Uncovering the Causes of Salivary Gland Swelling
Uncovering the Causes of Salivary Gland Swelling
What's This About?
Salivary gland swelling can have many causes, from common infections to rare conditions. Let's unravel the mystery behind this condition.
Contents
- Common Culprits
- Rare Causes
- Lifestyle Factors
Common Culprits
The usual suspects for salivary gland swelling include blockages from stones and infections. These lead to a backup of saliva, causing the gland to swell and sometimes become painful.
Rare Causes
Less common causes include tumors, either benign or malignant, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome. Identifying these causes requires thorough investigation and sometimes advanced imaging.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits like smoking, alcohol use, and poor oral hygiene can contribute to gland swelling. Addressing these lifestyle factors can often help prevent or reduce symptoms.
FAQs
What causes swelling in glands?
Common causes are stones and infections.
Are tumors a cause?
Yes, both benign and malignant tumors can cause swelling.
Can lifestyle affect gland swelling?
Yes, smoking and alcohol use are risk factors.
Key Takeaways
Identifying the cause of swelling is key to effective treatment.
Additional References
- Escudier MP, McGurk M. Symptomatic sialoadenitis and sialolithiasis in the English population, an estimate of the cost of hospital treatment. Br Dent J 1999; 186:463.
- Marchal F, Dulguerov P. Sialolithiasis management: the state of the art. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003; 129:951.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.