What causes inflammation of the salivary gland and how to treat sialadenitis. Acute sialadenitis: definition, types, clinical symptoms and treatment methods How to treat swelling of the salivary glands

Humans have minor and major salivary glands. The group of small glands includes the buccal, labial, molar, palatine and lingual. They are located in the thickness of the oral mucosa. Small glands are divided into 3 types according to the nature of the saliva secreted - mucous, serous or mixed. The large salivary glands are the paired parotid, sublingual and submandibular glands.

Topography of the parotid gland

The parotid glands, the largest of all, produce protein secretions. The glands are located in the retromaxillary fossae, adjacent in depth to the muscles coming from the styloid process, the pterygoid and digastric muscles. The upper edge of the gland is located at the external auditory canal and the membranous part of the temporal bone, the lower edge is located near the angle of the lower jaw. The superficial part of the glands lies under the skin, covers the masticatory muscle and the branch of the lower jaw. Externally, the parotid glands have a dense fibrous capsule fused with the surface layer of the neck's own fascia.

The tissue of the organ is represented by glandular lobules with an alveolar structure. The walls of the alveolar vesicles consist of secretory cells. In the layers of fibrous tissue between the lobules there are intercalary ducts. One pole of the secretory cells faces the ducts. The bases of the cells are adjacent to the basement membrane, in contact with myoepithelial elements capable of contraction. The flow of saliva from the ducts is stimulated by the contraction of myoepithelial cells.

Intralobular striated ducts are lined from the inside with a layer of prismatic epithelium. Connecting, the striated ducts form interlobular ducts, which have stratified squamous epithelium. The common excretory duct of the gland is formed by the fusion of the interlobular ducts. Its length is 2–4 cm. The duct lies on the surface of the buccal muscle 1–2 cm below the arch of the zygomatic bone. At the anterior edge of the muscle, it pierces the fat body and the muscle itself, opening on the vestibule of the mouth opposite the 1–2 upper molars ( large molar). The neurovascular bundle runs through the parotid gland. It contains the external carotid, superficial temporal, transverse and posterior auricular arteries; facial nerve and retromandibular vein.

Topography of the submandibular gland

The submandibular gland secretes saliva of a mixed protein-mucosal nature. It has a lobular structure. The gland is located in the submandibular fossa, bounded above by the mylohyoid muscle, behind by the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, in front by the anterior belly of this muscle, and externally by the subcutaneous muscle of the neck. The gland is covered with a capsule representing a layer of the neck's own fascia. The internal structure of the gland and its ducts is similar to the structure of the parotid gland. The excretory duct of the submandibular gland emerges on its medial surface and lies between the mylohyoid and mylohyoid muscles.

Topography of the sublingual gland

The sublingual salivary gland secretes predominantly mucous secretion (mucin) and is formed by lobules with an alveolar structure. The gland is located under the side of the tongue on the geniohyoid muscle. The ducts of the sublingual and submandibular glands open on both sides of the frenulum of the tongue.

Embryonic development

The salivary glands are formed from the epithelium of the oral cavity of the embryo, growing into the underlying mesenchyme. By the 6th week of the embryo’s life, the submandibular and parotid glands are formed; at the 7th week, the sublingual glands are formed. The secretory sections of the glands are formed from the epithelium, and the connective tissue partitions between the lobules are formed from the mesenchyme.

Functions

The saliva secreted by the glands has a slightly alkaline reaction. The secretion of the glands includes: inorganic salts, water, mucus, lysozyme, digestive enzymes - maltase and ptyalin. Saliva is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates, moisturizes the mucous membrane, softens food and has a bactericidal effect on microorganisms.

Inflammatory diseases

The general name for inflammation of the salivary glands is sialadenitis. Inflammatory diseases in the salivary glands occur when an infection occurs in the blood, lymph, or ascending from the oral cavity. The inflammation process can be serous or purulent.

A viral infectious disease of the parotid gland is mumps or mumps. If a child's parotid glands are symmetrically swollen and painful, these are symptoms of mumps. A complication of mumps contracted in childhood is male infertility. The mumps virus damages not only the salivary glands, but also the germ tissue of the testicles. Prevention of mumps and its complications is the vaccination of preschool children against mumps.

