<unk>  is swelling and inflammation of the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual major salivary glands. It may be acute or chronic, infective or autoimmune. Acute * Acute<unk>  secondary to obstruction (sialolithiasis) is characterised by increasingly, painful swelling of 24–72 hours, purulent discharge and systemic manifestations. Chronic * Chronic<unk>  causes intermittent, recurrent periods of tender swellings. Chronic sclerosing<unk>  is commonly unilateral and can mimic a tumour. Autoimmune * Autoimmune<unk>  (i.e Sjogren’s syndrome) causes unilateral or bilateral painless swellings unless there is a secondary infection. Infection * The most common salivary gland infection is mumps. It is characterised by bilateral swelling of the parotid glands, however other major salivary glands may also be affected in around 10% of cases. The swelling persists for about a week, along with low grade fever and general malaise. * Recurrent parotitis of childhood is characterised by periods of pain and swelling in the parotid gland accompanied by a fever Complications + COMPLICATION TIMEFRAME LIKELIHOOD Abscess Infection may spread along the fascial planes of the neck causing a potentially serious complication. Seldom this can affect the spaces in the floor of the mouth and can result in Ludwig angina. Short term Medium Dental decay Hypofunction of the salivary gland will reduce saliva production causing decreased protection against acid erosion and increased risk of dental decay. Long term High Postparotidectomy complications (facial deformity or facial nerve palsy) Temporary facial nerve palsy occurs in around one third to two thirds of patients following superficial parotidectomy. Cosmetic deformity is relatively minor, although symptoms may recur in up to 11-13%, of these not all require further treatment. The occurrence of recurrent symptoms is lower (4%) for subtotal parotidectomy. The choice of the surgical procedure is determined by the extent of the disease and the patient’s preference. The pattern of facial weakness is likely to include one or more branches of the nerve and is likely to be panfacial due to the widespread fibrosis within the gland. Normally complete recovery occurs within 3 to 6 months with permanent palsy occurring in <1%.The prevalence of seroma, haematoma or significant infection should be less than 5%. Variable Low
Sialadenitis
Laryngitis
Phlegmon
Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis
Posthitis
Sinusitis
Placentitis