Sialoadenitis is an inflammation of the salivary glands. The patient experiences swelling and general malaise. The inflammation is caused by viruses, tooth decay, and immune system problems.
Timely treatment of sialoadenitis in Moscow allows for rapid pain relief and prevents the disease from becoming chronic or developing into a purulent lesion.
Sialoadenitis refers to damage to the major or minor salivary glands, whether caused by an infectious or non-infectious cause. The salivary gland produces a secretion that is essential for the initial breakdown of food and the protection of the oral mucosa. When its tissues become inflamed, saliva flow is impaired.
Parotid sialoadenitis (mumps) is the most commonly diagnosed type. In this case, swelling is localized in front of and below the auricle. Submandibular sialoadenitis is the second most common type of sialorrhea: pain typically occurs in the lower jaw. Inflammation of the sublingual glands is rare.
Acute sialoadenitis develops suddenly. The patient develops pain in the salivary gland, fever, and swelling.
With proper treatment, the symptoms resolve without a trace. Chronic sialadenitis is less severe but long-lasting. Periods of remission alternate with exacerbations, during which the gland gradually hardens and its function is irreversibly impaired.
The clinical presentation of the disease depends on the type of inflammation, but there are a number of common signs that can help suspect the pathology at an early stage.
The first symptom is a feeling of fullness and discomfort. Gradually, swelling of the salivary gland develops, which can alter the contours of the face. Due to impaired secretion, severe dry mouth occurs, and the saliva itself may become viscous or contain flakes.
A characteristic sign of the disease, especially if there is an obstruction in the duct, is "salivary colic." This is a sharp, stabbing pain when chewing or even at the sight of food. Since eating stimulates saliva production, and an inflamed or clogged salivary gland duct cannot pass it, intra-tissue pressure increases sharply.
If the process progresses, purulent sialadenitis may develop. In this case, the skin over the gland becomes red and hot. Pus may leak from the duct into the oral cavity, causing an unpleasant salty or bitter taste. The patient's condition worsens: fever reaches high levels, and difficulty opening the mouth becomes apparent.
Inflammation rarely occurs on its own; it is most often the result of infection or impaired fluid drainage.
Viral sialoadenitis is often caused by influenza viruses, cytomegalovirus, or mumps. Bacterial inflammation is caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria, often accompanied by poor hygiene or inadequate dental treatment.
A salivary stone (sialolithiasis) is a common cause of inflammation in the submandibular region. The hard mass blocks the lumen of the canal, causing secretion stagnation. Obstruction of the duct can also occur due to thickening of saliva or a foreign body, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
General dehydration leads to saliva becoming excessively thick. Post-operative patients and those taking diuretics and antihistamines for a long time are most often affected. A weakened immune system and diabetes also increase the risk of salivary gland inflammation.
You should see a doctor immediately if you have:
If swelling extends to the neck or lower eyelid, fever If the temperature rises above 38.5°C and the pain becomes unbearable, immediate assistance is required. Severe pain combined with the inability to swallow even water indicates the development of an abscess. In this situation, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should perform an emergency examination.
The doctor evaluates facial symmetry, skin color, and the condition of the oral duct openings. Palpation determines the gland's density and the presence of discharge. The dentist determines when the pain began and whether it is related to food intake.
Salivary gland ultrasound is the "gold standard" for primary diagnostics. This method allows us to visualize the gland's size, the presence of stones, duct dilation, and the presence of purulent cavities. Laboratory blood tests reveal the severity of the inflammatory response in the body.
In complex or questionable cases, CT (computed tomography) is prescribed. This examination helps to study the tissue structure in detail and detect even small radiopaque stones. In chronic cases, sialography (X-ray imaging with the injection of a contrast agent into the ducts) may be used.
| Form | What most often provokes | Main symptoms of sialadenitis | What helps clarify the diagnosis | Treatment approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute bacterial | Oral infection | High fever, severe swelling, pain | Examination, ultrasound, blood tests | Antibiotics, detoxification |
| Chronic | Duct structure, systemic diseases | Periodic swelling, dryness | Ultrasound, sialography, CT scan | Relapse prevention, saliva stimulation |
| Calculous | Salivary gland stone | Pain with food, dense swelling | Ultrasound, CT scan, duct palpation | Stone removal, diet |
| Suppurative sialadenitis | Advanced acute form | Pus from the duct, skin redness, fever | Ultrasound (search for abscess), examination | Surgical incision, antibiotics |
This material is for informational purposes only. If signs of inflammation appear, an in-person consultation with a doctor is necessary. In Moscow, diagnosis and treatment of sialadenitis are carried out according to current standards.
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Types of sialadenitis
Doctors classify the disease by location and course, which directly influences how sialadenitis is treated in a particular case.
Parotid sialadenitis
Parotid gland involvement is often accompanied by pain radiating to the ear or temple. Swelling can be so severe that the earlobe is raised. It is important to differentiate this condition from lymphadenitis or temporomandibular joint problems.
Submandibular sialadenitis
With this form, the swelling is localized under the soft tissues of the floor of the mouth. A hard, painful mass is often palpated. If the cause is calculous sialadenitis, the stone can be felt with the fingers during self-examination.
Chronic recurrent sialadenitis
This form is characterized by recurring episodes of inflammation several times a year. Between flare-ups, the gland may remain slightly enlarged and dense. Chronic sialadenitis requires a thorough investigation of the cause, as each new relapse replaces the functioning gland tissue with scar tissue.