Autoimmune inflammation with the accumulation of lymphoid cells in the tissues of the salivary glands develops with Sjogren's syndrome ( group of diffuse connective tissue diseases). Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands, joints and other connective tissue structures. The causes of the disease are considered to be viral infections coupled with genetic predisposition.
Stone sialadenitis is the formation of a stone in the salivary duct and reactive inflammation of the organ. A duct stone obstructs the flow of saliva and can cause the formation of a retention cyst.

Other reasons for the formation of retention cysts of the salivary glands: trauma, inflammation of the ducts with subsequent blockage and disruption of the outflow of saliva. A cyst with a mucous (mucoid) secretion is called a mucocele.

Damage

Facial injuries may be accompanied by damage to the tissue and excretory ducts of the parotid gland. These injuries are dangerous due to the formation of salivary fistulas, narrowing or fusion of the excretory duct, which leads to stagnation of saliva. Acute organ damage is determined by the following symptoms: the release of saliva from the wound, the formation of a salivary streak - the accumulation of saliva under the skin. Treatment of the consequences of injury to the parotid gland - suturing the wound, surgery to restore the mouth of the duct when it is closed, surgical repair of salivary fistulas.

Tumor diseases

True tumors of the salivary glands can develop from the epithelium of the ducts and secretory cells. A benign neoplasm is called an adenoma, a malignant one is called cancer or sarcoma. Tumors of the salivary glands do not hurt in the initial stages. Therefore, unilateral painless enlargement of the salivary gland is an indication for consultation with an oncologist and additional research.

Classification of neoplasms of the salivary glands according to the nature of tumor growth:
benign forms;
locally destructive forms;
malignant forms.

Of the benign tumors, the most common is pleomorphic adenoma, which has a mixed tissue character. It is characterized by slow growth over many years. The tumor can reach a large size, but is painless and does not metastasize. Malignancy of pleomorphic adenoma develops in 3.6–30%.

Indications for operations on the salivary glands:
formation of stones in the salivary ducts;
benign and malignant tumors.

Treatment of cysts and tumors of the salivary glands is removal of the affected organ. The remaining healthy glands produce saliva.

Diagnostic methods

For effective treatment of salivary gland cancer, the condition of the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues is assessed for the presence of metastases. To obtain information about the location, number and size of stones or tumors, additional studies are required:
contrast radiography – sialography;
duct probing;
cytological examination of secretions;
Ultrasound – ultrasound examination;
magnetic resonance or computed tomography;
biopsy to clarify the histological type of tumor.

About transplantation

Scientists have developed an autotransplantation technique—transplanting one of the patient’s own salivary glands under the skin of the temple. The operation allows you to effectively treat dry eye syndrome, significantly improving the condition of patients. Clinical trials were conducted at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, where 19 people were operated on. The results of the operations showed a good clinical effect. Surgeons from the University of Napoli and other medical centers in Germany also obtained good results.

Experimental transplantation of embryonic tissue of the major salivary glands in laboratory animals ( guinea pigs) was performed at the Belarusian State Medical University in 2003. The work of medical scientists in this direction continues.

A pathological process that can occur in both acute and chronic forms. The causative agents of the disease can be bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The disease occurs in people of any age, but it is most dangerous for children and elderly patients.

There are three groups of salivary glands in the human body:

• parotid - the largest, located behind the angle of the lower jaw on both sides below the earlobe;
• submandibular - under the lower jaw at the level of the molars (back teeth);
• sublingual - located on both sides of the root of the tongue.

Their main function is the production of saliva. This is necessary for the normal course of the digestion process, maintaining dental health, and speech articulation.

Mechanism of disease development

Most often, the pathological process develops in the parotid salivary gland. The following points contribute to the development of infection:

• frequent acute viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (one of the signs of decreased immunity);
• the presence of a local inflammatory process (stomatitis, carious teeth, frequent sore throats);
• conditions in which the outflow of saliva through the duct is disrupted (allergic diseases, salivary stones);
• injuries to the maxillofacial area, leading to disruption of the structure of the organ and the occurrence of adhesions;
• the presence of a foreign body in the duct (for example, villi);
• prolonged exposure to a draft (local hypothermia of the organ).

