Salivary gland blockage, treatment
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The salivary glands are located under the oral mucosa. The function of any salivary gland is to produce saliva. The secret is secreted through the ducts into the oral cavity, thereby facilitating the digestion process. An enzyme - amylase, present in saliva, promotes the breakdown of starch and conversion to maltose.
There are two groups of salivary glands:
- large - in the ears (parotid), under the jaw (submandibular) and under the tongue (sublingual glands). They are paired, three on each side of the head and neck. The parotid is the largest salivary gland, located in front and below the auricle. The submandibular glands occupy the upper part of the neck.
- small glands - are located on the lips, mouth and throat. There are about 600 of them, mainly mucus, which performs a protective and moisturizing function.
Congestion in the salivary glands, or in other words, blocking the normal flow of saliva provokes edema, which is unstable, occurs during meals, accompanied by painful sensations. Treatment of saliva stagnation may not be necessary, often this pathology goes away on its own, but in some cases, surgical intervention is indispensable.
Clogging of the salivary glands can form in the large salivary glands and their ducts, in the submandibular glands, in the parotid. In the parotid glands it is much less common because their ducts are wider. The sublingual glands are rarely blocked. Obstructive signs are manifested as a result of the appearance of mucous plugs in the ducts that excrete saliva. In some cases, namely with stenosis (narrowing of the canal opening), it occurs as a secondary symptom of chronic trauma.
All factors that contribute to a decrease in saliva production or a change in its consistency (thickening) lead to the process of stone formation. So one of the reasons for the appearance of stones in the salivary glands is the mineral substances contained in saliva. Basically, calcium is found in their composition. Also among the reasons are dehydration, malnutrition.
Often taking certain medications of an antihistamine and psychotropic nature and drugs designed to normalize blood pressure and urinary function. Damage to the salivary glands is also among the reasons that increase the risk of blockages. While the process is just developing, there are no symptoms that cause concern to the patient.
But, as soon as this leads to a blockage of the duct, the outflow of saliva is disrupted, and pains appear, and swelling of the gland is observed. The pain is intermittent, with the progression of the process, the condition can worsen significantly and the infection joins. X-ray is considered an effective method for diagnosing blockage of glands; it is performed in several projections, including inside the oral cavity. Sialography or x-rays using a contrast agent are often done.
Treatment for blockage of the salivary glands
Treatment consists in stimulating salivation by sucking on a lemon or sour fruit. If the blockage occurs due to stone formation, the dentist manually pushes the seal out of the duct. For larger stones, the intervention of a surgeon is required. Today doctors are using sialoscopy, a new method of stone removal developed in Europe.
Irreversible processes in advanced cases are dangerous by surgical removal of the entire gland. The attached infection is eliminated with antibiotics. Most salivary blockages go away over time, but conservative treatment, such as massage of the glands, can help get rid of such a pathology. It is possible to improve the function of the glands through the use of medicinal substances that stimulate the production of saliva, they are prescribed by a doctor.
The pain is so severe that pain relievers may need to be prescribed. Relapses are frequent in people prone to blockages of the salivary glands. It is not yet known about scientifically based methods of preventing blockage of the salivary ducts. But according to the observations of doctors, this happens in those who live in areas with hard tap water, in those suffering from urolithiasis and from the formation of stones in the gallbladder.
Most often, the blockage affects the submandibular gland, less often the parotid glands and almost never the sublingual glands. there are no special rules for the prevention of blockage, it all depends on the individual characteristics of each person. It is imperative to avoid the influence of various traumatic factors. And it is important to remember the rules of oral hygiene. Children must be taught to them from an early age.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
