How to treat salivary glands. Inflammation of the salivary glands: symptoms, treatment with physical factors

Described in this article) is most often localized near the ears. In this case, we are talking about such an ailment as parotitis. Much less often, the inflammatory process affects the glands located under the tongue or under the jaw.

Varieties of the disease

What are the types of salivary gland disease? It should be noted that inflammation can become secondary and act as an overlay on the underlying disease. Although the primary manifestation is often diagnosed, which proceeds in isolation. In addition, pathology can develop on only one side or affect both. Multiple involvement of the salivary glands in the inflammatory process is very rare. The disease can be viral in nature, and also be the result of the penetration of bacteria.

How many salivary glands are there in the body?

There are three pairs of salivary glands.

Large salivary glands are located in front, below the ears. As already mentioned, their inflammation in medicine is called mumps.
The second pair are the glands located under the jaw, below the back teeth.
The third pair are glands located under the tongue. They are located directly in the oral cavity, in the mucous membrane, on both sides of the root of the tongue.

All glands produce saliva. It is released through ducts that are located in different areas of the oral cavity.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of salivary gland disease?

Regardless of in which pair of salivary glands the inflammatory process is localized, a number of specific signs are inherent in sialadenitis:

Dry mouth due to decreased salivation.
The presence of shooting pain, localized in the gland that has undergone inflammation. Pain may radiate to the ear, neck, or mouth. There may also be pain provoked by chewing food or minimal opening of the mouth.
Puffiness and noticeable hyperemia of the skin in direct projection to the salivary gland, which has undergone inflammation.
The presence of an unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth, which is provoked by suppuration of the salivary glands.

Symptoms of salivary gland disease are varied. Sometimes patients complain of a feeling of pressure on the affected area, which is evidence that purulent contents have accumulated in the focus of inflammation.

As a rule, in the presence of the disease, the body temperature rises to 40 degrees. At the same time, asthenia, a feverish state are noted.

The most dangerous form of sialadenitis

Sialadenitis, the symptoms of which are varied, proceeds in different forms. The most dangerous salivary gland is considered to be which is also called mumps. This virus is fraught with serious complications, since in addition to the salivary glands, it can also affect other glands, such as the mammary or sex glands. Sometimes the pathology even extends to the pancreas.

Mumps belongs to the category of highly contagious diseases, therefore, if standard symptoms appear, indicating the onset of an inflammatory process in the salivary glands, the patient should stop communicating with healthy people and urgently seek help from a specialist to clarify the diagnosis.

In the absence of timely treatment of diseases of the salivary glands in the human body, complications of a purulent nature may develop. If an abscess occurs in an acute form in one of the salivary glands, the patient's body temperature will necessarily rise sharply.

As a rule, the general condition of a person is severe. Sometimes pus is secreted directly into the oral cavity. A fistula may also form, from which pus oozes onto the skin.

Carrying out diagnostics

With a disease such as sialadenitis, the symptoms of which are diverse, a diagnosis is required. As a rule, during a set of standard examinations conducted by a general practitioner or dentist, an increase in the size and change in the shape of the salivary glands can be noted. In addition, the patient may complain of pain. This happens if the disease has a bacterial basis. Often, with infections of a viral nature, for example, with parotitis, pain may not bother at all.

If a purulent process is suspected, the therapist may prescribe a CT scan or ultrasound.

The following is a list of standard diagnostic tests for mumps:

The use of computed tomography is a modern method that allows you to get clear pictures.
X-ray.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides high-quality images of the affected area using nuclear magnetic resonance.
Ultrasonography. This diagnosis is the most common way to detect lesions of the salivary glands. It is carried out using ultrasonic waves and has a minimal negative effect on the human body.

Preventive measures

For the full prevention of the onset and subsequent spread of the inflammatory process to other salivary glands, the patient must observe the basics of hygiene, monitor the condition of the oral cavity, tonsils, gums and teeth.

In the event of elementary diseases of a viral or catarrhal nature, timely therapy should be carried out.

At the first signs of disruption of the salivary glands, you should irrigate the oral cavity with a solution of citric acid. This method makes it possible to release the salivary ducts in the most common and harmless way by provoking an intense flow of saliva.

Therapy Methods

Inflammation should be treated by a specialist, since an incorrectly chosen tactic of therapy can complicate the course of the disease and provoke its transition to a chronic form. The chronic course is dangerous for its periodic exacerbations and resistance to the effects of drugs.

