We have a number of salivary glands, and they are all situated around the mouth. They produce saliva or spit, which can cause problems when they become inflamed, infected, or blocked.
There are three main salivary glands, which come as a pair with one of each on each side of the face:
1. The parotid glands - situated just in front of your ear.
2. The submandibular glands - situated under your jaw line.
3. The sublingual glands - situated under your tongue. Additionally, your mouth is covered in a number of much smaller salivary glands. Tubes or ducts carry the saliva from the gland into your mouth. The role of saliva in your mouth is to:
● Keep it lubricated.
● Help with speech.
● Help with speech.
● Help with chewing and the start of the process of digesting your food.
● Protect your teeth.
There is a wide range of possible causes for disorders of the salivary glands.
The most common infection that affects the salivary glands is mumps. This is an infection with a virus, most often affecting the parotid glands, although it can affect other salivary glands. It usually affects both parotid glands, so the swelling is on both sides of your face; however, in some cases, it is just one-sided.Other viruses can affect the salivary glands too. Some of them are coxsackievirus, ,Herpes viruses,Influenza and parainfluenza viruses,Parvovirus B19, and HIV.
Infections with bacteria can occur less commonly in the salivary glands. This occurs more frequently in people who are otherwise ill and have other problems and is caused by an infection spreading from the mouth. Tuberculosis rarely affects the salivary glands.
What are the possible symptoms suggesting a salivary gland infection?
▪ Swelling of one or more glands. This would mean a swelling of part of your face. There may be redness (inflammation) of the skin over the swollen part.
▪ Swelling of one or more glands. This would mean a swelling of part of your face. There may be redness (inflammation) of the skin over the swollen part.
▪ Pain in the area of the salivary glands
▪ A dry mouth and throat.
▪ A bad taste in the mouth.
▪ A raised temperature or fever
Malfunctioning salivary glands produce less saliva, which causes dry mouth and tooth decay. Infected or blocked salivary glands can cause pain.
What are salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis)?
Salivary gland stones are not uncommon,they are mainly due to stagnation of saliva in the ducts. Strictures of the duct, inflammation of the gland, and sometimes immunological conditions can lead to sialolithiasis. you may feel pain and swelling of the salivary gland region while taking food(specially sour foods).
To identify the location of stones inside the duct, your doctor may suggest a CT scan . Sialendoscopy is a newer modality of investigation and minimally invasive treatment for stone removal ..
Salivary gland malignancy
Among the salivary glands Parotid glands are more likely to develop cancer, and it's mostly benign Pleomorphic adenoma. It presents as a painless swelling of the face that is mostly unilateral. In cases of malignant tumors affecting the facial nerve, facial deformities can also be seen.
Tumors may also develop in the submandibular, sublingual, or other minor salivary glands.
In order to plan the removal of the tumor, your ENT doctor might advise performing an MRI and taking a biopsy of the swelling.
Treatment:
Treatment will entirely depend on the cause and individual conditions.
Mumps infection gets better on its own after a week or so with no treatment. Avoid going to school, college, or working for five days after symptoms start.
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. By consuming enough liquid and sucking on lemon drops or chewing gum, you can promote salivation. Warm compresses may be helpful.
Many of the stones pass through the duct eventually on their own without needing any treatment at all. Others may need help from a specialist surgeon.
▪ A dry mouth and throat.
▪ A bad taste in the mouth.
▪ A raised temperature or fever
Malfunctioning salivary glands produce less saliva, which causes dry mouth and tooth decay. Infected or blocked salivary glands can cause pain.
- Dr. Prashanth R Reddy
“E.N.T. health – ENTry for better senses”.
