Inflammation of the salivary gland: symptoms and treatment. Inflammation of the salivary glands: causes, symptoms of the disease and effective treatment

Sialadenitis is an inflammation of glandular tissue. Most often the disease affects parotid glands, slightly less often sublingual and submandibular. It can develop in both adults and children. But for each age group it is characteristic certain type inflammation salivary gland, they all differ in both symptoms and treatment approach.

Brief anatomical information

The salivary glands are located in the oral cavity and are responsible for the secretion of saliva. The large ones include three pairs: parotid, submandibular and sublingual. They have irregular shape, dense consistency and paired arrangement. Their main functions are the secretion of hormones, filtration of the plasmatic part of the blood, and the removal of breakdown products.

To the most common pathologies salivary glands include:

  • Sialadenitis is an inflammation that develops when an infection penetrates into the gland or against the background of impaired salivation.
  • Mumps – infection caused by a paramyxovirus that affects the central nervous system and glandular organs.

Etiology of the disease

The disease most often affects children, but sometimes adults also get it. The latter have severe course sialadenitis, especially in men.

Inflammation of the salivary gland occurs due to various reasons under the influence of many factors, so the disease is classified as polyetiological. But one condition always precedes the pathological process - the presence of a pathogen, an infectious agent. In most cases, these are either viruses or bacteria.

The most common prerequisites for inflammation of the salivary glands:

  • any source of infection located in the mouth and ear;
  • carriage of pathogenic or opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms;
  • tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • any immunodeficiency conditions;
  • scarlet fever, rubella, measles and other infectious pathologies;
  • viral diseases such as influenza, cytomegalovirus;
  • mycoses;
  • pneumonia, bronchopneumonia;
  • oncological diseases;
  • benign lymphoreticulosis.
The most common mechanisms of transmission of this infectious disease are: airborne, contact, hemocontact, single-togen.

Diseases of the salivary glands: types and symptoms

Different stages and types of inflammation of the salivary glands are characterized by different clinical signs.

Mumps or mumps

This type viral inflammation salivary gland disease often occurs in children. It begins abruptly: against the backdrop of complete well-being. Occurs with an increase in body temperature to 40 °C.

Inflammation usually affects the parotid salivary glands, which is accompanied by symptoms such as swelling of the cheek and part of the neck on one or both sides (see photo), swelling of the neck, sharp throbbing pain that intensifies during eating, chewing, and opening the mouth.

Sialadenitis

Photo: inflammation of the salivary gland under the tongue

Symptoms of the disease differ depending on the location of the infectious lesion:

  • When the submandibular salivary gland becomes inflamed, the area under the chin swells. There is acute pain when swallowing, especially under the tongue, with pus discharge from the duct. Damage to the submandibular salivary gland is accompanied by lack of appetite, weakness and fever.
  • Inflammation of the submandibular gland can be calculous in nature, that is, it occurs with the formation of stones. In this case, the duct becomes obstructed by a stone and becomes impassable. Reason pathological process is an excess of calcium in the human body. The following symptoms indicate that the gland under the jaw is inflamed: stabbing, paroxysmal pain while eating, when opening the mouth, enlargement of the organ, which is accompanied by swelling of the neck, discharge of pus, and an increase in temperature.
  • Inflammation of the sublingual gland is extremely rare and is more often a complication of an abscess of odontogenic origin.
  • Among the chronic forms, a special type of sialadenitis should be highlighted - dry Sjögren's syndrome. It is directly related to connective tissue pathology and autoimmune reaction.
  • Sialodochitis is a lesion exclusively of the salivary ducts. It occurs more often in older people and is characterized by hypersalivation and the formation of cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Depending on the clinical picture and the severity of the disease is divided into 3 main types: serous, purulent and gangrenous.

Serous sialadenitis

This stage of inflammation is characterized by a slight rise in temperature, dry mouth, swelling and slight compaction in the ear canal and neck area. Sometimes there is a slight feeling of fullness and pulsation.

Upon palpation, a person’s salivary glands will produce a small amount of secretion. At this stage, treatment at home is acceptable.– this is the most favorable option for the course of sialadenitis.

