Swollen Salivary Glands

As the term clearly suggests, salivary glands are involved for production of saliva. Since saliva is secreted externally into ducts, they are grouped under exocrine glands.

All the salivary glands (both major and minor) end in the oral cavity, where they release saliva to start partial digestion of ingested foods. Besides breaking down of foods, saliva is responsible for keeping the mouth hydrated and minimizing dental problems. Swollen salivary glands impairs normal secretion of saliva, and manifest painful symptoms.

We come across cases like swollen salivary glands under the tongue, in the neck and cheek. This is due to the fact that three major pairs of salivary glands are present in different locations.

They are, the parotid glands (largest glands that enclose ramus of the mandible), submandibular glands (present on the underside of the lower jaw) and the sublingual glands (located beneath the tongue). In addition to these, there are several other minor salivary glands (more than 600 in number).

The causes of swollen salivary glands can be attributed to many factors. Any abnormality in the glands can lead to swelling and irritation. One of the major reasons is salivary duct calculus, which is accompanied with swelling and pain of the glands and blockage of the ducts. In HIV patients, swelling of the glands is manifested due to lymphocytic infiltration.

Other probable causes include the following.

• Stones in the salivary duct
• Scarring of the salivary ducts
• Salivary gland tumors

• Infection of the salivary glands
• Mumps and other viral infections
• Bacterial parotitis
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Sarcoidosis
• Sialadenosis (benign swelling)
• Cysts formation

Swelling of salivary glands may result in a number of referred symptoms, especially those affecting the mouth and facial parts. While some patients have difficulty in opening mouth, talking and eating, others experience dry mouth and foul taste in mouth. General pain in the mouth area and face is a common complaint raised by patients. In case of infections, running high temperature and fever are typical symptoms.

Swelling of salivary glands is identified by monitoring the symptoms and analyzing medical history of the individual. The doctor will examine the glands for tenderness and pain symptoms.

For confirmation, blood tests and imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, MRI) are taken to check for presence of stones, tumors or alike abnormalities. Rarely incisional biopsy and pus swab (if applicable) are taken to rule out severe medical complications. Based on these tests reports, appropriate treatment will be recommended for the patient.

If swollen salivary glands stem from bacterial parotitis or other infections, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic course for treating this salivary gland disorder. In case of stones lodging in the ducts, a non-invasive surgery will be suggested for removing them.

For patients diagnosed with initial stages of salivary gland tumor, medications are recommended to arrest the condition. If required, surgery is performed to excise the affected glands. Thus, treatment for swelling of salivary glands is decided with reference to the causal factors.

Home care is focused on reducing swelling, tenderness and managing pain symptoms (if any). Applying warm compresses, staying hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water are practical ways to address swelling of salivary glands. And while dealing with blocked salivary gland, home remedy like gentle massaging of the affected glands is suggested to ensure normal flow of saliva to the mouth floor and oral cavity.

Prompt recovery is achieved in many instances. Say for example, mumps and other viral infections subside on their own within 10 days, even without treatment. However, Sjogren's disease is a chronic ailment and treatment is aimed at stimulating production of saliva.

Thumb rules to minimize the risks of salivary gland swelling are practicing good oral hygiene, drinking sufficient water, eating healthy diet, smoking abstinence and avoiding unhealthy habits.