SWELLING SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLANDS

[REE-REE]

I AM A 51 YEAR OLD FEMALE THAT HAVE HAD SWELLING IN MY SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLANDS(MOSTLY LEFT SIDE)FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS.  MY GLANDS SWELLS WHENEVER I SLEEP AND SOMETIMES WHEN I VIGOROUSLY CHEW ON SOMETHING. I VISITED THE EAR,NOSE THROAT DOCTOR AND WAS PRETTY MUCH TOLD THAT IT IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO LIVE WITH AND TO MASSAGE THE GLAND,AND SUCK ON LEMON DROPS WHEN SWELLING OCCUR.I HAVE ALLERGIES (RUNNY NOSE & SNEEZING)THAT OCCURS DURING THE DAY AND WAS TOLD TO DISCONTINE TAKING THE OTC ANTIHISTAMINES(BENEDRYL,SUFADED..ETC)BECAUSE THEY MAY BE DRYING UP MY MUCOUS SYSTEM. SOMETIMES A WHITE STRINGY THICK LOOKING SUBSTANCE(MAYBE DRIED SALIVA) COMES OUT, WHICH I HAVE TO PRESS HARD ON THE GLAND IN ORDER TO EXPEL IT THRU THE DUCT. WOULD DRINKING ALCOHOL AND/OR TAKING ANTIHISTAMINES CAUSE THIS?  I DON'T THINK I HAVE ANY STONES BECAUSE SOMETIMES DURING THE DAY
THE SWELLING GOES DOWN. ALSO, I NOW HAVE A HABIT OF PRESSING ON THE GLANDS, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NOT SWOLLEN, WHICH ALSO CAUSES THE GLAND TO SWELL.  IS THERE A SPECIALIST I CAN SEE FOR THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN A PYSCHOLOGIST?

[Ryan1722]

Someone who as experienced this - can you give some more detail on your symptoms?  I've been experiencing pain in various places under my chin.  It FEELS like something is swelling but I can't visibly verify it.  It happens on a daily basis, and usually occurs shortly after my throat gets a little itchy and drippy.  I'm pretty sure it's caused by daily allergies, but I haven't been able to control it with any combo of medicines (allergra, zyrtec, benadryl, decongestants, guaifenisen, etc)

[andysixx_123]

Itchy Throat maybe be because of dehydration, and if that occurs then the salivary glands have to produce more saliva to moist the throat and so sometimes they swell. So drink plenty of water especially when walking the streets where many vehicles are there. Exhaust gases also cause dryness to throat.

[Blonde_19_71]

I know this is a long message but please read it as it might help someone resolve their problem.

I  moved into a new environment in Aug 2012. I starting having issues almost immediately. I figured allergy to dust mites or mold were causing it.   I had specifically told the ENT that none of my issues occured until I moved into this new house.  I asked was he SURE it was not related to alergies.  He said YES.  Sysmptoms got so bad the ENT recommended removal for further biopsy. My right submandibular gland and lymph nodes were removed in April of 2013.  I slept in the lower level of the home for about 3 weeks after surgery just because going up and down the stairs was too much effort.  Around week 3.5 I resumed sleeping upstairs. At about week 4 guess what?  A new swollen submandibular lump started to appear, by week 5 it was the same size as the one we took out (size of a large gumball). For anyone that has known allergy to dust mites and mold.... DON'T HAVE SURGERY. You are told the surgery will help -- but if you are like me.. it won't. The surgery was extreamly painful for about 2 weeks after the surgery, I could not return to work for almost 3 weeks after the surgery.  I spent over 30K in medical test for the next 12 months  seeing all sorts of specialists to figure out the problem to no avail.

I went away on business for a week and slept at a really nicely remodeled hotel in NY - within several days of arriving -- the lump started to shrik and by the time I went home, the problems were completly gone. I have found that if I don't sleep upstairs for a week the swelling goes away. The downstairs of my home was completly remodeled down to the studs in 2011 where the upstairs has not been touched since it was built in 1954 with exception of carpet that was installed 30 years ago.  If I sleep downstairs I have no swelling or pain but if I sleep upstairs for even 1 night.... it all returns!!!  

I urge anyone who is having this problem to sleep somewhere else if possible for at least a week.  See if your problems go away.  If they do... begin your remodel.  Paint old walls (including ceiling), remove carpeting, throw away old beds, etc.  Good Luck All!

[Peter53ish]

Guess what. I had mumps twice too as a child and I have the same issue

[Browneyes1977]

Hi all! Well reading this i see that im not alone!! I get also get a barking or wheezy cough when they swell up?!! Ive had so many tests on so many pills,nasal sprays and pumps that i know how a lab rat must feel!! lol! Ive been told that i have an allergy to House dust mites but not sure if that is soley the main cause! Really fed up as it been 3 years and getting worse!!! Gwwwrrr! :O(
Frustrated Singer Guitarts Iden

[starlight2007]

I am 31 years old and has had swollen submandibular glands from since I was about 15 or maybe longer. I have seen several ENT specialist and they all say the same, either I live with it or take them out. Both my submandibular glands get swollen sometimes tegether or just one at a time and when the get swellon it is very painful and my whole face swells up. It is not a pretty site as my face becomes the size of a melon. I am trying to leave with this but as you can imagine, the pain is not good and certainly not getting better and it is just frustrating. Sometimes I cannot even open my mouht to talk or eat. If there is anyone in this world that can help me solve this problem I would be most greatful as sugery is not an option as I do not want to be scared for life and don't want to take the risk it involves.

[combatff]

Why are you seeing a psychologist for swollen submandys,surely the person to treat you would be your dentist then a refferal to an oral facimaxillary surgeon, if you have calculi then you will find at mealtimes just before and after eating as your glands try and secrete saliva they will become painful due to the blockage which you have already indicated you have as you are expressing mucous, go see your dentist first, if you see your doc (gp) they can do bloods for a full blood count and also check the levels of amylase in your blood which is produced only in the pancreas and salivary glands, I am awaiting the results of my bloods and I have seen a dentist today who will discuss actions going forward once I have my blood results as this is not only affecting my submandy's but my right parotid gland as well and worryingly I had a palsy on the same side3-4 years ago and I have been devoid of sensation in the skin overlying the parotid since, I have to say I didnt like the grave look on the dentists face but until more investigation is done we wont know what is causing this for sure.

The only action to take is direct action, dont wait around, advice is no replacement for medical treatment,take action and get the ball rolling and put your own mind at rest thats what I suggest

[megs100]

At the very least if your gland is consistently swollen or has grown larger you should attempt a round of antibiotics and if it makes no difference then you should request a FNA biopsy to be sure it isn't something serious.

If it really bothers you should have it removed.  Even if it isn't something insidious looking at the tissue will be able to tell your doc if it is from chronic irritation, benign tumor, or what not.

[stoney419]

I have had removal of gland. I passed stones and getting infections. I went to 3 ents  before they figured out what it was. I was told thyroiditis and put on thyroid meds and hair was falling out. Now it has been 8 years and I am swollen again and put on antibiotic, waiting to get mri     to see what is going on again. By the way way I had two surgeries on submandiluar gland. I had a extra glad. Anyone know what could be going on again?

[andysixx_123]

what do you mean by extra gland

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, the possibilities are infection beneath skin involving deeper structures such as salivary gland infection due to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.  

Noninfectious factors include salivary calculi, tumors, sarcoid, Sjogren's syndrome. Infection needs appropriate antibiotic coverage and drainage procedure may be required if abscess is formed. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. This syndrome is associated with dry eye, mouth and as well as skin. Schirmer test, Salivary gland, scintigraphy, Parotid gland sialography and Antibodies to Ro/SSA and La/SSB will aid in the diagnosis. Pilocarpine, Cevimeline against prescription can help to alleviate the symptoms.  

I suggest you to consult physician/surgeon to rule out the cause and appropriate treatment. Take care and regards.

[andysixx_123]

Thank you Doctor. But if the swelling comes after a meal(for me the trigger is chicken and rice together and sometimes sweets) and goes away after a while then  the possibility of a tumor can be ruled out or not? The gland is normally not swollen but it does seem to be a bit noticable on touching than the gland on the other side.

[Michelle1988]

I know it hurts.  I have one right now.  It feels like someone punched me in the jaw. I was prescribed antibiotics and they helped reduce the swelling.  That's all I've heard that helps a little.  Sorry.

[Steveo01]

I am 33 and my left submandibular gland swells every time I eat.  Especially spicy foods.  I did have a salivary gland stone when I was 16.  The gland is always a little bigger than the right side.  I have been to a general doctor, ENT, dentist, and oral surgeon and they all said I'm fine.  It is really annoying.  

[andysixx_123]

If they say its fine then maybe it is not something to worry about.
But keep a track of what causes it to swell and tell that to the doctors, it could help somehow.
Or avoid these foods that trigger swelling.
Keep that swelling under check, visit the doctor monthly or quaterly to just feel assured and get rid of any nasty thoughts popping in your head.

[jerseygirl53]

I have this, too! It's good to know I'm not alone, because my primary doctor and two ENTs have just shrugged their shoulders and said they didn't know why it happens. There's no rhyme or rhythm to my swelling-- it just sometimes happens, with terrible itching of the gland at the same time, but more often, I get just the itching. My test for Sjogren's syndrome was negative, as were the CT scans looking for stones. It's uncomfortable, unsightly, embarrassing, and annoying... but I'm glad it's not life-threatening. Although this didn't begin until I was in my 50s, I recently recalled that as a child, I was diagnosed twice with mumps... I wonder if it's related.

[andysixx_123]

Did you tell the part of being diagnosed with Mumps in your childhood to the Doctor? Maybe that could point somewhere.
Or try some other doctor.

[kim_michele]

I have been suffering with this for about 7 years, and have been to several doctors, all of whom eventually throw up their hands when a diagnosis is not found. The itching is intense and the swelling unsightly- it's actually changed the shape of my jaw. I had bloodwork done for everything, including Sjogrens' and everything came up negative, including CT scan. The most recent ENT (and I) seem to think it's allergy-related, due to the itching, but a bloodwork screen showed allergies to…nothing. I am going to see another allergist recommended by current ENT,  but I don't hold out a lot of hope.

Since I am not the only one, it seems clear that there is likely a cause that is common to all of us. It's affecting the quality of my life. I am wondering if any of you found a cause or relief?

[Burbridgebrapp]

Did you ever get a answer? Do you have other symptoms that are strange in your body that you possibly don’t think are connected to this? I have had this also for 10 years and have been in head and neck fir other reasons thoughts this was related. But the itching is nit allergies! It’s when that mucous gets backed up in the glands. It’s miserable and hit painful. So let me know.

[Glandcop]

I have had bilateral swelling of my submandibular salivary glands for the last seven years with the same stringy stuff (mucous plugs). It is painful when it happens, my eyes tear up and lasts for a good part of the day. I get episodes almost twice a week!
Had occusal X-rays and CT scan done. No stones!
Oral Surgeon/salivary gland specialist as well as ENT unable to figure out what is going on.
Somebody, please help. Am seriously considering getting them removed.
KL

[andysixx_123]

Does the swelling come and go? If it does then what foods trigger it?
For me Chicken & Rice together trigger it, if chicken and rice I eat one at a time then a little swelling , and sometimes sweets too cause a little swelling. I will soon book an appointment with an ENT the coming weekend.

[Burbridgebrapp]

Did you ever figure out what is going on I’ve had this forever with other symptoms. But I have had head and neck issues since 14 thought it was from that. I know now it was not something completely different.

[charlie669]

I have the same thing. I had an X-Ray and it showed that I have a calculus duct stone and the symptoms DO come and go. So the fact that your symptoms aren't constant doesn't matter - get an X-Ray!

My swollen glands tend only to come up after certain triggers (sometimes brushing my teeth, sometimes eating certain things).

The ENT doc said the only way to stop the symptoms is to remove the gland completely. I don't fancy having this! Imagine pressing and nothing was there!

Anyone know of any remedies or therapies to remove stones without surgery?

[andysixx_123]

my submandibular gland swells when I eat Rice & Chicken together. One at a time causes less swelling and other foods very little swelling. Sometimes sweets too cause swelling.