Purulent sialadenitis

Manifests itself as a complication after serous. Accompanied by increased pain asthenic syndrome, autonomic dysfunctions. Characterized by insomnia, which occurs against the background of elevated temperature.

When opening the mouth the patient experiences severe pain, That's why chewing function limited. There is hyperemia and severe swelling, spreading to the cheek area and lower jaw area. Regional lymph nodes become enlarged and pus is released into the oral cavity.

Gangrenous sialadenitis

If inflammation passes to this stage, the patients’ well-being worsens and they are in extreme in serious condition. Present high risk fatal outcome due to sepsis. Melting and necrosis of tissue occurs, and an inflamed area of ​​destruction is visible above the skin. The enlarged gland becomes an order of magnitude larger.

Diagnostics

If a person has an inflamed salivary gland, they should immediately contact a clinic for professional help. Based on complaints, a thorough history and objective examination, the doctor will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.

The following types of laboratory tests are used for diagnosis:

  • cytological;
  • biochemical;
  • general blood analysis;
  • polymerase- chain reaction;
  • gland biopsy;
  • microbiological;
  • immunological.

In addition to this, for functional diagnostics use sialometry. Apply ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Acute sialadenitis is diagnosed through examination and medical history. For chronic cases, contrast sialography is required - an X-ray examination with a contrast agent.

Treatment

The tactics and treatment regimen for inflammation of the parotid, sublingual or other salivary gland has its own characteristics and is chosen by the doctor depending on the infectious agent.

  • Etiotropic treatment of sialadenitis caused by bacteria involves prescribing antibacterial agents. Before prescribing antibiotics, be sure to do bacterial culture from the focus where the microorganism is “active”, and a test for sensitivity to the drug. Before taking these tests, take potent drugs it is forbidden.
  • If mycosis is detected, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs, since antibiotics are powerless against fungus.
  • In case of viral genesis of the disease, it is prescribed antiviral drugs and interferon therapy.
  • In case of purulent inflammatory process it is indicated surgery with subsequent sanitation of the outbreak.
  • If narrowing occurs, the gland ducts are bougiened.
  • The calculous process is treated by removing stones through lithotripsy or lithoextraction.

IN complex therapy physiotherapeutic procedures are used, such as galvanization, UHF, electrophoresis, massage, and heating the affected area. Effective and salt compresses, very good mouth and ear rinses antiseptic solutions. Antiseptics called Chlorhexidine and Furacillin inhibit the growth of bacteria.

The ideal option would be to use compresses using Dimexide. For cupping allergic reactions the doctor prescribes antihistamines, for example, with names such as Loratadine, Cetrin.

The patient must strictly adhere to the rules of hygiene, observe special diet with the consumption of products in liquid, boiled form. It is forbidden to eat food that provokes salivation, very hot and too cold drinks and dishes, alcohol, and smoking.

What you can do at home

Treatment of inflammation of the salivary glands at home is acceptable, but only in the most initial stages illness or in combination with traditional methods therapy. To avoid complications, needed in mandatory see a doctor.

To speed up recovery, you can drink and rinse your mouth with decoctions based on the following herbs:

  • chamomile;
  • mint;
  • raspberries;
  • needles;
  • eucalyptus;
  • feverweed;
  • sage;
  • elder.
You can use folk recipe with addition baking soda. To do this, you need a warm glass boiled water dissolve a tablespoon of soda and treat the inflamed oral cavity with a cotton pad soaked in soda solution, several times a day after meals.

An excellent folk remedy for reducing pain and inflammation is aromatherapy with essential oils fir, pine needles, eucalyptus and many other oils.

Prevention

Preventing inflammation of the salivary gland is easier than treating it. To do this you need to follow only 4 rules:

  • sanitize the oral cavity, cure carious teeth, pharyngitis, tonsillitis;
  • remove foci of infection, especially those located near ear canal and throat;
  • stimulate and strengthen the immune system;
  • protect your body from stress and be less nervous.

The acute process ends either with transition to chronicity or with recovery. Chronic sialadenitis is often complicated by atrophy, sclerosis and is difficult to treat. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and not self-medicate.

