Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

6. Fungal Infections

If you come into contact with soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings, you may be at risk for developing a fungal infection called histoplasmosis. This infection is contracted when you breathe in airborne spores of the fungus. The ingestion of these spores will alert the body's immune system and will recognize the foreign body. Any time the immune system reacts to a foreign substance in the body, you may notice swollen lymph glands. Most cases of histoplasmosis will clear up without medical intervention. However, more severe cases will require a trip to the doctor, and antifungal medications will be administered.