Sialoadenitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Sialoadenitis is an inflammation or infection of one or more of your salivary glands. A small stone can block the salivary gland and cause inflammation. Infection may be caused by a virus or bacteria. You can develop sialoadenitis on one or both sides of your face.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have trouble breathing or swallowing because of swelling.
Call your doctor if:
- You have trouble opening your mouth because of swelling.
- Your salivary gland gets more red and hot or drains more pus.
- The pain and swelling do not go away within 2 days, or they get worse.
- Your mouth is very dry.
- You lose movement on one side of your face.
- You have questions about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need one or more of the following:
- Antibiotics may be given to treat a bacterial infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage or prevent sialoadenitis:
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more liquids than usual. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, tea, soup, juice, or milk.
- Practice good oral care. Brush your teeth 2 times a day, 1 time in the morning and 1 time in the evening. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth 1 time each day, usually in the evening. Use mouthwash after you floss. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out.
- Keep your mouth moist. Suck on hard candy or chew sugarless gum to get your saliva flowing. Sour and tart flavors such as lemon and orange will help get saliva to flow. This will help keep your mouth moist and help push out a stone blocking your salivary duct.
- Apply a warm, wet cloth and massage the swollen area as directed. This may help relieve swelling and pain by pushing the pus out of the gland.
Follow up with your doctor or dentist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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