Swollen lymph nodes are part of the body's immune response to inflection. Generally the swelling indicates you've got a viral infection. It could also be a sign of a bacteria inflection, allergies, and thyroid troubles. If the lumps are larger than an inch, last for more than a couple of days, occur regularly, are extremely painful or your are running a high fever see a doctor.. . There really isn't anything you can do, but treat the condition causing them to swell.. . Note- I am NOT a doctor.