With timely treatment, it is usually sufficient for patients to undergo conservative therapy. In some cases, therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. Sometimes the patient requires bed rest and a balanced diet.

In some cases, patients complain of acute pain in the oral cavity and difficulty in chewing. They need to take crushed food to eliminate discomfort.

To reduce the manifestations of such a process as inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, doctors advise taking plenty of fluids. You can use compotes, juices, herbal fruit drinks, rosehip broth and even milk. Topical treatment is highly effective.

Sometimes patients are shown certain physiotherapy. For example, UHF or a solar lamp will be used.

To ensure the outflow of saliva, it is advised to follow a diet that promotes the outflow of saliva. In this case, before eating, you should hold a thin slice of lemon in your mouth.

Before meals, you can eat crackers and sauerkraut. Sometimes cranberries or other acidic foods are used. This makes it possible to avoid the stagnant process in the salivary glands and contributes to the speedy removal of dead cells and decay products of bacteria.

Depending on the development of the disease, the doctor can decide when to start active stimulation of salivation. To reduce body temperature and reduce pain, patients are advised to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, "Baralgin", "Ibuprofen" or "Pentalgin" is used.

If the patient's condition does not cease to deteriorate and specific signs of a purulent lesion appear, then in this case they resort to the use of antibiotics.

Surgical intervention

Inflammation of the salivary glands, the symptoms, the treatment of which we are now studying, in some cases is eliminated by the surgical method. Surgical intervention involves opening and subsequent drainage of the affected gland. In particular, this method is used for a strong purulent process. In such cases, drugs are injected directly into the salivary gland.

The treatment of a disease that has taken on a chronic form is considered a very long and complex process.

It should be noted that the chronic form can be both the result of an acute process and the primary manifestation. Often a protracted course is observed in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and other pathologies.

The main forms of chronic nonspecific sialadenitis

Chronic non-specific form is divided into the following types:

parenchymal;
interstitial, expressed in the defeat of the ducts (chronic sialodochitis);
calculous, characterized by the appearance of stones.

In most cases, the patient does not complain of pain.

Chronic disease of the salivary gland in the acute period is characterized by retention of saliva (colic). From the mouth of the duct, a secret of a thick consistency, resembling mucus, is released. It tastes salty.

Diseases contributing to the development of sialadenitis

With various pathological processes in the body (diffuse damage to the connective tissue, damage to the digestive organs, disruption of the endocrine system, malfunction of the central nervous system), dystrophic diseases of the salivary glands can develop, which are expressed in an increase and disruption of their functionality.

As a rule, there is a reactive growth of the intermediate connective tissue, which provokes the development of interstitial sialadenitis. This condition can manifest itself with botulism, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome.

Conclusion

Sialadenitis, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of which you already know, is an inflammatory process in the salivary glands. It can be triggered by certain diseases, as well as a lack of oral hygiene.

An important condition is the timely conduct of therapy. Otherwise, the disease can take a purulent form and even a chronic course. In neglected forms, surgical intervention is indicated.

Inflammation of the salivary glands occurs in response to a viral or bacterial stimulus. The medical name for 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 is disrupted, the work of the digestive system appears, and there are difficulties in 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 contribute to 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, participates in the metabolism of proteins and minerals.

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

The spread of bacteria: staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci, Koch's bacilli.
Penetration of viruses: influenza, mumps ("mumps"), cytomegalovirus.
Reproduction of fungi.
Oncological diseases.

Inflammation occurs against the background of infection.
Important! The risk of developing sialadenitis increases with dehydration, high prolonged temperature, hypercalcemia, trauma and blockage of the ducts, and operations on the digestive organs.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the salivary glands is accompanied by:

An increase in temperature: from 37.5°C at an early stage to 40°C with complications.
Enlargement of the affected organs.
Pain on palpation.
General weakness.
Bad taste and dry mouth.
Hyperemia of the orifice of the duct.
Pain when opening the mouth, chewing, talking, swallowing.
The formation of pus.
Blockage of the duct.
Fistula formation.