The infection can enter the gland through the bloodstream from any source in the body. It is possible for pathogens to penetrate through the duct from the oral cavity.

Symptoms of the disease

All symptoms of the disease are divided into general and local. Common symptoms include intoxication syndrome: drowsiness, sweating, general weakness, headache.

The following local signs are distinguished:

• decreased salivation with dryness of the oral mucosa;
• the occurrence of shooting pain, intensifying when turning the head, swallowing food;
• swelling at the location of the gland;
• deformation of the neck contour;
• redness of the oral mucosa in the area where the salivary duct opens;
• discharge of purulent contents from the salivary duct;
• involvement of regional lymph nodes in the pathological process;
• hardening and tenderness of the lymph nodes;
• pain when pressing on a lymph node.

Depending on the type of pathogen and the route of penetration of the pathogenic agent into the organ tissue, discomfort can be one-sided or two-sided. Unilateral inflammation often develops when the pathogen enters through the duct, bilateral inflammation - with the blood or lymph flow.

Features of mumps

Mumps (popularly known as mumps) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a virus. The disease is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets or through objects contaminated with the saliva of a patient. After contact with an infected person, the disease develops within 15-18 days. The disease begins acutely with an increase in temperature to 38-39 C, the symptoms of intoxication are more pronounced.

Pain in the gland area is intense and may occur before other symptoms appear.

The pain intensifies when swallowing, opening the mouth, eating sour foods, or turning the neck. After one to two days, swelling and deformation of the neck contour appear. However, the skin in this place remains unchanged. It must be remembered that inflammation in mumps is always bilateral.

Inflammation of viral etiology is dangerous due to its complications. Nerves located nearby (facial, trigeminal, auditory) may be affected, which further leads to disruption of their functions. The consequence of this will be facial asymmetry (paresis or paralysis of facial muscles develops), and deafness.

Inflammation of the testicle or its appendages in boys occurs 6-8 days from the onset of the disease. This happens more often in teenagers and adults. Such a complication is dangerous due to the development of testicular atrophy and the occurrence of infertility.

With untimely and inadequate treatment, which often occurs in young children, inflammation of the lungs, oral mucosa, and ear develops. In severe cases, there is a possibility of formation in the place where inflammation develops, an abscess (suppuration of the gland) or phlegmon - a condition when suppuration spreads to the surrounding tissues: the head and neck area.

Establishing diagnosis

The examination program includes the following procedures:

• general blood analysis;
• immunological blood test;
• bacteriological analysis of the discharge duct;
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination) of the gland.

A general blood test reveals an increase in the level of leukocytes - blood cells responsible for destroying the pathogenic agent. If a viral nature of the disease is suspected, an immunological blood test is performed. Bacteriological analysis of discharge from the duct, if any, allows us to determine which pathogen caused the inflammation and how to deal with it.

Ultrasound is an additional diagnostic method. It allows you to determine the structure, homogeneity of the tissue, the size of the organ, and the presence of foreign bodies in it. As a rule, these procedures are sufficient to make a diagnosis and choose treatment tactics.

Treatment

There are two directions in treatment: general and local. General treatment includes the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics first, and then, if the sensitivity of the pathogen can be established, narrow-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, antipyretic and painkillers are prescribed for body temperatures above 38.5, antiviral drugs if the pathology occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infection or if mumps is suspected.

Local treatment involves the following:

• it is necessary to tie a scarf made of natural fabric around your neck to avoid temperature changes (the so-called dry heat);
• compresses of dimexide with the addition of an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory agent are applied to the site of the pathological process;
• drinking lemon increases salivation and prevents saliva stagnation;
• sanitation of the oral cavity with an antiseptic.

If complications arise, they resort to surgical treatment. Self-medication is strictly contraindicated!

Prevention measures

Following a few simple rules will help not only prevent disease, but also improve the overall health of the body. Compliance with personal hygiene rules is very important. Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, towel, soap) must be individual. Teeth should be brushed twice a day. First time in the morning before meals. After eating, the mouth should be rinsed with water. The second time you brush your teeth in the evening after dinner.

