SALIVARY GLAND INFECTION

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION
An infection of a salivary gland caused by an infectious organism other than the virus that causes the mumps. It is more common in men.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Pain and swelling of parotid gland (behind ear) or sublingual (under tongue) salivary gland.
Pain and swelling of lymph glands in the neck (below jaw). Bitter pus in the mouth from the infected gland. Fever.

CAUSES
Bacterial infection caused by staphylococci or another of many strains of bacteria.

RISK INCREASES WITH
Adults over 60. Smoking. Dehydration. Poor oral hygiene. Poor nutrition, especially vitamin deficiency. Recent or chronic illness that has lowered resistance, especially mouth infection. Use of drugs that cause dry mouth. Salivary duct stones.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Brush and floss teeth often and use antiseptic mouthwash, especially when ill. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

EXPECTED OUTCOME
Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment. If the gland becomes blocked with a stone or scar tissue, surgery is necessary before the infection can clear.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Complete, permanent blockage of the salivary-gland duct, which requires surgery.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies, such as a culture of pus from the infected gland. Treatment is with antibiotics. Apply warm soaks or a heating pad on low setting to ease pain and hasten healing. 

MEDICATION
Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection. For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

ACTIVITY
No restrictions. Resume normal activities when fever disappears.

DIET
No special diet. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day.

NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You or a family member has symptoms of a salivary-gland infection. The infection does not improve in 4 days or symptoms worsen despite treatment. Fever persists despite treatment, or recurs after treatment.