Eren Tan* and Bing Mei Teh
Background: Sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) is commonly caused by salivary calculi or infection, although less common causes such as neoplasia or systemic inflammatory conditions are important to consider and rule out.
Objectives: This article provides an overview of the clinical presentation, workup and management of sialadenitis in the primary care setting, including common differential diagnoses and recommendations on when to refer for specialist care.
Discussion: The three major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Management of acute sialadenitis involves antibiotics, massage, hydration, sialogogues and removing medications causing salivary stasis. Salivary calculi may require removal via transoral or endoscopic techniques, or gland excision. It is important to consider other causes including viral infections, juvenile recurrent parotitis, or neoplasia. Patients with chronic sialadenitis or where the diagnosis is unclear should be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.
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