Lack of treatment threatens with 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 an independent disease due to the predisposition of the organ 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:

In acute mumps, drugs based on interferon, antipyretics and analgesics are prescribed.
Treatment of nonspecific sialoadenitis is based on the elimination of the focus of inflammation and the normalization of the functioning of the endocrine organ. Appoint:

a diet with high acidity to stimulate salivation;
antibiotics and antiseptics;
compresses from a solution of "Dimexide" (30%) once a day for half an hour;
physiotherapy: warming up, UHF;
with increased hyperemia - novocaine-penicillin blockade.

With purulent inflammation, an operation is performed.
Important! Surgical intervention is necessary if purulent inflammation develops or the duct is clogged with a stone. In the first case, it opens a cavity with pus and ensures its discharge, in the second, a stone is removed.

3. In case of chronic inflammation of the salivary gland, treatment during the period of exacerbation is carried out the same as in acute forms. During remission are shown:

- massage of the ducts with the introduction of antibiotics into them;
- novocaine blockade;
- galvanization once a day for a month;
- introduction to the organ of internal secretion "Yodolipol" every 3-4 months;
- intake of potassium iodide: 1 tbsp. l. three times a day for 4 weeks;
- x-ray therapy.

Important! If all therapeutic measures do not give a positive result, the 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, less often resort to operations. Prevention of sialoadenitis consists in observing, strengthening immunity, timely elimination of infectious diseases

Human salivary glands are paired organs that play a significant role in the initial stages of food digestion, and also affect the mineral and protein metabolism in the body.

Salivary glands of man

There are three pairs of salivary glands:

parotid;
sublingual;
submandibular.

These glands produce up to two liters of oral fluid per day. It is very important for moisturizing the oral cavity and protecting against the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into the mucous membrane, the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler forms, and the excretion of certain medicinal substances.

Also, the parotid glands play the role of endocrine glands and affect the mineral and protein metabolism, due to the presence of a hormone-like substance, parotinin, in their secretions.

Saliva helps with proper articulation, unhindered passage of the food bolus into the throat, improves the taste perception of food and increases the body's resistance to infections with the help of lysozyme.

A bit of anatomy: the glands of the oral cavity.

The oral fluid contains proteins, more than 60 enzymes - amylase, mucin, glycoproteins, and immunoglobulins. In addition, the salivary fluid contains phosphatase, which is actively involved in calcium-phosphorus metabolism and helps the mineralization of bones and teeth.

For the state of health, not only the qualitative, but also the quantitative composition of saliva is very important. A small amount of saliva can cause various inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, demineralization of tooth enamel, and its excessive production leads to dehydration and exhaustion of the body.

In addition to the large glands in the mouth, a person has many small salivary glands, which are grouped on the tongue, lips, cheeks, hard and soft palate. With inflammation of any of the salivary glands, the disease sialadenitis occurs.

Inflammation of the salivary glands

The most common etiological factors in the development of inflammation in the salivary glands is the penetration of an infectious agent through the ducts or by the hematogenous route. Most often, the parotid salivary gland is inflamed, and then the disease is called parotitis. Its infection occurs when the infection is introduced through the oral cavity, blood or lymph. Sometimes the cause of parotitis can be a foreign body in the ducts of the gland, such as stones. Let us consider in more detail the causes and symptoms of the development of epidparotitis.

Causes of inflammation of the parotid gland

The cause, as a rule, is an acute viral infection, which in most cases affects the parotid gland, the submandibular and sublingual glands rarely become inflamed.

This disease belongs to the group of childhood diseases and often occurs in the form of epidemic outbreaks among preschool groups. Most often it is transmitted by airborne droplets, but there are cases of household infection with the virus. The main age of patients is 5-10 years.

A timely visit to the doctor can save you from many problems.

It rarely happens in adults, but it is more difficult for them to tolerate and more often gives complications to various organs and systems. First of all, men fall into the risk zone, since the disease leads to infertility and testicular atrophy.

Clinical picture

From the moment of infection to a detailed clinical picture, about 2.5 weeks pass.

The disease can manifest itself in mild, moderate and severe forms. There are also complicated and uncomplicated forms. During the first 9 days, the person remains contagious.

The mild form of the disease is characterized by:

minor violation of the general condition;
often the process is one-sided;
the gland is not greatly enlarged, a transparent secret is secreted from it, it is almost painless on palpation;
on the side of the lesion, swelling is observed, which is almost imperceptible from the side.

All manifestations usually disappear within a week and do not give any complications.

