Salivary Gland Infection (Sialadenitis), Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

 

Salivary infections, also known as sialadenitis, most frequently affect the parotid salivary glands on the side of the face, near the ears, or the submandibular salivary glands under the jaw.

Saliva breaks down food, facilitates digestion, and keeps your mouth clean. It removes food particles and bacteria. It also aids in regulating the quantity of both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your mouth. Saliva that cannot flow freely around your mouth is less likely to wash away bacteria and food particles. Infection could result from this.

There are three major pairs of large salivary glands in your body. You can find them on either side of your face. Inside each cheek are the biggest glands, called parotids. They are located in front of your ears, above your jaw. "parotitis" refers to an infection of one or more of these glands.

What is salivary gland infection (sialadenitis):

The medical term for inflammation of one or more of your salivary glands is "sialadenitis." The glands that produce your saliva (spit) are called salivary glands. Saliva protects your teeth from dangerous microorganisms and aids in swallowing and food digestion. The three main salivary glands are as follows:

• Each ear has a parotid gland in front of it.

• The submandibular glands are situated under your jaw, at the very back of your mouth.

• Sublingual glands are found on the bottom of your mouth, under your tongue.

• You have hundreds of little salivary glands in addition to your larger ones. Your lips, inside cheeks, and the linings of your mouth and throat are all home to these tiny glands.

• The parotid and submandibular glands are the primary organs affected by sialadenitis.

• It may be recurrent (returning), chronic (long-term), or acute (sudden). Rare is sialadenitis.

Symptoms:

The following are the symptoms of sialadenitis:

• One or more salivary glands may enlarge, become painful, or become discolored.

• Fever (when an infection results from inflammation).

• A sign of both acute and chronic sialadenitis is decreased saliva.

• Pain when eating.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth).

• Swelling around your neck and cheeks.

• See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Causes:

Causes of sialadenitis include:

• Viral or bacterial infection.

• Dehydration.

• Recent sickness.

• Several drugs, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and antihistamines.

• The autoimmune condition is known as Sjögren's syndrome.

• Poor oral hygiene.

How is the diagnosis of sialadenitis made?

After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination, a healthcare professional will make the diagnosis of sialadenitis. They might also use an endoscope, which is a tiny camera with a light attached, to inspect your salivary glands.

To identify obstructions, your doctor may do a salivary gland scan. For this examination, computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasound will be used.

Your doctor may occasionally recommend that you see an otolaryngologist (ENT) for additional testing. A specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ears, nose, and throat is known as an ENT.

Infection risk factors:

You may be more susceptible to a salivary gland infection if you have any of the following factors:

being over 65, not getting a mumps vaccination, and not practicing proper oral hygiene
Additionally, the following long-term illnesses may make you more susceptible to infection:

• Sjogren's syndrome

• HIV

• AIDS

• Alcoholism

• Diabetes

• Malnutrition

• Dry mouth syndrome, or bulimia xerostomia

Treatment:

How can enlarged salivary glands get rid of?

Sialadenitis can be treated in several ways, including:

• Antibiotics

• Home remedies

• Non-surgical treatments

• Surgery

• The severity of your ailment determines the course of treatment

Antibiotics:

The first line of treatment for sialadenitis is typically antibiotics. Clindamycin, cephalosporins, and dicloxacillin are the most often prescribed antibiotics for sialadenitis.

Treatments without surgery

In some cases, your doctor might use a vein in your arm to provide intravenous (IV) medications. They will give you medications to fight infection and saline or dextrose solutions to keep you hydrated.



Surgical treatments:

Your doctor might suggest surgery if sialadenitis doesn't improve with conventional therapies. They will drain the infection and remove any stones or other obstructions if you have developed an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. Additionally, they could examine your salivary gland with an endoscope. This procedure is known as a sialendoscopy by medical professionals.

Prevention:

How can I lower my chance of contracting sialadenitis?
Complete prevention of sialadenitis may not be possible. However, you can lower your risk by doing the following:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene

• Consume a nutritious diet for yourself

• Steer clear of tobacco products and smoking

• Every day, brush your teeth twice

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating meals or beverages that are sweetened or carbonated

• Every six months, get your teeth cleaned

• Dehydration should also be avoided

References:

• ORDR, Office of Rare Diseases Research. Sialadenitis (https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7638/sialadenitis). Accessed 8/29/2022.

• Salivarygland infection (Sialadenitis). (n.d.). https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/mdo/presentation/conditions/condition_viewall_page.jsp?condition=Condition_Salivary_Gland_Infection.xml&showProvider=false

• Chandak R, Degwekar S, Chandak M, et al. Acute submandibular sialadenitis—a case report (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22888457/). Case Rep Dent. 2012;2012:615375. Accessed 8/29/2022.

• NORD, National Organization for Rare Disorders. Sialadenitis (https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/sialadenitis/). Accessed 8/29/2022.

• Kamisawa T, Nakajima H, Egawa N, et al. IgG4-related sclerosing disease incorporating sclerosing pancreatitis, cholangitis, sialadenitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis with lymphadenopathy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16327291/). Pancreatology. 2006;6(1-2):132-7. Accessed 8/29/2022.

• Chandak R, Degwekar S, Chandak M, et al. Acute submandibular sialadenitis—a case report (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22888457/). Case Rep Dent. 2012;2012:615375. Accessed 8/29/2022.

• American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Sialadenitis (https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sialadenitis/). Accessed 8/29/2022.