Infections of the Salivary Gland

Infections of the Salivary Gland

Article
Dental Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAOct 27, 2020

The topic Infections of the Salivary Gland you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Salivary Gland Infections.

Quick Summary:

  • Salivary gland infections are viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that occurs in the salivary glands and ducts, which cause swelling of the salivary glands
  • Salivary glands produce saliva that helps in:
    • Lubricating the mouth
    • Swallowing        
    • Protects the teeth against bacteria
    • Digestion of food
  • There are 3 major types of salivary glands which are:
    • Parotid glands, found on the sides of the face
    • Submandibular glands located at the back of mouth, on both sides of the jaw
    • Sublingual glands that are seen under the floor of the mouth 
  • When a virus, bacteria, or fungus attack these salivary glands, the condition is termed as Salivary Gland Infection
  • Older adults, individuals with poor oral hygiene, HIV-infected individuals, diabetics, and alcoholics are more at risk of Salivary Gland Infections
  • Diagnosis of the condition is made by physical examinations and imaging studies, which include ultrasound and MRI scan
  • Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, viral infections are not treated with antiviral agents, and fungal infections are treated with anti-fungal medications
  • Mild salivary gland infections get better on their own, while the more severe infections can be cured by effective treatment and management methods
  • Complications are not common, but may occur in rare cases such as abscess formation, recurrence of infection, and spread of infection to blood (blood poisoning or septicemia) 

Please find comprehensive information on Salivary Gland Infections regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!