell you what is wrong or how to treat it. SEE A DOCTOR!!!! – Rockydawg May 3 2012 at 12:50

It doesn't matter if you're scared of going to the hospital, you NEED to go. If you have thyroid problems you need medication. There's no way around it. – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:14

Put your hand (thumb and middle finger) around the swollen neck. Now swallow. Does the gland move up and down? – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:16

the gland does move slightly when i swallow, it's definately lymph nodes and not thyriod, too far back, I remember going to the doctors about it when i was a kid, so im not sure theres anything they can do? – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 17:05

interrobung · Answer 2 · 2012-05-03 14:26:23Z UTC

Your symptoms are more consistent with HYPOthyroidism, which can present with a goiter (enlarged thyroid) just as easily as hyperthyroidism can. In the case of the latter, it's proliferating, overactive gland. In the case of the former (more consistent with your symptoms), the gland is proliferating due to either: a) an inflammatory response, and is trying to make more hormone but can't; or b) is lacking iodine and becomes hyperplastic (excessive growth) in an attempt to make up for it.

A) could be something like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune inactivation of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptors. B) is as simple as inadequate iodine intake. Either way, you should see a doctor and have your thyroid hormone and iodine levels checked.

hollywobbles · Answer 3 · 2012-05-03 13:11:48Z UTC

I get swollen lymph nodes in my neck whenever i am stressed. I assume that the stress weakens my immune system, and the lymph nodes are stepping in to take up the fight against whatever bazillion nasty things out there are trying to take over my body.

Chris · Answer 4 · 2012-05-03 13:39:01Z UTC

1

This is probably why you have dark circles under your eyes.

I don't know which glands you are specifically referring to, but you should see a doctor.

answered May 3 2012 at 13:39

Chris
1,706●2●9

Laina · Answer 5 · 2012-05-03 16:47:37Z UTC

1

Have you gone for a blood test to see if you have chronic mononucleosis? My daughter was just diagnosed and your symptoms are really similar.

answered May 3 2012 at 16:47

Laina
2,942●3●12

Poop Master MC · Answer 6 · 2012-05-03 12:46:45Z UTC

0

I get swollen lymph nodes in my neck pretty often, usually when I have been going at the exercise really hard

http://www.localhealth.com/article/swollen-neck-lymph-nodes

answered May 3 2012 at 12:46

Poop Master MC
2,773●1●6

1

So constantly swollen lymph nodes might suggest an autoimmune disorder or allergy that is making the immune system work constantly? might leaky gut lead to allergies leading to immune system response and swollen glands in the neck? They do seem to swell more when I'm ill. – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 12:50

It could be a dozen different things, even a doctor may not be able to tell you what is causing it, may only be able to tell you what is NOT causing it. It's highly probable that it is an immune system response but lots of things trigger an immune system response. – Poop Master MC May 3 2012 at 12:54

Rockydawg · Answer 7 · 2012-05-03 13:13:13Z UTC

-4

Wow, this site is a joke. All these " I know more than a doctor types" ( and not just is this case but everytime someone has a medical isssue). No one tells the dude to go to the doctor when it is pretty clear he should go. I am not one who goes to the doctor for every little thing...but sometimes your sypmtons tell you to GO!!! Find a good doctor and go..there are some good ones. Ask a lot of questions and tell them everything! If your not satisfied with there response guess what...you can go find another doctor! No one here is going to be able to tell you what is wrong, despite what they think.

answered May 3 2012 at 13:13

Rockydawg
13●2

We tend to assume people go to doctors when they have serious problems. – Chris May 3 2012 at 13:37

1

most of them did suggest going to the doctor – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 14:02

no one said not to go to a doctor they were just sharing their similar experiences or stating that that they should see a doctor. – monaLisa May 3 2012 at 15:23

That's one of the problems with the internet, you have a few people who tend to over react to stuff (OMG! OMG!) which makes it difficult to discuss things. – Poop Master MC May 3 2012 at 16:47

When I posted only one person said see a doctor. Other topics I have looked at regarding a medical issue I see the same thing. So I guess my critique of the site gets me a negative rating not my advice. Later – Rockydawg May 3 2012 at 16:57

show 4 more comments

swollen glands in neck

7 Answers