How long can lymph nodes in the neck stay swollen? i've had this issue on one side for a couple days with only a scratchy throat. i don't feel sick.

Lymph nodes: It is not uncommon to have small lymph nodes in the neck on occasion. The lymph nodes sequester any infections you get in the head and neck. Unusually do not worry about lymph nodes smaller than 1.5 cm. If no change in 3 weeks see private doc or ent.

Swollen lymph nodes: This is most likely due to a viral infection. Swollen lymph nodes in this case may persist for several days as the body mounts an inflammatory response to the virus. If the swollen lymph nodes become more tender and you develop other symptoms such as fever, chills, and rash, I recommend seeing your healthcare provider.

Lymph node: There are thousands of lymph node located around the body that help screen out germs in the body serum before it returns to the circulation. There are many in the neck, head, behind the ear. At rest these are often 1/4 inch in diameter and may grow to marble sized when reacting to a stimulus. Bug bites, or viral infections can increase their size.They should shrink down to nl size over a few wks

They're your friends: Expect lymph nodes to come and go, or maybe stay around indefinitely. They're keeping you healthy and fighting germs, to keep it basic. Lymph nodes that are problematic are obviously abnormal -- huge, very fast-growing, and/or stuck to nearby structures. If you can't find at least three lymph nodes somewhere in your neck region, you haven't really searched. Best wishes.