Inflammation of the salivary glands occurs in response to a viral or bacterial irritant. Medical name of this disease is sialadenitis or sialadenitis. Most often it affects the parotid, less often the sublingual and mandibular organs. As a result, the secretion of saliva, work digestive system, appears, there are difficulties when swallowing.

In the human oral cavity there are small ones, grouped on the surface of the tongue, lips, cheeks, palate, and three large ones:

  • submandibular;
  • sublingual gland;
  • parotid salivary gland.

They promote the production of saliva, which moisturizes the mucous membranes, teeth and is involved in the process of primary food processing. In addition, the parotid organ is responsible for internal secretion and participates in the metabolism of proteins and minerals.

With sialadenitis, organs are affected by infection as a result of the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into them. Reasons development of the disease are:

  1. Distribution of bacteria: staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci, Koch bacillus.
  2. Penetration of viruses: influenza, mumps(“mumps”), cytomegalovirus.
  3. Reproduction of fungi.
  4. Oncological diseases.

Inflammation occurs due to infection.

Important! The risk of developing sialadenitis increases with dehydration, high prolonged temperature, hypercalcemia, injuries and blockages of the ducts, and operations on the digestive organs.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the salivary glands is accompanied by:

  1. Increased temperature: from 37.5°C at an early stage to 40°C during complications.
  2. Enlargement of affected organs.
  3. Pain on palpation.
  4. General weakness.
  5. Unpleasant taste and dry mouth.
  6. Hyperemia of the duct opening.
  7. Pain when opening the mouth, chewing, talking, swallowing.
  8. Formation of pus.
  9. Blockage of the duct.
  10. Formation of fistulas.

Lack of treatment can lead to serious complications.

Important! Lack of treatment leads to various complications: necrosis, encephalitis, meningitis, inflammation of the craniofacial nerves, damage to the urinary system, orchitis and infertility occur in boys.

Kinds

There are two forms of sialadenitis: acute and chronic. The first is always caused by infectious processes, the second develops as independent disease due to the organ’s predisposition to pathological abnormalities.

Acute sialadenitis:


Chronic sialadenitis:


Treatment

If inflammation of the salivary glands and symptoms occur, treatment is carried out in a hospital. It is based on conservative therapy, surgical intervention is less often required. For acute and chronic forms, different approaches are used:

  1. For acute mumps, interferon-based drugs, antipyretics and analgesics are prescribed.
  2. Treatment of nonspecific sialadenitis is based on eliminating the source of inflammation and normalizing the functioning of the organ internal secretion. Prescribed:
  • diet with increased acidity to stimulate salivation;
  • antibiotics and antiseptics;
  • compresses from Dimexide solution (30%) once a day for half an hour;
  • physiotherapy: warming up, UHF;
  • with increased hyperemia - novocaine-penicillin blockade.

For purulent inflammation, surgery is performed.

Important! Surgery necessary if purulent inflammation develops or the duct is blocked by a stone. In the first case, the cavity with pus is opened and its drainage is ensured; in the second, the stone is removed.

3. When chronic inflammation salivary gland, treatment during an exacerbation is the same as for acute forms Oh. During remission the following are indicated:

    • massage of the ducts with the introduction of antibiotics into them;
    • novocaine blockades;
    • galvanization once a day for a month;
    • injection of “Iodolipol” into the internal secretion organ once every 3–4 months;
    • reception potassium iodide: 1 tbsp. l. three times a day for 4 weeks;
    • X-ray therapy.

Important! If all curative measures do not give positive result, salivary glands are removed.


Inflammation of the salivary gland occurs in acute or chronic form. It is provoked by infections, injuries and autoimmune pathologies. Treatment is usually based on conservative methods, resort to operations less often. Prevention of sialadenitis consists of compliance, strengthening the immune system, and timely elimination of infectious diseases

The role of the salivary gland in the digestive process cannot be underestimated, because it is in the oral cavity that the initial processing of food moistened with saliva occurs. Inflammation of the salivary gland occurs due to the fact that it gets into pathogenic bacteria or viruses. Often the cause of this condition is a recent history of pneumonia or influenza.