The average form of parotitis

After the incubation period, a period of precursors begins, which lasts several days. During this period, a headache, malaise gradually develops, the temperature rises to subfebrile figures. There is weakness, aching joints, muscle pain. There is dryness in the mouth.

Mumps, although it is not considered fatal, but still you should not neglect the disease, lethal cases are known.

The inflammatory process affects both parotid glands, they swell, become painful to the touch, swelling of the neck appears, and one side is enlarged more. Due to swelling of the neck and glands, the patient's ears rise and resemble the ears of a pig. That is why the people call the disease "mumps":

as the process develops, the body temperature rises, but it does not reach high numbers, but is limited to 38 ° C;
the oral cavity may be hyperemic, salivation is reduced;
after 4-5 days, the clinical picture begins to subside and a recession begins.

Severe form

The period of precursors has pronounced symptoms of a violation of the general condition: headaches, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, fever above 38 ° C, intoxication phenomena. The inflammatory process involves not only the area to which the parotid glands are located, but the entire neck. In some cases, the swelling can reach the collarbones.

The parotid gland is very enlarged, painful on palpation. It strongly pushes the earlobe up and forward, due to which the external auditory meatus narrows. Swallowing and opening the mouth becomes difficult and painful.

With the involvement of the other major salivary glands, the swelling greatly increases the size of the neck. Against the background of these changes, phenomena often join. The salivary duct of the parotid gland is well palpated in the form of a large cord. The separation of saliva in the oral cavity is significantly reduced or completely stops.

With the development of purulent-necrotic processes in the lobules of the gland, pus can be released from the duct, and there is a high probability of developing an abscess. Severe parotitis very often leads to serious complications. The most formidable of them are:

meningitis;
encephalitis;
damage to the cranial and spinal nerves;
damage to the auditory nerve;
various mental disorders;
infertility;
orchitis;
mastitis;
damage to the renal apparatus.

Most often epidparotitis ends with complete recovery, however, with insufficient or inadequate therapy, there may be fatal cases. In addition, inflammation of the salivary glands may be due to influenza infection - the parotid gland is more often affected, but other salivary glands can also be involved in the process. Very often the process is bilateral, sometimes the parotid and submandibular gland can be affected only on one side. In addition to the main clinical picture, there may be pain when moving the tongue, as well as an increase in the number of sublingual folds.

Postoperative and postinfectious sialadenitis most often affects the parotid glands. It can develop in any severe disease due to hematogenous or lymphogenous transfer. The cause of the development of inflammation in the gland, as a rule, are bacteria, E. coli. This form of the disease is dangerous because, in its extreme manifestation, it can lead to the development of necrosis of the salivary gland or an abscess of the pharyngeal space. Also, occasionally, purulent fusion of the walls of blood vessels occurs and bleeding develops.

The presence of a foreign body that has penetrated into the ducts of the salivary glands can lead to inflammation. May disturb the periodic increase in the salivary gland, a decrease in the separation of saliva. Gradually, the signs of inflammation subside and may not appear for a long time, then they appear again. Such a periodic course can last until a complete picture of acute sialadenitis develops with purulent-inflammatory phenomena in the lobules of the gland. The inflammatory process often moves to nearby soft tissues, to other parotid glands. Often there is a spontaneous removal of the interfering foreign body. However, most often, to eliminate the cause of the disease, one has to resort to surgical methods.

General principles for the treatment of inflammation of the salivary glands

In uncomplicated cases with mild and moderate forms, treatment is usually symptomatic and is aimed at preventing the development of complications. As mandatory measures, it is necessary to include daily wet cleaning of the premises with disinfectant solutions, airing.

The proverb “Cleanliness is the key to health” is especially relevant for diseases of the salivary glands.

It is recommended to rinse the mouth with soda solutions, citric acid, which helps to increase salivation and flush out stagnant contents from the salivary glands. Peppermint also enhances salivation. The diet should include foods that increase saliva production.

bed rest for a period of elevated temperature, especially this item applies to adult patients;
it is necessary to apply warming saline or alcohol compresses, ointment dressings to the area of the inflamed gland;
warming physiotherapeutic procedures are also shown: UHF, solux;
it is recommended to rinse the mouth and irrigate with various antiseptics - Furacilin, eucalyptus, Chlorophyllipt, Chlorhexidine.

