Approach to sialadenitis

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.

Sialadenitis is inflammation or infection of the salivary glands that can present acutely or chronically. Sialadenitis can cause serious discomfort in everyday activities such as chewing food. There are numerous pathologies that can cause sialadenitis, which are reviewed below.