- Main symptoms
- What causes sialoadenitis
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
- Home treatment options
Sialoadenitis is inflammation of the salivary glands that usually happens due to a virus or bacteria infection, obstruction due to malformation or the presence of salivary stones, which results in symptoms such as pain in the mouth, redness and swelling, especially in the region below the language.
Since there are several glands in the mouth, with the parotids, during a sialoadenitis crisis it is common for swelling to also appear in the lateral region of the face, similar to mumps. Although it can happen to anyone, sialoadenitis is more common in the elderly or people with chronic diseases who are poorly hydrated.
Although sialoadenitis can disappear on its own without any specific treatment, it is very important to consult a dentist or general practitioner to identify the cause and initiate specific treatment, if necessary.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms in case of sialoadenitis include:
- Constant pain in the mouth; Redness of the mucous membranes of the mouth; Swelling of the region under the tongue; Fever and chills; Dry mouth; Difficulty speaking and swallowing; Fever; Inflammation.
In addition, in some cases, the glands may even produce pus, which is released in the mouth, creating bad taste and a bad breath.
What causes sialoadenitis
Inflammation of the salivary glands usually appears in periods of less saliva production, which can happen in people who are sick or recovering from surgery, as well as in people who are dehydrated, malnourished or with a weakened immune system. When there is less saliva being produced, it is easier for bacteria and viruses to develop, causing infection and inflammation of the glands, the bacteria most frequently related to sialoadenitis being those belonging to the genus Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus .
Sialoadenitis is also common when a stone appears in the salivary glands, which is a condition known as sialolithiasis, which causes swelling and inflammation of the glands. In rarer cases, the recurrent use of some drugs, such as antihistamines, antidepressants or antihypertensives can lead to the appearance of dry mouth, increasing the chances of developing inflammation of the salivary glands.
How to confirm the diagnosis
In most cases, the diagnosis of sialoadenitis can be confirmed by the general practitioner or dentist through physical observation and symptom assessment, but some diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or blood tests, for example, may also be necessary.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for inflammation of the salivary glands is usually done only to relieve symptoms, since most cases are caused by the presence of viruses, and there is no specific treatment. Thus, it is common for the doctor to recommend adequate water intake during the day, good oral hygiene and prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, to relieve pain and facilitate recovery.
However, if sialoadenitis is being caused by bacteria, treatment usually also includes an antibiotic, such as Clindamycin or Dicloxacillin, to eliminate bacteria more quickly and speed recovery. In addition, if it is identified that a drug may be the source of the inflammation, it is important to consult the doctor who prescribed it to assess the possibility of changing it or adjusting the treatment dose.
The doctor may also recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in order to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as analgesics. It is important to avoid using aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, which can have several complications in the brain and liver.
In chronic cases, in which sialoadenitis occurs very often, the doctor may advise a minor surgery to remove the affected glands.
Home treatment options
Although the treatment indicated by the doctor is very important to ensure the correct recovery, there are some natural techniques that help to relieve the symptoms. The most used include:
- Drinking lemon juice or sucking a sugar-free candy: they help in the production of saliva, helping to decongest the salivary glands, reducing inflammation; Applying a warm compress under the chin: helps to reduce congestion of the affected glands. If there is swelling on the side of the face, the compress should also be applied there; Mouthwash with warm water and baking soda: reduces inflammation and helps to clean your mouth, reducing pain.
Most cases of sialoadenitis disappear on their own over time, however, these homemade techniques help relieve discomfort and speed recovery.
Check out other home remedies for toothache that can also be used in these cases.
