Diving Deep into Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Approaches
Abstract
Sialadentitis and Sialadenosis are among the commonest reasons for swelling of the submandibular gland. There are mild differences between both the conditions. Sialadentitis is an inflammatory condition of the salivary gland, usually due to viral or bacterial infections, whereas Sialadenosis is a non-inflammatory condition that affects the parotid or the submandibular gland.
Sialadentitis of the parotid gland is commoner than that of submandibular gland. To know the disease better we need to know the anatomy and physiology of the salivary gland. Salivary gland consists of – sublingual, submandibular and parotid gland. Among these three parotid glands is the largest one due to which it is more prone to diseases. Commonly disorders of salivary glands are due to pathology of any of these glands.

Introduction
Both the two diseases Sialadentitis and Sialadenosis are the disorders of the salivary gland. Major functions of salivary glands are that it maintains our oral health and also the overall health. It also helps keep cavities away and lubrication to the food we chew hence helps in better digestion too. Hence pathologies in this part can cause a lot of disorders in the overall functioning of the body.
Sialadentitis – Sialadentitis is the commonest cause of acute salivary gland infection that may be caused due to various types of infection like bacterial, fungal or viral. Sialadentitis is the inflammation of the submandibular gland that can result from dryness of the mouth due to salivary stone, inadequate consumption of fluid and many others.
Sialadenosis – Sialadenosis on the other hand is a non inflammatory condition mainly of the parotid gland and very rarely the submandibular gland due to any other systemic disease. It is a chronic condition, and can be painless.
Causes
Causes Of Sialadentitis
- Infections (Viral, bacterial of Fungal)
- Dehydration due to less intake of fluid or intake of diuretics
- Poor oral hygiene
- Malnutrition
- Medications (antihistamines or diuretics)
Causes Of Sialadenosis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Vitamin deficiency
- Malabsorption
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver cirrhosis
Sign And Symptoms
Sign And Symptoms Of Sialadentitis include
- Enlargement and tenderness of salivary gland
- Difficulty in swallowing and eating
- Pain and swelling in mouth
- Fever with chills
- Dryness of mouth
- Lower secretion of saliva than usual
- Foul taste in mouth
- Swelling seen in nearby regions like neck and cheeks
Signs and symptoms of Sialadenosis includes
- Painless
- Lower secretion of saliva than usual
- Tenderness
- Bilateral Enlargement parotid gland
Diagnosis Of Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis
- Physical examinations – History taking of patient
- X-Ray to check for inflammation
- CT scan (Computerised Tomography) – to rule out sialolith
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) – to check for nay malignancies
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Salivary gland scan
Treatment Of Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis
- Reestablishment of hydration of the patient
- Administration of antibiotics may be required
- Massage of salivary gland or heat compressions may be effective
- Surgical removal can be done
Complications
Complications Of Sialadentitis And Sialadenosis Includes The Following
- Recurrence of the disease
- Formation of abscess (most serious of all)
- Tooth decay
Ayurvedic Aspect Of Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis
In Ayurveda these diseases are considered among mukha rogas that are 65 in numbers. that are diseases of the mouth or the buccal cavity. Achrya Sushruta says that these mukha rogas are due to alteration of the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha as just like the functioning of entire body these three doshas also plays an important role in the functioning of mukha i.e the mouth. Vitiation of vata and kapha dosha causes pain and inflammation of the salivary gland. These vitiation of doshas are due to poor lifestyle and other ill dietary choices. Not maintaining required dental hygiene also plays an important role.
Lakshanas
- Dryness, hardness and roughness in the glands
- Blackish discoloration
- Pain and swelling
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other mouth related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Sialadenitis And Sialadenosis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues