Sialadenitis

Sialadenitis is inflammation of a salivary gland. It may be subdivided temporally into acute, chronic and recurrent forms. Alternate spelling:Sialoadenitis

Acute Form

Predisposing factors

• decreased flow (dehydration, post-op, drugs)
• poor oral hygiene
• exacerbation of low grade chronic sialoadenitis

Clinical features

• Painful swelling
• Reddened skin
• Oedema of the cheek, Periorbital region and neck
• low grade fever
• malaise
• raised ESR, CRP, leucocytosis
• purulent exudate from duct punctum

Chronic Form

Clinical Features

• unilateral
• mild pain / swelling
• common after meals
• duct orifice is reddened and flow decreases
• may or may not have visible/palpable stone.
• Parotid gland
  • Recurrent painful swellings
• Submandibular gland
  • Usually secondary to sialolithiasis or stricture

Treatment: antibiotics that cover oral flora (Augmentin or Clindamycin) Steroids for swelling and inflammation Sour candy and foods to stimulate saliva excretion Pain control Hydration

See also

• Sialoendoscopy