Why do i have swollen lymph nodes?

Many causes: Almost everyone has at least one palpable lymph node in the neck, more if you're had a cold or sore throat recently. I own a 1/2" scarred node that i let people feel for reassurance. If a node feels rubbery or is fixed to the surrounding structures or last more than a week, it's time to investigate. Nodes around the body warn of infectious mono / acute HIV or a few other infections. Good luck.

Monitoring Centers: Lymphatic system absorbs/carries things too big to go into the arteries/veins like bacteria eaten by white cells and digested food. Lymph nodes "taste" the lymph for anything bad like bacteria, viruses, cancers, etc. When it detects a problem, it alerts the immune system and your body reacts. They enlarge in response to the inflammation they create when they react. They shrink when all is well.