In severe complicated forms of sialadenitis, antibiotic therapy is necessary. Its goal is to eliminate inflammation and restore the normal functioning of the gland. Through the duct, 50 thousand units of benzylpenicillin and 100 thousand units of streptomycin with 0.5% procaine are injected into the salivary gland. Besides:

for analgesia, relieving inflammation and improving microcirculation, compresses with Dimexide are prescribed;
physiotherapeutic procedures are also needed: warming compresses, heating pads, UHF;
if the symptoms do not subside, prescribe intramuscular injections of antibiotics, sulfa drugs and hyposensitizing agents;
sometimes they resort to active drainage of the salivary glands, which allows you to pump out stagnant contents and relieve signs of inflammation.

With a necrotic course of the process, surgical intervention is indicated to open the capsule of the affected salivary gland and eliminate destructive processes. The prognosis of the disease is generally favorable.
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Sialadenitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the glands. Most often, the disease affects the parotid glands, slightly less often sublingual and submandibular. It can develop in both adults and children. But each age group is characterized by a certain type of inflammation of the salivary gland, they all differ both in symptoms and in the approach to treatment.

Brief anatomical information

The salivary glands are located in the mouth and are responsible for the secretion of saliva. Three pairs belong to large ones: parotid, submandibular and sublingual. They have an irregular shape, a dense texture and a paired arrangement. Their main functions are the secretion of hormones, the filtration of the plasma part of the blood, and the removal of decay products.

The most common pathologies of the salivary glands include:

Sialoadenitis is an inflammation that develops when an infection enters the gland or against the background of a violation of salivation.
Parotitis is an infectious disease caused by a paramyxovirus that affects the central nervous system and glandular organs.

Etiology of the disease

Most often, the disease affects children, but sometimes adults also get sick. The latter have a severe course of sialadenitis, especially in men.

Inflammation of the salivary gland occurs for various reasons under the influence of many factors, so the disease belongs to 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 focus of infection that is located in the mouth and ear;
carriage of pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic microorganisms;
tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV;
metabolic disorders;
any immunodeficiency states;
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, blood-contact, monogenous.

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

The inflammation usually affects the parotid salivary glands., which is accompanied by symptoms such as swelling of the cheeks and parts of the neck on one or both sides (see photo), swelling of the neck, sharp throbbing pain, aggravated during eating, chewing, opening the mouth.

sialadenitis

Photo: inflammation of the salivary gland under the tongue

Symptoms of the disease differ depending on the location of the infection:

With inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland, the area under the chin swells. There is a sharp pain when swallowing, especially under the tongue, with the release of pus from the duct. The defeat of the submandibular salivary gland is accompanied by a lack of appetite, weakness and fever.
Inflammation of the submandibular gland can be calculous in nature, that is, it proceeds with the formation of stones. In this case, the duct is obturated with a stone and becomes impassable. The cause of the pathological process is an excess of calcium in the human body. The fact that the gland under the jaw has become inflamed is evidenced by the following symptoms: stabbing, paroxysmal pain during eating, when opening the mouth, an increase in the organ, which is accompanied by swelling of the neck, 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 distinguished - 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 elderly people, characterized by hypersalivation and the formation of cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Depending on the clinical picture and the severity of the course, 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 a slight induration in the ear canal and neck. Sometimes there is a slight feeling of fullness and pulsation.

On palpation, the salivary glands of a person will produce a secret in small quantities. At this stage, treatment at home is acceptable.- this is the most favorable variant of the course of sialadenitis.

Purulent sialadenitis

Manifested as a complication after serous. Accompanied by increased pain, asthenic syndrome, vegetative dysfunctions. Characterized by insomnia, which occurs against a background of elevated temperature.

When opening the mouth, the patient experiences severe pain, so the chewing function is limited. There is hyperemia, pronounced puffiness, passing to the cheek area and the lower jaw area. Regional lymph nodes increase, pus is released into the oral cavity.

