In which upper respiratory condition is the swelling of lymph nodes typically observed?

• A. Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• B. Streptococcal throat infection
• C. Nasal polyps
• D. Chronic rhinosinusitis

Answer: (B)

Lymph node swelling reflects the immune system’s response to infection in the area those nodes drain. The throat drains to the cervical (neck) lymph nodes, so an infection in the pharynx often causes tender swollen nodes in the neck. Streptococcal throat infection is a classic example, where Group A Streptococcus triggers a robust local immune reaction in the pharynx, leading to fever, sore throat, and painful anterior cervical lymphadenopathy.

The other conditions involve different parts of the respiratory tract and don’t typically produce noticeable cervical lymph node swelling. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe lung condition, not driven by localized neck lymphadenopathy. Nasal polyps are growths within the nasal passages and sinuses, and chronic rhinosinusitis is long-standing inflammation of the sinuses; neither commonly features prominent neck lymph node swelling.