What triggers the development of the disease?

Experts call the cause of inflammation of the salivary gland (sialadenitis) the presence of infection in the gland.

  1. Viral infection causes mumps (mumps), the salivary gland is especially sensitive to this pathogen. Inflammation of the parotid salivary gland after the virus enters it occurs very quickly, and the process of reproduction of pathogenic cells immediately begins.

Note! Mumps can cause the development male infertility. The infection undergoes a process of generalization and can then enter the testicles, provoking the development of inflammation in them.

  1. Acute sialadenitis can develop as a result of viral or bacterial infection, when the source of inflammation is located directly in the oral cavity. Internal infection can occur when infected blood or lymph enters the gland.

Note! Internal infection through the blood and lymph often develops due to inflammatory processes, localized on the face, in the oral cavity, and pharynx.

  1. Chronic sialadenitis most often develops in those who have genetic predisposition to changes in gland tissues. Chronic inflammation can develop after past illness(flu, pneumonia, cytomegalovirus infection, the same mumps, etc.). Elderly people are also susceptible to chronic inflammatory processes developing in the salivary gland, this is due to age-related changes, atherosclerosis.

Attention! Regular hypothermia, being in a state constant stress, weakened immunity are common causes of the development of chronic sialadenitis.

  1. The cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the salivary gland may be surgical intervention. Anesthesia used during operations can inhibit the full functioning of the gland. If in postoperative period the patient ignores daily oral hygiene - this can lead to the development of bacterial inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of inflammation of the salivary gland are pronounced:

  1. The initial stage of inflammation development is characterized by sharp increase body temperature up to 39-40 degrees.
  2. Inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland is accompanied by redness skin at the site of the lesion, as well as swelling of the neck.
  3. During this period, there is a decrease or cessation of salivation.
  4. A person feels pain when palpating the affected area.
  5. Another characteristic symptom- it's a headache.
  6. A symptom of inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland is also the appearance of discomfort while eating.

Note! If treatment of the symptoms of inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland is untimely, an abscess may develop in the gland, which significantly aggravates the course of the disease and complicates treatment.

Inflammation of the salivary gland in children

Inflammation of the salivary gland in a child most often develops during the cold season. Infection can occur in children's groups by airborne droplets. The disease can occur in mild, moderate and severe forms.

If the child light form inflammatory process, the glands practically do not enlarge; upon palpation, only slight discomfort is felt. As a rule, the body temperature does not rise, and all traces of inflammation disappear within a week.

With a moderate form of the disease, the child experiences an increase in temperature, the glands swell quite quickly, and problems with salivation appear. The child refuses to eat and drinks a lot of water. The condition begins to stabilize after 3-4 days.

In severe forms of the inflammatory process, the neck swells very quickly, making it difficult for the child to swallow. The skin in the affected area becomes tense, but practically does not change its color. In this condition, purulent discharge from the gland may be observed, which goes into the oral cavity or out. A child’s temperature can rapidly rise to 40 degrees.

Note! A severe form of mumps or sialadenitis can cause the development of brain diseases: meningitis, encephalitis. In some cases, the disease is fatal.

Diagnostics and treatment measures

Sialadenitis is diagnosed by examining and interviewing the patient. If necessary, the doctor may additionally prescribe contrast sialography - an x-ray examination of the salivary glands, during which iodolipol is injected into them.

Treatment of inflammation of the salivary gland, which was started on time, is quick and effective. First of all, medications are prescribed that reduce the temperature and remove the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. The most commonly used are Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Nimegesic, etc.

When a bacterial inflammatory process develops, antibiotics are prescribed. They are selected individually for each patient.

Important! It is prohibited to take medications on your own, change the prescribed dosage, or interrupt the course of treatment.

Physiotherapeutic procedures have proven effective in treating inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland. A specialist can prescribe a course of electrophoresis, thermal irradiation, UHF. To achieve maximum therapeutic effect You cannot interrupt the course of procedures even if your general condition has stabilized and improved.

Note! Before starting a course of antibiotics, the doctor is required to conduct a sensitivity test to the drug to avoid possible side effects.

