Salivary Glands Enlargement

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Enlargement of the salivary glands due to obstruction in the glands and their ducts.

Can be unilateral or bilateral.

Causes

  • Salivary stones, sialoliths or calculus
  • Salivary gland infection, or Sialadenitis
  • Cyst
  • Tumours
  • Sjögren's syndrome

Signs and symptoms

  • Salivary gland swelling
  • Foul-tasting drainage into the mouth
  • Tenderness
  • Dry mouth

Investigations

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • Biopsy

Treatment objectives

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Treat underlying infection

Non-pharmacological treatment

  • Excess fluid intake to treat dehydration
  • Apply warm compress to the affected area for 10-15minutes several times daily
  • Rinse mouth with warm salt water
  • Manual removal of stones by warm compresses
  • Sour foods/ fruit (Lemon)to increase the flow of saliva
  • Surgical removal

Pharmacological treatment

  • Treat infection with Antibiotics

Prevention

  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • Drink plenty of water

Referral

  • Surgeon for surgical intervention.