How do you Diagnose Sialadenitis?
Your doctor will first take a thorough medical history and then perform a physical examination of the face and neck area. In most cases the doctor can diagnose a salivary gland infection with a visual examination; however you may be advised to do additional testing to determine the underlying cause.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This can show presence of infection
- Culture & Sensitivity Tests: The salivary duct discharge can be cultured and antibiotic sensitivity testing can be carried out to detect bacterial infection
- Sialendoscopy: It is an endoscopic procedure to examine the ducts of the salivary glands
- Dental X-rays: This accurately pinpoints the obstruction in the ducts of the salivary glands
- MRI / CT Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images of the salivary glands in cases where surgery is to be performed
- Biopsy: Salivary gland tissue may be removed and examined under the microscope, if your doctor suspects an autoimmune disorder or a tumor
How can you Treat Sialadenitis?
Antibiotic therapy: treatment is advised if sialadenitis is due to bacterial infection. The exudates can be cultured to find out the causative bacteria and then treated with appropriate antibiotics
NSAIDs: These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, among others, which provide symptomatic pain relief
Hydration: Keeping well hydrated by increasing fluid intake can counteract the decreased flow of saliva. Your doctor may advise you to drink plenty of fluids or eat and drink things such as hard candy or lemon juice that increase saliva flow
Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected gland may be soothing
Gland massage: Gentle massage may help move the salivary stone out of the gland
Sialogogues: These are drugs, such as pilocarpine, that stimulate salivary secretion
Good oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing sialadenitis
Surgery: This may be indicated if there are more than three attacks of sialadentis per year
How to Prevent Sialadenitis?
The risk of sialadenitis can be reduced by maintaining good oral hygiene. It is advisable to brush and floss teeth twice daily. Eating a well balanced diet and drinking one and half to two liters of water daily is also helpful.
Smoking is to be avoided. You can lower your risk of contracting viral infections such as mumps and influenza by getting vaccinated against them.