Treatment of symptoms of inflammation of the salivary gland, if necessary, is carried out in a hospital setting. Most often, patients who have had a high body temperature for several days are subject to hospitalization. Appearance purulent discharge(spontaneous opening of an abscess) is another indication for hospitalization.

To treat inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, novocaine blockades can be prescribed, this will alleviate general state patient. If a gland abscess develops, the abscess is opened by a surgeon, after which the patient remains in the hospital until the condition stabilizes.

Treatment at home

Treatment of inflammation of the salivary gland at home must necessarily complement the therapy prescribed by the doctor. To rinse the mouth, prepare a decoction that includes calendula, chamomile and plantain leaves. Components in equal quantities you need to mix, take 1 tsp. received herbal mixture, pour a glass of boiling water, leave, strain and use for rinsing. The procedure should be carried out 3-5 times a day, this will alleviate the general condition.

Treatment of inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland is carried out with the help of honey. Place half a teaspoon of candied honey on your tongue and slowly dissolve it until completely dissolved.

From the many folk recipes and traditional medicine the doctor will choose a method to treat inflammation of the salivary gland in a given patient. The most important rule that everyone should remember is to be attentive to their health. At sharp deterioration If you feel well and have symptoms of illness, you should definitely consult a doctor. Timely treatment will allow you to quickly get rid of the problem, restore the body and prevent complications from occurring.

What is inflammation of the salivary gland?

Salivary gland inflammation and symptoms, which can lead to a serious disease called sialadenitis, require careful attention. The start of his treatment in more early period will save the patient from severe complications and will significantly reduce recovery time.

This disease is marked by acute inflammatory processes of the internal secretion organs, due to which stones begin to form in the salivary ducts. In most cases they are found in submandibular region. its distribution covers both adults age groups, and children.

To answer the question: “Where are the salivary glands in a person?”, the following locations and characteristic names of the diseases are identified:

  • Parotid region (mumps);
  • Submandibular region (submandibulitis);
  • Sublingual region (sublingual).

The infection can affect several areas at the same time human body. Sialadenitis is divided into primary (an independent disorder) or secondary (a complication or manifestation of other diseases).

Causes of inflammation

The main factor in the inflammatory process in each case is the entry of some infectious pathogen into the salivary duct. The development of the disease occurs under the influence of the following microorganisms: streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci. So why do the salivary glands become inflamed?

Provoking reasons are:

  • Weak and unstable to bacteria in the body, most often resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle, fasting, and vitamin deficiency;
  • Exhaustion of the body, which is expressed in a decrease in functionality;
  • A complex of effects on human tissues or organs affecting the oral cavity;
  • Inflammation lymph nodes or mucous epithelium, phlegmon;
  • Improper Compliance general hygiene oral cavity;
  • Oncological diseases.

Types and forms of sialadenitis

Depending on the method of infection, sialadenitis is divided into:

  1. Viral- enters the body by airborne droplets and after the incubation period, due to penetration into the tissue of the salivary gland, causes its inflammation, actively multiplying in the cells. Children aged 3 to 15 years are most often affected.
  2. Bacterial. It develops when bacteria enter from the oral cavity - through the ducts of the glands, as well as from the inside - through the blood and lymph.

Most patients suffer from inflammation of the parotid and submandibular areas. Problems with the salivary ducts under the tongue occur much less frequently. Usually appear against the background of phlegmon or abscess.


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Symptoms of salivary gland inflammation

Sialadenitis can occur in a patient in different variations, so the symptoms differ from each other in terms of signs.

