Salivary gland infections, often caused by staph bacteria, commonly affect individuals with dry mouth conditions due to medications, dehydration, or surgery. These infections can also stem from factors like poor nutrition, inadequate dental hygiene, salivary stones, or a blocked salivary duct.
Salivary glands can develop various conditions that may result in discomfort or swelling. One such condition is salivary gland stones, or sialolithiasis, characterized by calcified deposits blocking saliva flow, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Another frequent issue is sialadenitis, a painful bacterial infection prevalent in elderly adults with salivary gland stones. Systemic viral infections can also target salivary glands, leading to facial swelling, pain, and eating difficulties. The most common viral infections to affect salivary glands include mumps and influenza.
Salivary gland disease, referring to problems inhibiting saliva production, can arise from obstructions or infections. They can manifest as benign tumors, salivary gland cancer, or sialadenitis. Such obstructions can escalate to severe infections, marked by high fever, pain, and swelling. The causes of salivary gland blockage vary, including salivary stones, duct narrowing due to scar tissue, dehydration, medication side effects, autoimmune diseases, and tumors.
Sialadenitis can arise from viral or bacterial infections or autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome. Bacterial infections often occur when saliva flow is impeded by stones or a narrowed duct. Most salivary gland infections stem from saliva obstruction, which can block flow in the parotid and submandibular glands or ducts, either due to stones or duct narrowing. Blocked saliva ducts can lead to discomfort and gland swelling. If a salivary gland disorder involves obstruction and infection, treatment options may be recommended by healthcare professionals.
For further information on salivary gland conditions, please visit UC Irvine Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Health System, Harvard Health, UC Irvine Medical Center, RUSH, UAB Otolaryngology, McGovern Medical School, and McGovern Medical School.
