causes of very swollen lymph nodes in the neck with sore throat and difficulty swallowing. I also have lupus

Could it just be your body fighting off an infection?  Or what it thinks is an infection since Lupus tends to confuse things?   I get that a lot too.   Sometimes I use a cold wrap and then a warm one .... depends on which one feels better.   And gargle daily with something like Lysterine.   Not sure there is much more to do. 

If you have no other symptoms that is.  I kind of wait most stuff out for 2 weeks. If it lasts longer without getting better....then I consider calling the Rheumatologist.