Introduction
Inflammation of the salivary glands (medical term: sialadenitis) is the inflammation of one of the salivary glands, which mainly affects elderly or immunocompromised persons. It is a very painful disease, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
Definition
Salivary gland inflammation is the inflammation of any of the many salivary glands in the human body. By far the three large salivary glands are most commonly affected: however, inflammation can also occur in the smaller salivary glands in the throat, on the cheek mucous membrane or the lips.
- Sublingual salivary gland,
- Mandibular parotid gland
- Parotid gland
Causes
Most salivary gland inflammations are either caused by Often, however, salivary gland inflammation is also caused by the presence of salivary stones, or their formation is at least promoted by these stones. This is because salivary stones cause the saliva to back up and can obstruct the gland’s excretory duct. This prevents the secretion from flowing away.
The accumulated secretion forms a perfect breeding ground in which bacteria and viruses can multiply extremely well. By the same mechanism, constrictions due to other causes (for example, tumors or scars) can also lead to salivary gland inflammation. In addition to these common causes, autoimmune diseases (e.g. Sjögren’s syndrome), certain medications, poor oral hygiene or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis) are less common triggers for salivary gland inflammation. Certain underlying diseases can also promote the development of a stone and thus salivary gland inflammation:
- Bacteria: usually staphylococci or streptococci or
- Viruses: especially Mumps or Coxsackie viruses
- Diabetes mellitus,
- Gout or a
- Excess of calcium ions
Symptoms
Usually only one side is affected by salivary gland inflammation, with the exception of mumps, which tends to occur on both sides. The inflammation usually occurs very suddenly and is accompanied by swelling of the face, sometimes massive, and hardening of the affected side. In addition, in some patients the skin over the gland may be reddened and feel warmer.
If it is a purulent inflammation, pus may empty into the mouth cavity, causing an unpleasant taste. There is also typically severe pain. These often become worse when chewing (because the chewing muscles and jaw joint are located near the glands) and eating (because saliva production increases during this time, which causes the saliva to press even harder on the inflamed tissue). As a result, many affected persons may no longer be able to eat or even open their mouth (wide).