Salivary glands are located in the mouth and produce saliva, which helps us swallow food and clean our teeth. They also secrete digestive enzymes into the stomach. If you have trouble swallowing or chewing, you may have problems with your salivary glands.
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health. The three major types of salivary glands include parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Each type has its own function and location.
Salivary gland surgery involves removing these glands from their normal position in order to treat various conditions such as sialolithiasis (stones), cysts, tumors, and infections. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Symptoms of Sialadenitis
1. Sore throat
Sore throats can occur from many different causes. Some common ones include viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and even stress. If your sore throat is accompanied by fever, chills, or any other flu-like symptoms, then it may be indicative of strep throat. This infection is caused by bacteria that enter through the mouth and travel down the back of the throat into the pharynx.
2. Swollen glands
If you have swollen glands, this could indicate a condition called sialadenitis. These glands are located near the corners of your mouth and are responsible for producing saliva. They become inflamed due to various reasons, including allergies, trauma, and infections.
3. White patches
White patches can appear anywhere on your body, but they tend to show up around the eyes, nose, ears, lips, and genitals. They can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and infections.
Treatment options for salivary gland problems
Saliva is produced by the parotid glands located at the sides of your mouth. These are two small glands that produce saliva. They are responsible for producing about 1-2 quarts (0.9 - 1.8 liters) of saliva per day.
This is usually enough to keep your mouth moist, but if you have dry mouth, you may need to increase your daily intake of water. Contact a general surgery hospital in Coimbatore for a proper consultation with professionals about treatment procedures.
There are many different kinds of medications that can help treat dry mouth. Some of these include:
a. Lubricants – You can use lubricating gels, sprays, or lozenges to coat your tongue and throat.
b. Anticholinergics – These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain that stimulates salivation. Common examples of this type of drug include Atropine, Scopolamine, and Hyoscyamine.
c. Antihistamines – These drugs reduce the amount of histamine in the body, which helps prevent inflammation and itching. Examples of antihistamines include Diphenhydramine, Cyproheptadine, and Chlorpheniramine.
d. Stimulants – These drugs stimulate the nerves in the mouth, causing them to send signals to the brain that cause the production of saliva. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.
There may be some minor pain inside the mouth where the duct was opened. Most patients can return to work or school the next day. To prevent bleeding, avoid intense activity, exercise, lifting more than 10 pounds, extreme bending or straining for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, sialadenitis is a condition where the salivary glands become inflamed. To receive proper treatment for salivary gland disorders, consult with a Coimbatore general surgeon.
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