Enlarged lymph node on baby

My 9 month old has had an enlarged lymph node on the back of his head since he was a couple of months old.

I took him to the GP the other week, who referred him for tests. The specialists have emailed the GP to say they don't believe my son needs to be seen as they think the enlargement is due to his eczema. I pointed out that the lymph node has been enlarged for much longer than he has had eczema. Months longer. I asked the GP to point this out to the specialist and I'm waiting for their response. 

Dors anyone have experience of anything similar? He's well in himself and is a happy smiley baby, his weight gain is good too. He did have a UTI when he was 6 months old, although his only symptom was smelly urine. He's currently on antibiotics again as there is some bacteria in his urine. But again he is still well in himself, no signs of an infection.

I don't know if I should be concerned about the lymph node. Does anyone else have a baby with a lymph node that's been enlarged for a long time, without the baby seeming unwell? Thanks.

  • Hi

    I discovered my daughter has a raised lymph node behind one ear, she had a short illness and then it popped up (she had just turned 2). Had it checked out by various doctors and they all agreed that it was caused by infection due to the illness, and that it would likely never go down. Apparently little kids are constantly battling invisible infections of some kind due to their undeveloped immune systems, and as a result often have raised lymph nodes, or a lymph node that doesn't shrink. My daughter is now nearly 4yr and outwardly healthy most of the time, and the node is still there, so I've stopped worrying (most of the time!).

     

    Your baby could well be battling several minor infections at all times too, or yes it could be because his body is battling a UTI. If the node hasn't swelled considerably within a few months I would try not to worry (or maybe pay for further tests if you are concerned).

    Best wishes to you and your son x

  • My little girls lymphnodes in her lower abdomen are constantly raised, she has Kidney reflux and had suffered frequent infections. She now hasn't had an infection in over a year but they aren't concerned about it. Same with behind her ears, they feel like small marbles. (Awful tonsillitis for a while) She sees a paediatrician, a urologist and a nephrologist and an ENT and none of them are concerned by it. You are right to push if you are concerned though x