Adult Health NursingYear II, Semester III

Prepared by Yasir Mumtaz

SALIVARY GLAND DISORDERS

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Unit III

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definitionA number of diseases can affect your salivary

glands. These range from cancerous tumors to Sjögren’s syndrome.

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causes

1. You have three major salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. They are responsible for producing saliva. The most common cause of salivary gland problems is blocked glands, which can cause painful symptoms.

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causesSialolithiasis and sialadenitis are problems that

can occur in the salivary glands. Sialolithiasis occurs when stones made of calcium form in the salivary glands. These stones can block the glands, which can partially or completely stop the flow of saliva.

Sialadenitis is an infection in a salivary gland. It often results from stones blocking the gland. Staph or strep bacteria can cause this infection. Older adults and infants are most likely to develop this condition.

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causesSjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome

is another common salivary gland disorder. It occurs when white blood cells target healthy cells in moisture-producing glands. Examples include the salivary, sweat, and oil glands. This condition most commonly affects women with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus.

Viruses also can affect the salivary glands. These include mumps, Coxsackie virus, echovirus, and cytomegalovirus.

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causesCancerous and noncancerous tumors may

develop in the salivary glands as well. Cancerous tumors of the salivary glands are rare, and typically occur between ages 50 and 60.

Noncancerous tumors that can affect the parotid glands include pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin’s tumors. Benign pleomorphic adenomas can also grow in the submandibular gland and the minor salivary glands. This is rare.

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Sign & symptomsFor sialolithiasis, symptoms include:

Painful lump under the tongue Pain that increases when eating

Sialadenitis symptoms include: Lump in your cheek or under your chin Pus that drains into your mouth Strong or foul-smelling pus Fever

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Sign & symptomsCysts that grow in your salivary glands can cause:

Yellow mucus drainage upon bursting Difficulty eating Trouble speaking Difficulty swallowing

Viral infections, such as mumps, in the salivary glands can cause: Fever Muscle aches Joint pain Swelling on both sides of the face Headache

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Sign & symptomsSjögren’s syndrome symptoms include:

Dry mouth Tooth decay Sores in the mouth Joint pain Dry cough Unexplained fatigue Swollen salivary glands Frequent salivary gland infections Dry eyes

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Treatment for salivary gland disorders depends upon the disease type and how advanced it is.

For example, if there is a mass in salivary gland, the physician may recommend surgery to remove the mass or the gland itself. If the mass is cancerous, then there is a need of radiation treatments to kill off cancerous cells.

Drinking a lot of water, using sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva, and massaging the gland with heat may help with infections and stones.

Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections.Stones may be removed using endoscopes, lithotripsy,

or surgery.

treatment

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references

http://www.healthline.com/health/salivary-gland-disorders

http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/salivary-gland-disorders/overview.html