Gangrenous sialadenitis

In the case of the transition of inflammation to this stage, the health of patients worsens, and they are in an extremely serious condition. There is a high risk of death due to sepsis. Melting, tissue necrosis occurs, 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, you should immediately contact the clinic for professional help. Based on complaints, a thorough history taking and an 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, sialometry is used for functional diagnostics. Apply ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Acute sialadenitis is diagnosed by examination and history taking. In chronic cases, contrast sialography is necessarily used - an x-ray study 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 the appointment of antibacterial agents. Before prescribing antibiotics, be sure to do a bacterial culture from the focus where the microorganism is “active”, and a test for sensitivity to the drug. Before the delivery of these tests, you can not take potent drugs.
If mycosis is detected, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs, since antibiotics against the fungus are powerless.
In the case of a viral genesis of the disease, antiviral drugs and interferon therapy are prescribed.
With a purulent inflammatory process, surgical treatment is indicated, followed by sanitation of the focus.
In case of narrowing, bougienage of the ducts of the gland is performed.
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, heating the affected area. Salt compresses are also effective, rinsing the mouth and ear canal with antiseptic solutions is very good. Antiseptics called Chlorhexidine and Furacillin suppress the reproduction of bacteria.

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

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

What can be done at home

Treatment of inflammation of the salivary glands at home is acceptable, but only in the very initial stages of the disease or in combination with traditional methods of therapy. To avoid complications, it is imperative to 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 the folk recipe with the addition of baking soda. To do this, it is necessary to dissolve a tablespoon of soda in a glass of warm boiled water 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 soreness and inflammation is aromatherapy with essential oils of 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 the ear canal and throat;
stimulate, strengthen the immune system;
protect your body from stress and be less nervous.

An acute process ends either with a transition to chronicity or recovery. Chronic sialoadenitis 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.

Salivary glands are organs located in the oral cavity and produce saliva. They are localized on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, lips, palate, under the jaw, near the ears, behind the tongue.

But unfortunately, it often happens that they become inflamed and cause a lot of discomfort. Diseases of the salivary glands are a group of diseases that should not be ignored, because it is with them that the production of saliva and the beginning of the digestion process begin.

Causes of inflammation

Diseases of the salivary glands can appear as a result of many reasons. The most common among them are:

viral or bacterial infection (causative agents of influenza, herpes, HIV infection, mumps, pneumonia, meningitis, and others);
obstruction of the salivary ducts due to the ingress of a foreign object or formed stones into them;
improper or insufficient oral hygiene. Caries-damaged teeth, gum inflammation and irregular brushing encourage bacteria to multiply and make the glands more vulnerable to foreign agents;
complications after surgery;
severe intoxication from salts of heavy metals;
body dehydration;
debilitating diets poor in essential vitamins and minerals.

The most common diseases of the salivary glands

The branch of medicine, like dentistry, includes not only the treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums. It involves the treatment of all pathologies that have developed in the oral cavity and inflammation of the salivary glands, including. Further, the main diseases of the salivary glands, which dentists have to deal with most often.

Sialolithiasis

Salivary stone disease is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of stones in the ducts of the salivary glands. Most often, the submandibular gland is affected, less often the parotid, and it is extremely rare to find a lesion of the sublingual gland.

Pathology is widespread among the male population and practically does not occur in children. Improper functioning of the salivary glands leads to stagnation of saliva in the duct. At this point, the salts precipitate and the formation of stones begins.

Calculi consist of phosphate and calcium carbonate, they can detect the content of sodium, iron and magnesium

Stones can grow rapidly, and the size of dense formations sometimes reaches the size of a chicken egg. Symptoms of the pathology are swelling and hyperemia of the skin in the affected area, difficulty in chewing, swallowing and speaking, dryness of the oral mucosa, pain on palpation in the mouth and cheeks, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, hyperthermia, deterioration in general condition, headache and weakness.

Treatment involves conservative (drugs that increase the secretion of the salivary glands, relieve swelling and inflammation, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial) and surgical treatment.

sialadenitis

Acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the salivary glands that occurs for various reasons (infectious diseases, trauma, developmental anomalies). The disease most often occurs in children and people over 60 years of age. There are 3 types of sialoadenitis: submandibular, sublingual and parotid.

In addition to pain in the ears, throat and nose, the following symptoms can be attributed: fever, hyperemia and swelling of the skin in the ear area, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth (putrid breath), pain when pressing on the earlobe, a violation of taste sensations, dryness oral mucosa as a result of insufficient secretion of saliva.

