salivary gland stones or sialolithiasis is deposition and chemical hardening in the salivary glands, shaped like a rock. This stone can inhibits the flow of saliva into the mouth, so that The salivary glands become swollen and painful. However, generally salivary gland stones nolahserious condition.
Salivary gland stones usually form in the submandibular salivary glands, which are located in the lower jaw. These stones are mostly composed of calcium and vary in size from less than 1 millimeter to several centimeters.
Most sufferers are men aged 30-60 years. However, this condition can be experienced by anyone. Generally, salivary gland stones occur once in a lifetime. However, in some patients, stone formation can recur, so surgery is needed to remove the salivary glands.
Symptom Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
Sometimes sialolithiasis causes no symptoms, especially when new stones form. New salivary gland stones cause symptoms if they are large enough. Symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling in the salivary glands.
- Pain and swelling in the mouth, face, or neck.
- Dry mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you feel the symptoms of salivary gland stones as described above. Early examination needs to be done to prevent this disease from developing further.
Taking high blood pressure medication and mental disorder medications can increase the risk of sialolithiasis. Therefore, if you use these drugs, do regular check-ups with your doctor to detect as early as possible the appearance of salivary gland stones due to side effects of drugs, as well as to monitor the progress of the disease.
Reason Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
The main cause of salivary gland stones is not known with certainty. Even so, a number of factors that cause changes in saliva flow are thought to cause this condition. Some of these factors include:
- Taking medications that can decrease saliva production, such as high blood pressure medications or antihistamines.
- Rarely eat, so the flow of saliva is reduced.
- Being dehydrated, so the saliva becomes thicker.
- Injury to the salivary glands.
- Suffering from gout.
Diagnosis Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
Diagnosis of salivary gland stones begins with an examination of symptoms. If this condition causes symptoms, the diagnosis will be followed by a physical examination, especially in the area around the swollen salivary glands, namely the head and neck.
Further tests may also be done to confirm the diagnosis, especially if the stone is difficult to detect. The inspection includes:
- X-rays, to detect the presence of stones in the salivary glands.
- Sialography, to detect any disturbances in the salivary glands and ducts.
- CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, to get more detailed scan results.
- Sialendoscopy, to view the inside of the salivary glands and ducts.
Treatment Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
The main goal of treating salivary gland stones is to remove the obstructing stone. Handling can be done through:
Home remedies
There are several ways you can do at home to get rid of salivary gland stones, including sucking on lemons or sour candy and drinking lots of water. This method aims to increase the production of saliva so that the stone can be pushed out by itself.
In addition, salivary gland stones can also be removed by applying a hot compress and gently massaging the area around the stone.
Treatment by doctor
If the salivary gland stones cannot be removed by themselves at home, medical treatment is necessary. Here are some of the handling procedures:
- SialendoscopyIn addition to diagnosis, sialendoscopy procedures can also be used to remove salivary gland stones. In this procedure, the ENT doctor will insert an endoscope through the salivary ducts to reach and remove salivary gland stones.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)Procedure extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) done if the size of the stone is large enough. Stones are broken using vibrations from sound waves, so that the stone fragments can be expelled through the salivary ducts.
- OperationSurgical removal of salivary gland stones is necessary if the stones are too large and cannot be treated by other procedures. Surgery will also be performed if salivary gland stones continue to recur or when there is damage to the glands.
- DrugsParacetamol can be given to reduce pain. In addition, antibiotics can also be given if salivary gland stones cause infection.
Complications Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
Sialolithiasis rarely causes complications. However, the risk of complications remains. Complications that occur can be swelling and infection of the salivary glands. This complication is characterized by symptoms such as fever, red infected area, and an abscess (pus) appears.
Prevention Sialolithiasis (Salve gland stones)
The cause of salivary gland stones is not known with certainty. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent sialolithiasis is to avoid factors that can increase the risk.
One of them, if you are taking drugs that can reduce saliva production, do regular check-ups with your doctor to anticipate drug side effects, including the formation of salivary gland stones.
Prevention efforts can also be done by changing diet, namely eating small portions of food but often, rather than eating large portions at once. That way, the production of saliva becomes stable and smooth. You can also avoid dehydration by drinking enough fluids so that your saliva doesn't become thick.
Especially for people with salivary gland injuries and gout sufferers, prevention efforts can be done by seeing a doctor. That way, doctors can provide appropriate treatment and detect the appearance of sialolithiasis early.