Timely treatment of carious teeth will help prevent the disease and avoid its relapse. It is also important to harden the body, exercise in the fresh air, maintain the temperature in the apartment at 19-20 C, and have a contrast shower. It is necessary to ventilate the room twice a day and regular wet cleaning.

It should be remembered that inflammation of the salivary glands and nearby lymph nodes is especially dangerous in childhood, so children must be taught to follow these rules from early childhood. It is best for an adult to show this by example.

Conclusion

Inflammation of the salivary glands can occur in patients of any age, but it is most severe in children and the elderly. The disease is dangerous due to its complications. A set of local procedures is of great importance in treatment.

Salivary glands- organs that constantly secrete saliva and moisturize the mucous membrane of the oropharynx. The human salivary glands secrete 1-2 liters of saliva per day. Saliva is a transparent viscous secretion of the salivary glands, secreted into the oral cavity. Saliva contains water and inorganic and organic compounds dissolved in it; it also contains digestive enzymes and disinfectants. In addition to numerous small glands located in the mucous membrane of the tongue, lips, cheeks, hard and soft palate, there are three pairs of large salivary glands (parotid, sublingual and submandibular), located outside the oral cavity and communicating with it by a system of ducts.

Diagnosis by symptoms
Select the symptoms that concern you and get a list of possible diseases

The parotid salivary glands are located in front of and behind the external auditory canal on the muscles of mastication and extend to the zygomatic arch. The sublingual and submandibular salivary glands are located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue and under the mandibles. All excretory ducts of the salivary glands open into the oral cavity. The secretion of saliva is regulated by the autonomic nervous system.

Most often, tumors arise in the parotid salivary glands, less often in other salivary glands. As a rule, such tumors are benign, affect only the corresponding salivary gland and do not spread beyond its boundaries. Malignant tumors spread throughout the body. Benign tumors of the salivary glands are often asymptomatic.

Symptoms of malignant tumors of the salivary glands:

• spontaneous or prolonged pain at the site of tumor pressure on the nerve;
• ulcerations;
• facial nerve paralysis.

Tumors of the salivary glands arise due to changes and abnormal proliferation of their cells. The reasons for this proliferation have not yet been studied. It is possible that infection plays a major role. Genetic and external environmental factors have a great influence on the occurrence of tumors.

Treatment of salivary gland tumors

Usually the affected salivary glands are removed. At the initial stage of the tumor, it is possible to remove only part of the salivary gland, but more often the entire gland is removed. If the tumor is malignant, then radiation therapy and chemotherapy are additionally used. When it grows, the cervical lymph nodes are also removed. Benign tumors of the salivary glands are usually asymptomatic. In the presence of a malignant tumor of the salivary glands, spontaneous, less often long-term pain occurs. This pain is the result of pressure from the tumor on the facial nerve. Over time, as the tumor grows, paralysis of the facial nerve and the appearance of ulcers are possible.

In all of these cases, you must consult a doctor. The doctor will examine the patient's mouth, feel the face, jaws and neck. Will do a saliva test. If a tumor of the salivary glands is suspected, an X-ray examination (sialography), scintigraphy or computed tomography of the salivary glands will be performed. When a tumor is found, a tissue sample is usually taken to examine and determine the type of tumor. However, even a biopsy is quite dangerous: it can stimulate tumor growth.

There are two main types of salivary gland tumors: a mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenoma), which in approximately 60% of cases is located in the parotid gland, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Treatment of both types of tumor is usually successful. The most common type is pleomorphic adenoma. Its symptoms: swelling of the parotid shell, which gradually increases and becomes nodular. There is no pain or damage to the facial nerve. There are other types of salivary gland tumors.

Tumors of the large salivary glands are common. Tumors of the small salivary glands account for only 20% of all tumors. Malignant are: a sixth of all tumors of the parotid salivary glands, about a third are tumors of the submandibular salivary glands, almost all tumors of the sublingual glands and less than half are tumors of small salivary glands. If malignant tumors are not removed in a timely manner, they metastasize through the lymph and blood to other organs.

