Why does my salivary gland hurt

In many cases a fine needle aspiration biopsy in the doctor's office is helpful. An open biopsy, where a skin incision is made and a small sample of the gland removed, is not usually recommended in the office. This is an incisional biopsy and because of the possibility of injury to underlying nerves within the parotid gland may need to be done in the operating room.

Treatment of salivary diseases is broadly classified into two categories: medical and surgical. Selection of treatment depends upon the nature of the problem. If it is due to systemic diseases diseases that involve the whole body, not one isolated area , then the underlying problem process must be treated.

This may require consultation with other specialists. If the disease process relates to salivary gland obstruction and subsequent infection, antibiotics are used. Sometimes instrumentation of the ducts will be needed. If a mass has developed within the salivary gland, removal of the mass may be required. Most masses in the parotid gland area are benign. When surgery is necessary, great care must be taken to avoid damage to the facial nerve which lies within this gland.

When malignant masses are present in the parotid gland, it may be possible to surgically remove these masses and preserve most of the facial nerve.

Radiation treatment will often be recommended after surgery. This is typically administered four to six weeks after the surgical procedure to allow adequate healing before irradiation.

The same general principles apply to masses in the submandibular area or in the minor salivary glands within the mouth and upper throat. Also, inflamed salivary glands tend to produce less saliva, which flows more slowly than usual. As a result of this, the saliva sometimes pools in the glands, allowing the concentration of bacteria or viruses within the saliva to increase.

Bacteria tend to cause more salivary gland infections than viruses do. But some of the more common viruses known to cause of salivary gland infections include:.

People of all ages, including newborn babies, can develop salivary gland infections. They are especially common in older adults and people with chronic illnesses. There are three pairs of major salivary glands, with one of each pair located on either side of the face. Any of these six glands can develop an infection. The major salivary glands are the:.

The parotid and submandibular glands tend to become infected most often. Most salivary gland infections are acute or develop suddenly.

Infections related to obstructions or narrowed tubes may develop over time. Most of the symptoms of salivary gland infections only last around a week, though some minor swelling may linger for a few weeks. The specific symptoms of a salivary gland infection may differ between people and will depend on their location and severity. Elluru RG. Physiology of the salivary glands. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Inflammatory disorders of the salivary glands.

Editorial team. Salivary gland infections Parotitis; Sialadenitis. Causes Salivary gland infections are somewhat common, and they can return in some people. Bacterial infections are most often the result of a: Blockage from salivary duct stones Poor cleanliness in the mouth oral hygiene Low amounts of water in the body, most often while in the hospital Smoking Chronic illness Autoimmune diseases. Symptoms Symptoms include: Abnormal tastes , foul tastes Decreased ability to open the mouth Dry mouth Fever Mouth or facial "squeezing" pain , especially when eating Redness over the side of the face or the upper neck Swelling of the face particularly in front of the ears, below the jaw, or on the floor of the mouth.

Exams and Tests Your health care provider or dentist will do an exam to look for enlarged glands. Your provider may suggest a mumps blood test if multiple glands are involved. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Salivary gland malfunction. Salivary gland stones. Salivary gland infection. Salivary gland swelling.

Mouth and Throat Disorders. Test your knowledge. People differ in their susceptibility to nosebleeds. Some people get them often, others rarely or never.

Nosebleeds can be mild, with just a trickle of blood, or severe, with a strong stream of blood. From which of the following areas do nosebleeds usually originate? More Content. Click here for the Professional Version. Malfunctioning salivary glands produce less saliva, which causes dry mouth and tooth decay. Saliva flow can be measured, or doctors may biopsy salivary gland tissue. Locating the Major Salivary Glands.

Drinking too little liquid. Are in their 50s and 60s. Have had radiation therapy to the mouth area or radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. Spotlight on Aging: Dry Mouth Many older people have a dry mouth. For dry mouth, good dental hygiene and sometimes drugs.

For stones, pain relievers, fluids, physical measures, or sometimes removal. Avoid drugs that decrease saliva production. Sometimes a saliva substitute containing carboxymethylcellulose as a mouthwash. Was This Page Helpful?

Yes No. Submandibular Space Infection. Endocrine Glands.