In case of complications, stenosis of the ducts, salivary fistulas, abscess, phlegmon of the parotid and submandibular zone may appear. Treatment of sialadenitis is carried out in a conservative way with the help of antibiotics, antiviral drugs, physiotherapy. With a frequent recurrent course of the disease, complete removal of the salivary gland is recommended.

salivary gland cyst

The formation, which is formed as a result of a difficult or complete cessation of the outflow of saliva, a violation of the patency of the salivary ducts due to their blockage. The classification of the cyst is as follows: retention cyst of the small gland (56%), ranula, cyst of the submandibular gland, cyst of the parotid gland.

It is most often formed on the mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips. Most often it is asymptomatic. Measures to combat cystic formation in any place of localization do not provide for conservative treatment. The best option is to remove the cyst along with adjacent tissues with the imposition of self-absorbable sutures.

Sjögren's syndrome

Dry syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the external secretion glands, as a result of which dryness of the mucous membranes can be observed not only in the oral cavity, but also in the nose, eyes, vagina and other organs. Pathology is most common among women after 40 years, often accompanied by diseases such as scleroderma, lupus, periarteritis.

The first non-specific signs of Sjögren's syndrome are dry mouth and eye soreness, which is cutting and sharp when watching, for example, TV.

When examining the tongue, its complete dryness is observed, the inability to swallow saliva, a dry lump in the throat, causing discomfort.

With the development of the disease, photophobia, pain in the eyes, blurred vision, dystrophic changes appear. If you want to “squeeze out” a tear, nothing happens, because there is no tear fluid. Two weeks after the onset of the disease, loosening of the teeth and loss of fillings can be noticed.

Treatment includes taking glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressive cytostatics, symptomatic therapy.

Tumors

Oncological diseases that rarely affect the salivary glands. Among all cancers, they account for only 0.5–1% of all oncological pathologies. Despite its rarity, salivary gland cancer is a great danger, because the course of the disease is secretive and asymptomatic in the first stage.

Neoplasms occur 2 times more often in women over 50 years of age, tend to malignancy and metastasis. As the tumor grows, swelling may appear in the localization area, a feeling of fullness from the inside. In later stages, discomfort, soreness, and ulceration appear.

Treatment of neoplasms is exclusively surgical, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Measures aimed at eliminating diseases are agreed upon by several doctors: a dentist, a surgeon, an otorhinolaryngologist.

Diagnostics

All patients who seek help from a specialist are required to undergo an examination, palpation, questioning, blood and urine tests for the purpose of diagnosis. Depending on the results obtained, the specialist can send him for a comprehensive examination in a hospital setting.

Most often this happens if there is a history of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the thyroid and gonads, diseases of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, nervous and mental disorders, and others. All of them can cause inflammation of the salivary glands or aggravate the course of the disease.

The probing procedure is carried out carefully, without the use of force, because the duct wall is very thin and does not have a muscle layer, so it can be easily damaged

To make a more accurate diagnosis, doctors prescribe the following procedures:

Probing the ducts of the salivary glands- carried out with a special salivary probe. Using this method, you can determine the direction of the duct, its narrowing, the stone in the duct.
x-ray of salivary ducts(sialography) is a diagnostic method aimed at introducing a contrast agent into the ducts and performing x-rays. With it, you can determine the expansion or narrowing of the ducts of the salivary glands, the clarity of the contours, the presence of stones, cysts and tumors, etc. The procedure is carried out using a syringe and can cause discomfort to the patient.
Sialometry is a method in which the functional capacity of small and large salivary glands is determined. The procedure is performed on an empty stomach, you can not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, smoke, chew gum. The patient takes orally 8 drops of 1% polycarpine diluted in half a glass of water. After that, a special cannula is inserted into the duct of the gland and the secret of the salivary glands is collected in a test tube for 20 minutes. After a certain time, the amount of saliva produced is estimated;
Cytological examination of saliva- a method that helps to identify inflammation and tumor diseases of the small and large salivary glands.

Preventive actions

In order to try to completely protect yourself from damage to the salivary glands, you must follow simple rules: follow the rules of oral hygiene, monitor the condition of the teeth, gums and tonsils. If any viral or bacterial disease occurs, the necessary therapeutic measures should be taken on time.

When the first signs of inflammation of the salivary glands are found, it is necessary to rinse the mouth with a weak solution of citric acid. It contributes to the abundant production of saliva and frees the ducts from the accumulation of infection or foreign bodies in them.