Definition
Stones can form in the parotid glands just like other organs, for example the gall bladder. Salivary stones are formed by the calcium phosphate contained in saliva in combination with an organic matrix. Salivary stones occur mainly in the mandibular parotid gland, but can also be found in the parotid gland (parotid gland) or sublingual gland.
Causes
The development of salivary stones can have various causes, but has not yet been fully clarified. However, they are usually caused by an increase in the calcium level in the saliva, an obstruction of the glandular duct or an underlying disease of the entire body system. If salivary stones occur frequently, the treating physician should exclude gout, diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis, among others.
Local problems in the immediate vicinity of the affected salivary gland can also play a role. For example, scarring or a tumor can narrow the salivary gland duct and thus lead to the formation of a salivary stone. The same applies to the viral disease mumps, where the gland also swells and the glandular ducts can become narrower.
Symptoms
Since a salivary stone leads in most cases to an inflammation of the salivary gland, the typical symptoms of an inflammation of the salivary gland occur
- The gland swells in the area of the ear, becomes hard and begins to hurt.
- Severe pain when eating, as the saliva produced cannot flow off and thus exerts pressure on the already inflamed parotid gland
- Locally, this inflammation can also radiate to the surrounding tissue and cause pain in the temporomandibular joint, muscles or when chewing
- Cheek heated and turns red
- Fever attacks
- Tinnitus
- Pus formation, which is released into the mouth via the glandular duct
The parotid gland is located in the depth of the tissue on both sides of the face in a very central position. A little below and in front of the ear, it is mostly located in a space adjacent to muscles and bones, where many other nerves and vessels are located. One of these nerves, the facial nerve, leads to the ear, and there especially to the eardrum.
It transmits mainly touch and pain stimuli. The salivary stone can now cause a slight inflammation of the gland, which irritates the nerve. As a result, after a while, salivary stones can cause earaches.
