Elluru RG. Physiology of the salivary glands. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 81. Show
Jackson NM, Mitchell JL, Walvekar RR. Inflammatory disorders of the salivary glands. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 83. Sialadenitis refers to a swollen salivary gland. It’s caused by infections, autoimmune diseases and salivary gland stones. When a salivary gland becomes inflamed, it can stop functioning. Sialadenitis usually goes away in about a week. But if you develop severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911.
OverviewSialadenitis can affect any salivary gland. But it most often affects your parotid or submandibular salivary glands.What is sialadenitis?“Sialadenitis” is the medical term for inflammation of one or more of your salivary glands. Salivary glands are the glands that make your saliva (spit). Saliva helps you swallow, digest food and protects your teeth from harmful bacteria. There are three major salivary glands:
In addition to your major salivary glands, you have hundreds of minor salivary glands. These smaller glands are in your lips, inner cheeks and all throughout the linings of your mouth and throat. Sialadenitis mostly affects your parotid and submandibular glands. It can be an acute (sudden), chronic (long-term), or recurrent (returning) condition. Sialadenitis is rare. Who gets sialadenitis?Anyone can get sialadenitis. But it’s most common among adults older than 50, especially those who have salivary gland stones. Sialadenitis can also occur in other age groups, including:
Is sialadenitis serious?Without proper treatment, sialadenitis can spread into the deep tissues of your head and neck, causing a severe infection. It’s important to see a healthcare provider right away if you have any sialadenitis symptoms, such as pain, swelling and fever. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of sialadenitis?Symptoms of sialadenitis include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away. What causes sialadenitis?Sialadenitis causes include:
Is sialadenitis contagious?It depends on the cause. If sialadenitis is the result of an infection, then you can spread the infection to others through sneezing, coughing or coming into contact with infected saliva. If a salivary gland stone caused sialadenitis, then there’s no risk of passing the condition on to someone else. Diagnosis and TestsHow is sialadenitis diagnosed?A healthcare provider will diagnose sialadenitis through a physical examination and a history of your symptoms. They may also examine your salivary glands with an endoscope (a tiny camera with a light attached). Your healthcare provider might use a salivary gland scan to find blockages. They’ll use ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans for this test. In some cases, your provider might refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) for further evaluation. An ENT is a provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat conditions. Management and TreatmentHow do you get rid of swollen salivary glands?There are several ways to manage sialadenitis, including:
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. AntibioticsAntibiotics are usually the first line of sialadenitis treatment. The most common antibiotics for sialadenitis include dicloxacillin, cephalosporin or clindamycin. Home remediesYour healthcare provide may also recommend home remedies to help decrease pain and increase saliva flow, including:
Nonsurgical treatmentsIn some cases, your healthcare provider may deliver intravenous (IV) medications through a vein in your arm. They’ll give you saline or dextrose solutions to keep you hydrated and antibiotics to fight infection. Surgical treatmentsIf sialadenitis doesn’t respond to other treatments, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. If you’ve developed an abscess (a pocket of pus), they’ll drain the infection and remove any stones or other blockages. They may also use an endoscope to examine your salivary gland. Healthcare providers call this procedure a sialendoscopy. How long does it take to recover from sialadenitis?In most cases, salivary gland infections resolve after one week with conservative treatment. If you had surgery, it could take about two weeks to fully recover. Can sialadenitis go away on its own?Infected or swollen salivary glands often go away on their own or with conservative treatment. But if you have lingering symptoms, such as swelling, pain, fever or difficulty swallowing, call your healthcare provider right away. You may need emergency treatment. PreventionHow can I reduce my risk for sialadenitis?You may not be able to prevent sialadenitis completely. But there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have sialadenitis?Generally, people with sialadenitis feel better in about one week with conservative treatment. If you need surgery, it could take two weeks for swelling and bruising to subside. Sialadenitis can recur (return) in some people. While you can’t always prevent recurrence, you can reduce your risk by practicing good oral hygiene, staying hydrated and avoiding smoking. Is sialadenitis fatal?Left untreated, a salivary gland infection can spread to the tissues of your head and neck. This is a life-threatening event. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the emergency room immediately. Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?If you have lingering sialadenitis symptoms, such as facial swelling and fever that lasts for more than three days, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can find out what caused your swollen salivary gland and recommend appropriate treatment. When should I go to the ER?If you develop severe sialadenitis symptoms — such as difficulty breathing or swallowing — call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. You may need emergency treatment to avoid life-threatening complications. A note from Cleveland Clinic Sialadenitis refers to inflammation of one or more of your salivary glands. It usually gets better in about a week with conservative treatments. But if your symptoms linger, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek emergency medical care right away. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/29/2022. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information enewsCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesHead & Neck InstituteOur providers specialize in head and neck surgery and oncology; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; general otolaryngology; laryngology; otology, neurotology and lateral skull base disorders; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery; surgical sleep; dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and allied hearing, speech and balance services. Related Institutes & ServicesHead & Neck InstituteOur providers specialize in head and neck surgery and oncology; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; general otolaryngology; laryngology; otology, neurotology and lateral skull base disorders; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery; surgical sleep; dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and allied hearing, speech and balance services. More health news + infoShow More
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How do I get rid of a swollen salivary gland under my jaw?Rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses (one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water) to ease pain and keep the mouth moist. To speed up healing, stop smoking if you are a smoker. Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva and reduce swelling.
What does a clogged salivary gland feel like?Common symptoms of blocked salivary glands include: a sore or painful lump under the tongue. pain or swelling below the jaw or ears. pain that increases when eating.
How long does it take for salivary gland swelling to go down?When a salivary gland becomes inflamed, it can stop functioning. Sialadenitis usually goes away in about a week. But if you develop severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911.
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