Yes they can. Lymph nodes filter bacteria and viruses out of the body, and even though they can be found throughout the body, the largest ones are under your arms, in your neck and in the groin area. If you have swollen and/or painful lymph nodes in any of these areas you can take it as an indication that you have some type of infection and that your lymph nodes are trying to fight it off.
Depending on how swollen and painful they are will give you an idea of whether a trip to see your doctor is necessary. There are also some other indications that you can check for yourself so that you can tell whether your lymph nodes are being successful in fighting off any infections.
The first thing that you should do is to feel them. When all is well they are soft, so if they are hard, then they are struggling to fight an infection and you should see a doctor so that possible causes and treatments can be investigated.
If you think that they have swollen to more than an inch in size, then this is another sign that the infection is getting the upper hand, and again, the advice is to see a doctor.
Make a mental note of the color of your skin above your lymph nodes. If it looks any different and is particularly pink or red, the infection is winning the battle.
Other symptoms of infection include a high temperature and fever, tiredness, weight loss, and night sweats. If you have any of these (or anything that is out of the ordinary for you) as well as the swollen and painful lymph nodes, then you really should not hesitate to seek medical advice.
Depending on how swollen and painful they are will give you an idea of whether a trip to see your doctor is necessary. There are also some other indications that you can check for yourself so that you can tell whether your lymph nodes are being successful in fighting off any infections.
The first thing that you should do is to feel them. When all is well they are soft, so if they are hard, then they are struggling to fight an infection and you should see a doctor so that possible causes and treatments can be investigated.
If you think that they have swollen to more than an inch in size, then this is another sign that the infection is getting the upper hand, and again, the advice is to see a doctor.
Make a mental note of the color of your skin above your lymph nodes. If it looks any different and is particularly pink or red, the infection is winning the battle.
Other symptoms of infection include a high temperature and fever, tiredness, weight loss, and night sweats. If you have any of these (or anything that is out of the ordinary for you) as well as the swollen and painful lymph nodes, then you really should not hesitate to seek medical advice.