  • At purulent type the patient will feel a high body temperature; allocation purulent formations from the affected areas; a distinct reddening of the epidermis, which is located above the gland, is visually observed; the affected organs hurt.
  • Serous sialadenitis is characterized by swelling in areas ears; noticeably decreased salivation; Body temperature usually remains normal, which can make the presence of the disease invisible at first. The pain is especially felt when eating; in normal conditions it is insignificant;
  • The gangrenous appearance is highly advanced stages diseases. There is a high temperature and an actively ongoing process severe inflammation. The tissues of the affected gland undergo necrosis. Ignoring therapeutic measures leads to the development of sepsis - general infection body pathogenic microbes, which could ultimately result in death.
  • Mumps is characterized by an acute onset of illness, a sharp increase in temperature and headache. There is palpable pain in the area of ​​the ear sockets, swelling on both sides is clearly visible and is characterized by an increase. Significant swelling appears in the area of ​​the gland that has formed. Adults most often suffer from infection of the glands of the lower jaw.
  • Calculous sialadenitis most often occurs in children 6-13 years old and usually affects the mandibular regions. Possible appearance severe swelling on the cheek, which will be clearly increased in size.

Each type of salivary disease should be fought at early stages. Particular attention should be paid to medical diagnostics child for this disease. Since initially it has incubation period, approximately equal to 13 - 19 days. It is expressed in noticeable malaise, headaches, insomnia, discomfort in the muscles, and lack of appetite. With the development of infectious changes, if the salivary glands become inflamed, then intoxication becomes more pronounced, signs of damage to the salivary glands are noted: dry mouth or pain in the ear area, especially noticeable when chewing food and talking.

Diagnosis of sialadenitis

People susceptible to inflammation of the salivary gland do not always know which doctor to contact for correct setting diagnosis and receiving recommendations for treatment. Based on the age of the patient, the etiology of sialadenitis and the main complications that accompany it, the disease can be diagnosed by a pediatrician, virologist, otolaryngologist, therapeutic specialists, surgeons, phthisiatricians, venereologists, rheumatologists. Therefore, to answer the question “Which doctor treats sialadenitis?”, each patient needs individual approach and analysis. During a visual examination, local swelling is observed in the area where the secretion of the exocrine glands is located (outside or from the side of the oral cavity), and the protrusion of purulent deposits from the opening of the excretory canal when pressure is applied to it with special medical devices.

If there are signs that clearly confirm the symptoms of the disease, it is better not to self-medicate and not to postpone a visit to the doctor until for a long time. If you are puzzled about what to do if you feel a general deterioration in your condition and weakness, you need to forget about self-diagnosis and go through general examination to identify diseases in the clinic.

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Treatment methods for inflammation of the salivary gland

Restorative procedures must take place only under the guidance of a professional medical worker. At timely application behind medical assistance therapeutic measures are carried out on an outpatient basis. Experienced doctor will always select effective recommendations on how to treat this or that form of inflammation of the salivary glands. In more complex forms The course of the disease most often requires hospitalization of the patient.


Conservative therapy

Ear sialadenitis occurs quite often and in the initial stages does not cause great harm body. To overcome this form, the use of medications and traditional physical therapy alone is enough. It includes the following:

Local treatment

Warming, dry, camphor-alcohol and dimexide compresses are effective means of combating inflammation. Ultrahigh frequency therapy. The use of special foods that can accelerate the process of salivation. Sick mild form sialadenitis recommends holding a piece of lemon in your mouth before eating, this approach will help achieve more copious discharge saliva. It is best to include in the diet sauerkraut and cranberries for the same purposes.

Medicines

You can't do without synthetic medicinal substances. If the form is not advanced, medications will be required that prevent the development of inflammatory processes, lower the temperature and block pain syndrome. The following will work well medical supplies: ibuprofen, analgin, pentalgin and other drugs that have a similar methodology of action.

Ibuprofen

Analgin

Surgery

In more acute forms and development purulent inflammation Surgery is definitely required. The doctor opens the abscess from the outside and then performs antiseptic treatment.

In case of gangrene, the patient is immediately operated on under anesthesia. Otherwise, the disease may worsen, which will cause blood poisoning when the abscess ruptures.

If stones are present, they are removed as soon as possible, since with a different procedure, the process will constantly be repeated in aggravated forms.