Questions and answers on the topic "Salivary glands"

Question:Which doctor should I contact with the following symptoms and what could it be: excessive salivation, inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, a constant feeling of soreness and pressure in the ear area, burning of the tongue. Thanks in advance for your answer.

Answer: In this case, it is most likely necessary to examine the salivary glands. Dentists deal with this issue. Not everyone has proper knowledge of the salivary glands, so you need to contact a specific doctor who specializes in this

Question:How to diagnose salivary gland diseases (there is a suspicion of salivary stone disease).

Answer: Ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of diseases of the salivary glands has occupied a key position in recent years. In this regard, I see no restrictions in performing an ultrasound of your salivary glands. When solving the specific problem of diagnosing salivary stone disease, ultrasound can detect stones both in the parenchyma of the gland and in the projection of the salivary ducts. New echography technologies - Doppler sonography makes it possible to determine the severity of the concomitant inflammatory process in the salivary glands.

Question:Good afternoon I'm 31, 11 weeks pregnant. This is the first time something like this has happened. In the evening, a bulge appeared in the oral cavity, in the area of ​​the upper six, which was not painful to the touch. In the morning, when eating, there was a sharp pain in the jaw area and swelling that grew before our eyes. The bulge in the mouth has increased, a white tip has appeared on the edge of the bulge, and the bulge itself has become more formed. After 2 hours the swelling decreased. During consultation with a dental surgeon, a diagnosis was made - blockage of the salivary gland. A recommendation is given to use the oral cavity, massage the swollen area and eat lemons. And it is said that everything will go away on its own. But at the moment my body temperature has risen to 38 degrees, I have a headache and pain in my eyes. I didn’t have mumps. I rinse my mouth with Glister and lubricate it with fucarcin. Please recommend what else can be done at home. Can I take an antibiotic? Really looking forward to your reply. And thanks in advance.

Answer: Unfortunately, without a personal examination of the affected area, we are unable to assess your condition and prescribe adequate treatment. You need a personal consultation with a surgeon (not necessarily a maxillofacial surgeon).

Question:Hello! I had the flu with complications. The salivary gland under the chin became inflamed. I saw an otolaryngologist, he did not see any complications. It still hurts to swallow and the swelling doesn’t go away. What other measures can be taken to make the inflammation go away? Thank you!

Answer: Imudon is effective for pharyngitis.

Question:Hello! My 19-year-old son had a salivary gland adenoma removed. On October 23, the surgeon who operated on him gave a referral to the hospital to diagnose the lymph nodes. The surgeon, touching his neck, immediately diagnosed a relapse, damage to the left side of the face and neck. Is it possible to determine the spread of adenoma only by touch? What diagnostic methods exist?

Answer: The presence of a recurrence or primary tumor of the parotid salivary gland can be determined by examination and palpation in most cases. Additional methods (MRI, CT) are not always used.

Question:Hello. I had surgery to remove a pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland on the right (the branches of the facial nerve were preserved). Almost 10 months have passed since the operation, but a lump remains at the site of the tumor. On the doctor's advice, I do ultrasounds periodically. On the last one, the lymph nodes of all groups on the right were enlarged. Plus, a slight fever rose for a couple of days and the area where the operation was performed became noticeably swollen. Is it possible that the tumor has reappeared in the same place?

Answer: Relapses of this disease are quite rare and, as a rule, many years after surgery. Contact the doctor who operated on you.

Question:Good afternoon 3 weeks ago I had surgery, total removal of the salivary gland, a biopsy was sent for histology, it turned out to be cancer! What are the treatments? Could it be that not all cancer cells were excised?

Answer: Depending on the stage of the disease, after surgery, according to indications, radiation therapy is also performed.

Inflammation of the salivary gland is classified as a rather insidious disease. There are frequent cases of its practically asymptomatic occurrence at the initial stage of development. Therefore, it is very important to promptly suspect and diagnose the disease in order to carry out surgical treatment.

Large salivary glands are located on the surface of the human oral mucosa. The first pair - the parotid - are located under and in front of the auricle and are the largest.

