When you feel like you’re coming down with something, you might notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those bumps on your neck are usually swollen lymph nodes. They probably feel soft, tender to the touch and may even hurt without you touching them.

Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) are common. And that’s actually a good thing. These pea- or bean-sized tissues swell when your body fights illness. It’s a normal immune response. It means your immune system is trying to manage whatever’s making you sick, like invading viruses or bacteria.

People often call lymph nodes “glands.” But they’re not. These nodes are part of your lymphatic system. They work like filters, clearing germs and waste from your lymph fluid. This clear or yellowish fluid consists of white blood cells, proteins and fatty compounds called lipids.

Lymph nodes come in groups or clusters, usually around major blood vessel junctions. While some groups are just underneath your skin, others are too deep to feel. Your body has about 800 lymph nodes. They’re found in places like your:

Neck (cervical)
Armpits (axilla)
Chest (thorax)
Belly (abdomen)
Groin (inguinal)
What counts as lymph node swelling?
When you have lymph node swelling, your healthcare provider may press the area around the nodes. They’re feeling for things like: