Salivary Gland Disorders: Cause, Symptoms & Diagnose

Your salivary glands have an essential role in producing saliva that keeps the mouth soggy, assists in digesting food and guards the teeth against decay. The salivary glands are quite small and found around the inner facings of cheeks, lips and mouth. 

There are plenty of diseases that potentially can affect the salivary glands, ranging from Sjogren’s syndrome to cancerous tumours. While some conditions can be treated with antibiotics, others need specific treatment such as endoscopic surgery Tampa. 

 

What Causes Salivary Gland Disorders?

The human body consists of 3 paired salivary glands known as the Sublingual, submandibular and parotid glands. They’re accountable for producing salvia. Congested salivary glands are the most common cause of Salivary Gland Disorders —they can cause serious and painful symptoms. 

 

However, viruses such as cytomegalovirus, echovirus, coxsackievirus, mumps and flu virus can also impact the salivary glands badly.

 

What are the symptoms of salivary gland diseases? 

• Fever 
• Foul- or strong-smelling pus 
• Pus that drains out to the mouth
• Lump under the chin or in the cheek 
• Increasing pain during eating 
• Painful lump under the tongue 
• Difficulty in swallowing, speaking and eating 
• Yellow mucus that flows out when the cyst torrents 

 

How are salivary gland diseases diagnosed? 

In such conditions, it is crucial to consider seeing an experienced and certified ENT specialist. They will recommend you some testing based on the physical examination and medical history. Some salivary gland disorders are obvious from the physical exam and history, while some require special attention from the ENT.