Two submandibular glands are located directly under the lower jaw, and the third pair, consisting of the sublingual salivary glands, is located in the floor of the mouth on either side of the tongue. All salivary glands are busy producing saliva; the process is carried out through special ducts located in the human oral cavity.

Features of the inflammatory process

Inflammation of any of the salivary glands is called sialadenitis. The parotid glands are most susceptible to the disease; less often, the inflammatory process affects the submandibular and sublingual glands.

As a rule, the disease develops secondarily, however, cases of the primary form of the disease have been reported.

The developing inflammatory process leads to a malfunction in the process of salivation, after which it can cause the occurrence of salivary stones, to which the submandibular salivary glands are more susceptible.

In particularly difficult cases, obstruction (blockage) of the salivary duct is observed.

Causes of the disease and provoking factors

The primary cause of sialadenitis is infection. The role of pathogens is played by various harmful microorganisms. The mixed bacterial flora usually found in the salivary glands consists of staphylococci, streptococci and pneumococci.

Provoking factors may also include:

Bacteria and viruses reach the salivary glands through foreign bodies: hygiene items, hard foods, etc. In the case of sialadenitis, a hematogenous or lymphogenous method of infection occurs.

Symptoms and features of the disease

Regardless of which salivary gland is affected, the symptoms of the disease are the same. Acute sialadenitis at the initial stage is manifested by tissue swelling.

This is followed by infiltration, suppuration and the process is completed by necrosis of the salivary gland tissue. A scar remains at the site of the lesion. Often the acute form of the disease stops its development at the very beginning of the process.

The patient experiences the following series of symptoms:

Inflammation of the sublingual gland may also be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort under the tongue and at the moment of opening the mouth, pain under the tongue. Pain when the submandibular salivary gland is affected is paroxysmal in nature, often severe pain is observed at the bottom of the oral cavity.

As the disease progresses, mucus, pus, and epithelial cells appear in the saliva.

The chronic form of sialadenitis does not express itself so clearly. During the growth of connective tissue in the stroma, the ducts of the gland are compressed, and the latter increases in size, but not immediately. There is no pain in the inflamed gland.

Classification of the disease

Sialadenitis can occur in acute and chronic forms.

Acute course of the disease

The following types of acute forms of sialadenitis are distinguished:

The photo shows acute sialadenitis of the parotid gland in a child

1. Contact. The disease can be caused by the development of purulent inflammation of the fatty tissue near the salivary gland or be a consequence of a violation of the integrity of the purulent focus. The patient experiences swelling and tenderness of the affected gland. There may be difficulty in releasing saliva containing pus. The main preventive measure in the case of contact sialadenitis is to control the condition of the salivary glands in the presence of phlegmon in neighboring areas.
2. Bacterial inflammation resulting from surgery or an infectious disease. As a rule, the disease affects the parotid salivary glands. Necrosis of the tissue of the inflamed gland and associated disorders are observed. There is a risk of suppuration spreading to the peripharyngeal and lateral neck area.
3. Sialadenitis, provoked entry of a foreign body. Symptoms of the disease are expressed in enlargement of the salivary gland, difficulty in salivation, and pain. The disease can progress into a purulent phase, accompanied by the appearance of phlegmon and the development of abscesses in the parotid-masticatory and submandibular areas.
4. Lymphogenic occurs due to a weakened immune system. There are mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease. At the initial stage of development of the disease, only a slight swelling of the affected area is noticeable; with an average degree of sialadenitis, the general somatic condition is disturbed and a compaction forms. At the final stage, the patient’s well-being worsens, and phlegmon or an abscess occurs.

Chronic form of the disease

Depending on the causes of the development of the disease, the following types of chronic forms of sialadenitis are distinguished:

The photo shows interstitial inflammation

1. Interstitial. As a rule, it develops against the background of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. During the development of the disease, both glands are affected. There is an early stage of the disease, severe and late. At the initial stage, the functionality of the glands is preserved, only their soreness is observed. When the form is severe, the glands become enlarged and remain painful, but continue to function. At the final stage, salivation noticeably decreases.
2. Parenchymatous occurs due to structural changes in the gland and the formation of cysts. The process is accompanied by saliva retention and inflammation. The initial stage of the disease may not make itself felt at all. When a patient has a salty taste in the mouth and the salivary gland swells, we can talk about a clinically pronounced stage of the disease. In this case, a small amount of pus and mucus may be released. Later, the patient develops a feeling of dry mouth, salivation becomes difficult, and thickening is observed in the parotid area.
3. Sialodohit causes changes in the excretory ducts of the salivary glands. Due to the accumulation of saliva in the ducts, the patient complains of pain in the affected area. Then there is swelling of the gland, secretion of saliva with mucus, pain during eating. At the last stage, the function of salivation is impaired; upon palpation, saliva with pus is released.

