The parotid glands are located on the cheek, in front of the ear, and have ducts that lead to the back of the mouth, which is why they are frequently called salivary glands, and their primary function is to lubricate the oral cavity. They can be affected in various ways since there are a large number of disorders in which they can be influenced; However, the most common is that there is an inflammation in them, although it is always essential to consult a doctor to find the cause of it and carry out the correct treatment to eliminate the alteration.
Although the treatments are based on eliminating the causes that produce the swelling in these organs, there are some circumstances in which it is unnecessary to use any medication to stop the inflammation. For cases in which a procedure is needed, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain everything about inflamed salivary glands: treatment.
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Salivary glands: diseases that inflame them
Several causes can cause inflammation in the parotid glands. Indeed, the main one is sialolithiasis, an alteration that causes the appearance of salivary stones. Salivary stones rarely block saliva flow, causing inflammation and discomfort by not being able to drain normally.
Another common cause of inflammation in the parotid glands is sialadenitis, that is, the presence of an infection in these structures of the mouth. In these cases, the patient may feel a bad taste in the mouth because a painful abscess may appear and pus drains; however, this is more usual in the elderly.
Viral infections such as influenza or mumps are prevalent and may cause alteration inflammation of the salivary glands. When it comes to a bacterial infection, on the other hand, inflammation can be felt in only one gland.
Parotid gland inflammation’s common causes include cysts, tumors, and Sjögren’s syndrome or dry mucous membranes. This is why it is essential to consult a specialist in the presence of an anomaly since the exact cause must be found to eliminate the alteration.
Swollen salivary glands: symptoms
Although the symptoms may vary between patients because they depend on the cause causing the inflammation in the parotid glands, some characteristics are usually frequent. The main symptoms of inflamed salivary glands are:
- I feel an abnormal taste in the mouth that tends to be quite unpleasant.
- Slightly decreased ability to open mouth.
- Feeling dry in the mouth.
- There is dryness in the oral cavity.
- Presence of fever, which can be mild or high.
- There is facial discomfort, mainly when eating.
- Redness on one side of the face or in the upper neck area.
- It is swelling in the face, especially under the jaw.
- Lump under the tongue .
Treatment for swollen saliva glands
To choose the best way to treat inflammation of the salivary glands, it is necessary to go to a medical consultation to determine the cause of said alteration to eliminate it. In general, to relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed; this treatment may be sufficient for cases in which it is caused by a viral infection, while if it is due to a bacterial invasion, it is accompanied with the administration of antibiotics. Sometimes if the condition does not improve and an abscess forms, a sac filled with pus, it becomes necessary to make an incision in the area to drain it.
Salivary gland stones: treatment
On the other hand, if it is a salivary stone or a cyst that causes inflamed salivary glands, the treatment will be based on removing this foreign body that is blocking the ducts. Depending on its location and size, the best method to remove it will be determined, so if it is close to the exit opening, the doctor may recommend regular massages to push it out or make a cut and extract it. If the stone is located further into the duct, the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy technique could be used, which will seek to fragment the rock and then come out with the saliva.
Removing the salivary glands will be the most recommended if it is constantly inflamed, suffers from chronic infection, and do not decrease if there is more than one salivary stone or it is large or if there is the presence of a tumor.
How to decrease inflammation of the salivary glands
In addition to medical treatment, it can be complemented with other care that helps relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery, including:
- Stimulate the salivary glands, this will increase the secretion of saliva and clean both the glands and the ducts. Such salivary stimulators can be sugar-free candies, gum, and acidic drinks.
- Gently massage the gland area.
- Maintain good hydration.
- Ensure proper oral cleaning.
- Place a warm compress for a few minutes on the salivary gland area.
- Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as they favor saliva production.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic or sugary drinks, coffee, and dairy.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Inflamed salivary glands: Treatments, we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.