Chronic sialadenitis

It is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions. There are no complaints during the latent phases. At the onset of an exacerbation, treatment does not differ from acute forms. Outside these stages, the following activities are recommended:

  • Massaging the ducts of the salivary glands and introducing antibiotic agents into the ducts to wash out purulent deposits;
  • Novocaine injections or the use of electrophoresis with galantamine to increase the secretion of the salivary gland;
  • Daily galvanization (use of constant electric current With therapeutic purpose) lasting about thirty days;
  • Injecting 3-6 milliliters of iodolipol into the canal once every couple of months;
  • Drinking a two percent solution of potassium iodide as an internal dose, one tablespoon three times a day. With a total duration of 25-40 days, the course is repeated after every third month;
  • Treatment x-rays salivary duct areas. It has a positive anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effect.

Video

Conclusion

The results of sialadenitis in most cases are positive in outcome and lead to full recovery, if received within a reasonable time medical care and start fighting it in the early stages. According to the current situation medical practice the patient recovers after 14 days. In case of severe scenarios, complications and running forms, the disease is accompanied by a departure from the normal functioning of the salivation process or death of gland tissue, that is, necrosis.

After suffering from this disease there is Great chance acquiring lasting lifelong immunity. In some circumstances, re-infection also occurs.

There are not so few salivary glands in humans. Two parotid (one at each ear), two submandibular (on each side under the lower edge of the jaw) and two sublingual. In addition, there are many different small glands in the palate, cheeks, tongue, lips, mucous and submucous of the mouth.

And each of these salivary glands can become inflamed one day, bringing its owner a lot of trouble. This condition will be called sialadenitis. A special case inflammation of the parotid salivary gland is called parotitis. We will talk about inflammation of the salivary glands, symptoms and treatment of sialadenitis below.

Why do they become inflamed?

The culprits of inflammatory changes are most often:

When an infectious agent enters the salivary gland, the mucous membrane swells, the salivary duct narrows, clear or purulent fluid accumulates in it, and salivation becomes difficult. If this situation persists for a long time, the gland gradually atrophies or scars, ceasing to produce and secrete a sufficient amount of saliva.

The infection most often penetrates through the mouth of the duct, less often through the blood and lymph:

  • on the background respiratory infections pharynx, trachea, periodontitis, skin boils
  • or by contact from nearby areas (with purulent diffuse inflammation of soft tissues).

Main reasons:

  • The causes of inflammation of the salivary glands in 30% of cases are viruses).
  • Besides infectious process gland damage may be part of the program of rheumatic diseases ()
  • and radiation damage.
  • Up to 40% of all inflammations occur in dentistry.

Acute sialadenitis often infectious.

Chronic inflammation involves the gland tissue itself (parenchymal), its connecting capsule (interstitial) or duct. In this case, the disease lasts more than 3 months with periods of heightened and subsided inflammation.

What you can notice

The acute process is characterized by the following manifestations:

  • Swelling appears at the location of the inflamed gland,
  • It is painful and dense when pressed.
  • If you massage the gland, pus may be released from its duct.
  • The mouth becomes dry due to a small amount of saliva, or vice versa, saliva flows all the time.
  • The temperature may rise.

The pain felt by the patient is located in the projection of the affected gland and can radiate to the ear, neck, lower jaw, oral cavity (damage to the submandibular salivary glands). They have a pressing, bursting character.

Factors contributing to sialadenitis:

  • dehydration,
  • high calcium levels in the blood (stones in the gland ducts may form and block them).

The chronic form of the disease often leads to scarring and atrophy of glandular tissue, which causes a significant decrease in saliva production and difficulty swallowing and speech.

  • Interstitial sialadenitis is characterized by painless swelling of the gland. People over 40 with immune deficiencies (with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism). At the beginning of the process (the process is often symmetrical), the glands are tightly elastic, then they become denser. A drop in performance may appear. In exacerbation, pain appears, intensifying in the cold.
  • The parenchymal variant is often congenital. There is also periodic swelling, secretion of saliva mixed with pus, with a gradual drop in the level of saliva production.
  • The ductal variant develops both against the background of a congenital wider duct, and as a result of its acquired expansion (in trumpeters, glassblowers), usually in old age. Do not discount and foreign bodies in the duct, which often give symptoms of inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland. Usually the disease begins suddenly with bursting pain and its increase, often after eating. When pressed, a secretion is released. When bacterial flora attaches, the temperature rises, swelling increases, and pus is released.