Possible complications

In the absence of proper treatment for sialadenitis, the following consequences are possible:

• salivary stone disease;
• disruptions in the process of salivation;
• deterioration of gland functionality;
• soft tissue phlegmon;
• duct stenosis.

How to treat inflammation?

Treatment of the disease may involve the use of antibacterial or antiviral drugs, depending on the type of sialadenitis pathogen. In the case of a viral form of the disease, they resort to irrigation of the oral cavity with interferon; in the case of bacterial sialadenitis, proteolytic enzymes are instilled into the gland duct.

In case of an abscess, it is necessary to open the abscess. In the case of strictures (narrowings), bougienage of the ducts of the affected gland is prescribed; in the case of stones, their removal by one of the methods (lithotripsy, lithoextraction, etc.) is indicated.

Removal of the submandibular gland with stone:

In the process of treating the disease, a special place is occupied by physiotherapeutic measures, such as:

• electrophoresis;
• galvanization;
• fluctuarization.

In addition, the patient is recommended to observe the rules of oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day, use it after every meal, don’t forget about dental floss and, of course, stop smoking.

You should also pay attention to your diet. Food should be well chopped and have a soft structure. Drinking plenty of warm drinks - juices, fruit drinks, milk, rosehip decoction - will help the affected salivary glands recover.

Treatment of the chronic form of sialadenitis, unfortunately, cannot always give the desired effect. A cure for the disease is not guaranteed. During an exacerbation, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and drugs that stimulate the process of salivation. Antibacterial therapy and the use of direct current are indicated.

Treatment with folk remedies

The traditional method of treating sialadenitis will be perfectly complemented by:

Sialadenitis of the salivary gland is a very complex disease, the development of which is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

Fortunately, modern medicine is able to win the fight against the disease, however, a lot depends on the patient. The patient’s attentive attitude to his own health is an undeniable key to success.

25.03.2016

The salivary glands are of no small importance in the digestive process. When chewing food, it is moistened with saliva produced by the glands. In addition, saliva prevents the penetration of bacteria and viruses, thanks to it the oral mucosa does not dry out.

In the oral cavity there are small large paired salivary glands - sublingual, submandibular, parotid. If inflammation of the salivary gland occurs, otherwise called sialadenitis, the amount and composition of saliva secreted changes, digestion is disrupted, and the protection of the oral cavity decreases.

Causes of inflammation

Penetrating into the salivary glands, bacteria and viruses cause an inflammatory process. This can occur against the background of viral infections, for example, during flu or pneumonia.

If the parotid salivary glands are affected by viruses, mumps or mumps develops. The disease is common, especially in children. If it appears in adults, treatment becomes more complicated.

Inflammation can be caused by:

• pneumococci,
• streptococci,
• staphylococci.

They are activated against the background of general weakness of the body and reduced immunity.

The inflammatory process can begin after surgery. Anesthesia administered before surgery has a depressing effect on the functioning of the salivary glands. If you take care of oral hygiene in time, you can avoid bacterial inflammation.

Diseases of the salivary glands often manifest themselves in oncology due to reduced immunity. Infection can enter the salivary ducts due to inflammation of the lymph nodes, gums, stomatitis, and diseased teeth.

There have been cases of inflammation in newborns. The reason for this is the cytomegaly virus, which during pregnancy passes through the placenta and infects the fetus.

Symptoms of the disease

Inflammation of the salivary glands is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms:

• glands enlarge
• harden
• hyperemia may be observed,
• pain occurs in the mouth and neck area.

