Question

Can I enlarge lymph nodes by feeling them?

15 January 2008. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

I think I am having the symptoms of HIV. I want to know how can you know whether your lymph nodes are enlarged or not?

Can you feel them by touching, and can you enlarge them only be continously touching them?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Lymph nodes are small glands under the skin that are all over your body, but which are easiest to feel if you press under your armpits, or the side of your neck, or in the space where your legs join your body.

If they are enlarged – which is common with many infections – they will feel bigger, and sometimes be more tender or painful. Feeling a normal lypnh node will not make it larger.
There are many reasons for enlarged lymph nodes, including other infections. It is a good idea a medical professional to check you for those.

HIV-infection does not have symptoms in the traditional meaning of the word. A proportion of the people who get infected go through the so-called seroconversion illness, but often it can be confused with a common flu. The only way to know whether you are infected is to take an HIV-test.