Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Approach to sialadenitis
Jonah Moore1, Matthew T W Simpson2, Natasha Cohen3
1Medical student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont. jmoore@qmed.ca.
Objective:
To provide family physicians with a practical evidence-based approach to the management of patients with sialadenitis.
Sources Of Information:
MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for English-language research on sialadenitis and other salivary gland disorders, as well as for relevant review articles and guidelines published between 1981 and 2021.
Main Message:
Sialadenitis refers to inflammation or infection of the salivary glands and is a condition that can be caused by a broad range of processes including infectious, obstructive, and autoimmune. History and physical examination play important roles in directing management, while imaging is often useful to establish a diagnosis. Red flags such as suspected abscess formation, signs of respiratory obstruction, facial paresis, and fixation of a mass to underlying tissue should prompt urgent referral to head and neck surgery or a visit to the emergency department.
Conclusion:
Family physicians can play an important role in the diagnosis and management of sialadenitis. Prompt recognition and treatment of the condition can prevent the development of complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...