If the parotid glands are inflamed, you may feel pain in the ear, temple, and head. Similar symptoms are observed with otitis, which complicates diagnosis at an early stage.

There is constant pressure on the inflamed area of ​​the salivary gland. This indicates the accumulation of purulent infiltrate.

Forms of the disease

Acute sialadenitis is of two types: viral and bacterial, depending on what is the causative agent of the disease.

One type of viral disease is influenza sialadenitis. Usually appears during or after the flu. There is discomfort in the affected area, acute pain, general weakness, and fever. In addition, swelling occurs in the gland area, and the outflow of saliva decreases. The acute period lasts about 7 days, then the symptoms disappear, but an infiltrate remains, which resolves slowly. In this case, a compaction forms and salivation may stop. Proper treatment, even at this stage of the disease, can restore the activity of the salivary gland.

Particularly severe forms of influenza sialadenitis are rare. Severe pain occurs and body temperature rises. Purulent melting and necrosis may occur. The disease, starting in one gland, can spread to the steam room. The structure of the gland changes in just a couple of days. After purulent melting, necrosis begins. Surgery required.

Influenza sialadenitis develops in most cases in the parotid gland, rarely in the submandibular gland. In 50% of cases, inflammation of the salivary gland spreads to the steam room. Treatment consists of irrigating the oral cavity with interferon. If there are signs of secondary infection, antibiotics are injected into the gland. Small salivary glands become inflamed extremely rarely.

With vitamin deficiency, impaired water-salt metabolism, or impaired properties of the secretion of the salivary gland, salivary stone disease can develop. Salivary stones form in the sublingual glands. Salivary blood clots or foreign bodies in the duct contribute to their development. Increasing in size, the stone clogs the duct. This is accompanied by severe pain and accumulation of pus. Massage of the duct, heat compresses or removal of stones are prescribed.

Treatment

If symptoms appear indicating the onset of inflammation of the salivary glands, you should consult a dentist. If treated in a timely manner, treatment proceeds quickly.

If pus appears when pressing on the affected area, a surgeon will be needed. In such a situation, the inflamed area is opened, the pus is removed and drainage is placed.

If an acute form of disease of the salivary glands is observed, then hospital treatment is prescribed. Symptoms of mild inflammation are relieved by rinsing the mouth with a solution of soda, furatsilin or potassium permanganate. To reduce elevated temperature, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

Physiotherapeutic treatment helps:

• electrophoresis,
• Sollux.

If inflammation is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of an acute form of the disease - fever, significant abscess, etc. - a course of antibiotics is prescribed. A constant flow of saliva is necessary, which helps remove the bacteria that cause the disease. To do this, it is recommended to include in the diet:

• citrus,
• sour, salty foods,
• Chewing gum is beneficial.

If inflammation occurs frequently and becomes chronic, then antibiotics are injected directly into the salivary gland.

Surgery is required if therapeutic treatment does not work. Then the gland is removed completely or part of it.

Inflammation of the salivary glands in children

Children most often, especially during cold periods, develop mumps. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, but can also spread through objects. The disease manifests itself in the gland on day 3, and after 7 days the child’s body produces antibodies to this infection.

With a mild form of mumps, there is slight swelling, mild pain, and the temperature does not rise. Within a week the symptoms disappear.

In the moderate form, general symptoms appear at the onset of the disease:

• weakness,
• chills,
• muscle pain and headache,
• the child's appetite decreases,
• the temperature rises.
• swelling appears,
• salivation is impaired,
• it becomes difficult to chew food,
• thirst appears.

Improvement occurs on days 3–4.

In severe cases, both glands are affected. Inflammation may move from the parotid glands to the submandibular glands, causing the neck to swell and difficulty swallowing. The development of the disease leads to the release of pus. The child's temperature may rise to 40°C. This form of mumps is dangerous due to complications; meningitis, encephalitis, and optic nerve paralysis can develop. The disease is curable, but if the brain and central nervous system are affected, the prognosis is unfavorable and death is possible.

For preventive purposes, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the oral cavity, preventing the occurrence of inflammatory processes, and promptly treat gum diseases and caries. Otherwise, the disease may become chronic.