Management of infections of the salivary glands

Abstract

Infections of the salivary gland most commonly affect the major glands. Infections may present as an acute, chronic, or acute and chronic problem. The most common pathogens identified are viral and bacterial. Children are affected with the same diseases as adults. Adults most commonly present with total gland obstruction associated with sialolithiasis, ductal stenosis, or sialectasis. Patients with recurrent symptoms should be investigated electively. Total gland swelling is more likely ductal disease, as distinct to partial gland swelling which may be neoplastic or inflammatory disease. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.