Submandibular Gland Inflammation: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Sialadenitis

Hello Doctor, I had tonsillitis at the end of June, which involved pus, and I recovered within about a week.
Then, in early July, I developed a canker sore on the lower right side of my tongue (not on the tongue itself), which led to inflammation of the right submandibular gland.
It felt like the canker sore triggered pain in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) while eating on July 9, so I immediately visited an ENT clinic.
The doctor prescribed pain relief medication, and afterward, eating didn't hurt anymore, but there was still a small movable lump in the submandibular gland that felt warm.
I returned to the same clinic on July 16, and the doctor said I had excessive heat in my body and did not prescribe any medication.
I consulted two other doctors who also said it was nothing to worry about and would resolve on its own.
On August 2, I underwent an endoscopic examination at the hospital, and the doctor indicated that there were no abnormalities and suggested monitoring the situation without prescribing any medication.
The next day, I developed a fever due to laryngitis, which lasted about four days.
As of today, August 25, that small lump still occasionally hurts for a few seconds, and the TMJ also experiences brief pain from time to time.
I apologize for the lengthy description, but I would like to ask the doctor if I should undergo any further examinations.

fa wen zhe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/24

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a physical examination and X-ray.
Before the appointment, it may be beneficial to maintain adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/24

More Info

Submandibular gland inflammation, also known as submandibular sialadenitis, can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that often arises from various factors, including infections, blockages, or autoimmune disorders. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a series of events starting from a tonsillitis episode, which may have led to the inflammation of your submandibular gland.

Symptoms of Submandibular Gland Inflammation
The symptoms you are experiencing are consistent with submandibular gland inflammation. Common symptoms include:
1. Pain and Swelling: You mentioned a movable lump in the submandibular area, which is indicative of swelling in the gland. This swelling can be painful, especially when eating or moving the jaw.

2. Fever: The presence of fever, as you noted after your throat infection, can indicate an underlying infection that may have spread to the gland.

3. Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: Pain during meals, as you experienced, is common due to the inflammation affecting the surrounding tissues.

4. Dry Mouth: Inflammation can affect saliva production, leading to a dry mouth sensation.

5. Recurrent Pain: The intermittent pain you feel in the area, as well as in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), can be related to the inflammation and irritation of the surrounding structures.

Treatment Options
The treatment for submandibular gland inflammation typically depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
1. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help stimulate saliva flow, which may assist in clearing any blockages.

2. Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling.

3. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation.

4. Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is suspected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Given that you had a previous infection, this might be a consideration if symptoms persist or worsen.

5. Surgical Intervention: In cases where there is a blockage (such as a stone) or if the inflammation does not resolve with conservative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the obstruction or drain the gland.

When to Seek Further Evaluation
Given that you have been experiencing symptoms for an extended period (from July to August) without significant improvement, it may be prudent to seek further evaluation. Here are some recommendations:
1. Follow-Up with an ENT Specialist: If you haven't already, consider seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a more thorough examination. They may perform imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to assess the gland's condition.

2. Salivary Gland Function Tests: These tests can help determine if the gland is functioning properly and if there are any blockages.

3. Blood Tests: If autoimmune conditions are suspected, blood tests may be necessary to rule out conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including any changes in pain, swelling, or associated symptoms like fever. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while many cases of submandibular gland inflammation resolve on their own, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation. It's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

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