Sialadenitis (infection of the salivary glands) can occur due to dehydration

The condition of dry mouth due to dehydration can be bad for the salivary glands in the mouth and is a factor in increasing diseases that attack the salivary glands. One of them is an infection of the salivary glands or sialadenitis. Why is that and is it dangerous? Come on, see the following reviews.

What is sialadenitis?

Sialadenitis is an infection that affects one of the main salivary glands, the submandibular gland. This disease can be classified into two types, namely acute sialadenitis (short term) and chronic sialadenitis (long term) which often occurs in adults. However, even babies who are one week after birth can get this disease.

Causes and risk factors for sialadenitis

Acute sialadenitis occurs due to the presence of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and various bacteria Streptococcus strains . Meanwhile, chronic sialadentitis is more likely to be caused by blockage than infection. The blockage occurs due to a mixture of salt, protein and crystallized calcium carbonate (salivary calculus). If it continues to get worse, it will cause decreased saliva flow and chronic inflammation and can affect other salivary glands, namely the parotid.

In addition, dehydration and dry mouth are the main risk factors for sialadenitis. Therefore, this condition is more common in individuals who are already sick or who use drugs that cause dry mouth. There are several medical conditions that can also increase the risk of sialadenitis, such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypothyroidism
• Sjogren's Syndrome
• History of oral or oral radiation treatment

Why does dry mouth increase the risk of sialadenitis?

Saliva is important for lubricating the mouth, helps with swallowing, protects your teeth from bacteria, and aids digestion of food. If you are dehydrated, your mouth will automatically become dry and your salivary glands will also decrease in producing saliva.

Without saliva draining, the bacteria found in the salivary glands accumulate and can cause infection. Therefore, dehydration resulting in dry mouth can be a factor in increasing the risk of sialadenitis.

Symptoms of sialadenitis

Symptoms of acute sialadentitis can include:

• Pain and swelling of the affected gland, usually under the chin
• There is a soft lump over the affected gland and looks reddish
• If the area of ​​the gland is rubbed it can drain pus (abscess)
• Fever or chills

Symptoms of chronic sialadentitis can include:

• Pain in the part of the gland that is subjected to eating
• There may be swelling but it can be deflated
• Pain when pressed

How is this disease diagnosed?

Reporting from Verywell.com, the diagnosis of acute sialadentitis can be done by looking at your medical history, symptoms, and a doctor's examination. If your doctor is able to get a sample of pus from the affected gland, it can be sent to a laboratory to determine the cause of the infection. This information is useful in determining the best treatment.

Chronic sialadentitis is diagnosed in a manner similar to acute sialadentitis, but further emphasis must be exercised. An ultrasound or CT scan may be helpful. Also when tested by the doctor if the affected gland is massaged it will usually not produce any saliva.

How is it treated and prevented?

For the treatment of sialadenitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. At home, you can also apply warm water to the skin over the gland and then massage it gently. In cases of chronic sialadenitis, surgery can be performed, namely removing the salivary calculus.

Restoring proper saliva flow is also very important in the treatment of acute sialadentitis. This is best achieved by drinking lots of fluids, and eating, drinking, or inhaling things that stimulate the flow of saliva, such as lozenges or cough drops.

If you are sick and are taking medications that cause dry mouth, you will need to talk to your doctor about changing to a different medication or other ways you can treat this side effect.