Spit Gland Infection
What to look for
Swelling on the face, around the area of the glands.
Pain gets worse when hungry or when food is seen or smelt.
Duct openings inside the mouth may be red, swollen or tender to the touch.
It is possible for a small stone to block a duct and cause infection. You may be able to feel the stone near where the duct enters the mouth.
The most common salivary gland infection in children is mumps.
Tumors: Primary benign and malignant salivary gland tumors usually show up as painless enlargements of these glands.
Treatment
Reduce the infection and swelling first with a short course of antibiotics and analgesics.
Apply a wet, hot cloth to the swelling as often as possible.
Give enough soft food to prevent the person from feeling hungry – this will help to reduce pain.
When the person feels better, a doctor can try to remove any obvious blockage.
If in doubt, refer for specialist help.
Risk Factors
- Mumps – (most common among children who have not been immunized)
- HIV
- Herpes
- Gland – a salivary stone or duct blocked by mucous or a salivary duct blocked by mucous
- Cancer – a tumor in gland
- Sjogren’s syndrome – (an autoimmune condition that causes dry mouth)
- Malnutrition – or dehydration
- Radiation – cancer treatment of the head and neck
- Cleaning – inadequate oral hygiene
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