Question 1

What does it mean if my salivary gland only swells when I eat but then goes down afterward?

Accepted Answer

This pattern usually suggests a blockage in the salivary duct, often from a small stone. When you eat, saliva flow increases but cannot drain properly, leading to painful swelling that eases once saliva production reduces. This is known as “mealtime syndrome” and is a common feature of obstructive sialadenitis.

Question 2

Can sialadenitis come back even after treatment, and what makes some people more prone to recurrences?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some people do experience recurrent episodes. This can happen if stones form again, if the duct remains narrow, or if underlying conditions such as autoimmune disease reduce saliva flow. Staying well hydrated, maintaining oral hygiene, and follow-up with a specialist can help reduce the chance of recurrence.

Question 3

Is it safe to leave mild sialadenitis untreated if the swelling goes away on its own?

Accepted Answer

While mild swelling that settles quickly may not require urgent intervention, it is best not to ignore it. Even if symptoms resolve, the underlying cause could still be present, and repeated flare-ups may lead to complications. A specialist assessment ensures that nothing serious is missed.

Question 4

How can I tell the difference between a blocked salivary gland and an infected one?

Accepted Answer

A blocked gland often causes swelling and pain that worsens with eating but without fever or pus. An infected gland is more likely to be tender, red, and warm, and may produce pus at the duct opening. Infection can also cause fever and a general feeling of being unwell. Because the symptoms overlap, professional diagnosis is important.

Question 5

Does sialadenitis ever cause long-term damage to the salivary gland or the surrounding tissues?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, prompt treatment prevents lasting problems. However, if infections are severe or left untreated, they can cause scarring of the duct, reduced saliva flow, or rarely spread beyond the gland. Chronic obstruction may also weaken the gland over time. Early care reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Question 6

Are there lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of salivary stones forming again in the future?

Accepted Answer

Yes, simple steps can make a difference. Staying well hydrated throughout the day, practising good oral hygiene, and using sugar-free gum or sour lollies to stimulate saliva can all help reduce the risk. Limiting dehydration from alcohol, caffeine, or certain medications may also lower the chance of stone formation.

Question 7

Can children with recurrent parotitis eventually grow out of it, or does it always require surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many children with juvenile recurrent parotitis see their symptoms improve with age, and the condition often resolves after puberty. Surgery is rarely required in children, as most cases are managed with supportive care and careful monitoring by an ENT specialist.

Question 8

Sources:

Accepted Answer

Acute Submandibular Sialadenitis in a 9-Month-Old Infant: A Case Reporthttps://www.theijcp.org/index.php/ijcp/article/view/484/403

Salivary Gland Disorders - AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians)https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0601/p882.html

Technique and efficacy of sialendoscopy in the management of salivary gland diseasehttps://www.theajo.com/article/view/4821/html

Approach to sialadenitis - PMC (National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10426371/

Sialadenitis - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/sialadenitis/

Submandibular Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562211/

Submandibular Sialadenitis/Sialadenosis - Medscape Referencehttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/882358-overview

Category: ENT Surgery

What is Sialadenitis? (Inflamed Salivary Glands)

Cold Ablation Techniques for Tonsils

Snoring Treatments – Causes, Risks and Options

Difficult Breathing? – Understanding Nasal Congestion and Its Causes

How to Care for your Professional Voice