The most serious complication of this pathology is abscess formation (formation of a limited abscess at the site of the gland) and sepsis.

Piggy

Under this soulful name flows acute inflammation parotid salivary gland (mumps). The disease is caused by a virus transmitted by airborne droplets from humans, which is contagious until the ninth day from the onset of the disease. Children and unvaccinated adults are more likely to get sick. Since the virus has an affinity for glandular tissue, other salivary glands can also be affected, as well as the pancreas and testicles in men or boys, and the ovaries in women.

The virus does not travel well external environment, sensitive to antiseptics and ultraviolet radiation, but tolerates low temperatures and freezing. After the introduction of its RNA into the cells of an infected person, about 18 days pass before the development of the clinic.

Symptoms of unilateral inflammation of the salivary gland: swelling, pain near the ear, drooling, muscle and headaches, fever.

Diagnostic search

With complaints to children, they call a pediatrician, adults themselves come to a therapist, an infectious disease specialist, a dentist, and, less often, a surgeon or venereologist.

The diagnosis is suspected based on complaints, examination, and palpation of the gland.

  • Ultrasound and radiography are methods for visualizing the glands.
  • To clarify the nature of the inflammation, serological blood tests are performed (if a viral infection is suspected): they look for immunoglobulins to viral antigens. For example, with mumps, during the incubation period there may still be no immunoglobulins or their titer is low (the analysis is repeated after a couple of days). From the moment symptoms appear in the blood there are immunoglobulins M, with an advanced disease - M and G. After its resolution - G (they also provide immunity after an illness).
  • For bacterial and viral infections in a universal way The diagnostic method with maximum sensitivity is the polymerase chain reaction (for blood or gland secretions). It can also be used as express diagnostics.
  • Bacterial agents make it possible to perform a more complex and long-term cultural culture of the secreted gland with the growth of bacterial colonies and determination of their sensitivity to antibiotics.
  • A biopsy may be required in cases of suspected autoimmune process or for differential diagnosis.

How to treat

The patient is given a protective regimen. Treatment of inflammation of the salivary glands initial stage outpatient. A dairy-vegetable diet is indicated, drinking plenty of fluids, rinsing the mouth with acidified (lemon juice) solutions or Caposol.

  1. Topical treatment options:
    • For mumps - warming alcohol compresses to the parotid area, blue lamp(sollux), in a clinic setting - UHF, electrophoresis.
    • In case of inflammation of the glands of the oral cavity, rinse with antiseptics (Miramistin, Furacillin solution: 2 tablets per glass of water), baking soda solutions: a teaspoon per glass of water.
  2. Antiviral drugs are used more often for mumps, but their effectiveness has been poorly proven to date.
  3. If carried out antibacterial treatment, which antibiotics to choose? The choice is made on the basis of the high resistance of oral flora to antibiotics. The first-line drugs are Amoxicillin (Ospamox, Amosin) and Amoxicillin clavulanate (Amoxiclav, Flemoklav, Augmentin), the second is Cefixime (Zinnat, Suprax) or Josamycin (Vilprafen).
  4. To reduce pain, intoxication and fever, can be used (up to three times a day).
  5. A chronic process in the acute stage requires antimicrobial therapy, pain relief. In the remission stage - resorption therapy or replacement of saliva deficiency (rinsing with Caposol). The same tactics are followed for radiation damage to the glands.
  6. A surgical stage may be required for suppuration of the glands or duct stones. Stones can be removed by bougienage of the duct, lithotripsy, or lithoextraction.

Prevention

For mumps - vaccinations childhood, nonspecific quarantine measures in children's groups during epidemics, sanitization premises, measures personal protection for adults who are not sick and caring for the sick (masks, hand washing).

It is also worth paying attention to the state of the immune response (eat well, correct hormonal pathologies, do not uncontrollably take drugs that reduce immunity, protect yourself from radiation).

Paradoxically, from specific inflammation salivary glands against the background of sexually transmitted infections protect measures barrier contraception(condoms, latex wipes).

Timely and preventive visits to the dentist, adequate dental care and oral cavity prevents the development of odontogenic sialadenitis.