Salivary gland infections

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Head and neck glands

Parotitis; Sialadenitis

In some cases, no treatment is needed.

If there is pus or a fever, or if the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

If there is an abscess, surgery to drain it or aspiration may be done.

Practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing thoroughly at least twice per day may help with healing and prevent an infection from spreading. If you are a smoker, stop smoking to help with recovery.

Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) may be soothing and keep the mouth moist.

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Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva and reduce swelling. Massaging the gland with heat may help.

Most salivary gland infections go away on their own or are cured with treatment. Some infections will return. Complications are not common, but they may occur.

• Abscess of salivary gland
• Infection returns
• Spread of infection (cellulitis, Ludwig's angina)

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of a salivary gland infection
• You've been diagnosed with a salivary gland infection and symptoms get worse, especially if your fever increases or you have breathing or swallowing difficulty (these may be emergency symptoms).

Review Date: 02/28/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).