[shelilybee]

I have been going through the exact same thing. I can grab the yucky substance and pull it out of  the duct. The pain and itching is aggressive and the swelling is horrific. If I dare eat while this is happening ; it swells up even more. I know this happens due to allergy or adverse reactions to chemicals in our food or medications. My allergy doctor says the only thing to do is avoid the things that cause this kind of reaction. No magical cures out there for this, unfortunately.

[Maeve29]

These mucous plugs seem to only subside with Prednisone. Unfortunately Prednisone cannot be taken for a long period of time. I was on it for nearly two years because I could not bear with the pain. I finally went to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in salivary gland disease. Since I have autoimmune issues (Church Strauss, lichen planus and psoriasis), it is not far-fetched to assume that this issue with my glands is also part of my systemic issues. I ended up having a sialendoscopy and sialodochoplasty to fix the plumbing issue as my surgeon describes it. Please keep in mind that this is a palliative measure. I still experience slight irritation some eveninga but the dilation and shortening of the salivary pathways helps facilitate the emission of plugs without effort and pain is slight at best. I'm still trying to find the right immunosupressant to manage the condition but after rounds of azathioprine, methotrexate, arava, rituxan infusions, and cellcept, no luck. I will post again if I have any updates.

[Melissa_vb]

I feel that there must be a link between Oral Lichen Planus and the Salivary Glands.  Every morning I get itchy glands and sometimes they swell.  I would love to find a solution for this.

[Maeve29]

I initially thought that I may have developed oral lichen planus but a lip biopsy ruled it out. I hope you're doing ok.

[Joleen70]

To charlie669:  In reply to your glands swelling after brushing your teeth, I had the same problem.  Certain things trigger the itching and swelling in my glands, but I'm not sure what they all are.  One thing for certain though, I noticed that every morning after brushing my teeth, my glands would itch and swell.  I would have to press on them to flush out the yucky mucous.  One day I took the tube of toothpaste with me to my computer and looked up all the ingredients.  Learned that the additive Sodium Lauryl Sulfate was the trigger for me.  Changed my toothpaste to natural toothpastes, without all of those unnecessary ingredients, and the problem stopped.  My glands still swell at other times, but no longer right after brushing my teeth.

[MelissaNZ1]

I am experiencing the same thing, my glands get itchy and sometimes my face swells...some days the swelling is worse than other days. Almost every morning now for the past year I wake up with itchy glands.  When I take an antihistimine it usually dissapears within the hour, except for really angry days when It swells.  Sometimes it comes on at night.  I have been to the doctors a few times with this.  I had blood tests done and the conclusion was allergy related, however I still have no idea what the trigger is. I also have asthma and perennial rhinitis, so I do believe it is an Auto Immune condition.   If anyone has any answers I would love to find out more.

[Doe69]

Dear All,

I too have the same problem.  I´ve had it for 9 yrs and have been to as many doctors, ENTs, scans, ultrasounds and you name it.  I´ve now been referred to a specialist in allergies.  I sure hope he can help.  Kimmies message has a point! please do keep us informed. I gor mucus tested, got a biopsy and all neagitve. In my case, it usually becomes itchy before it swells. both sides are affected, but occassionaly, it starts from the left, then right.  I feel extremely tired afte the itch and swell.  I am constantlig on antihistamins, which do help, but also make me drousy.

All good advises are much appreciated.

Doe

[ripstone]

Thank you.  Been suffering with this same thing for 10 years. You are the only person that has given me a sense of direction on where to go and the type of doctor I should see.

[kyoung22]

I was diagnosed with Crohns 6 years ago and have been having this exact problem. It is getting worse. I deal with it daily and sometimes it gets so bad I go thru anaphylactic like episodes. I'm very scared.

[mhiggs922]

I came upon this blog by searching for parotid gland swelling and allergies.  I have had excessive swelling in my parotids for a few years.  In addition, I've had reoccurring Uveitis which indicates an autoimmune disorder.  I've been to several rheumatologists, including one at USC.  I had a parotid gland biopsy which indicated Sarcodosis, even though all of my blood work over the years have shown no autoimmune markers.  They only way to keep my parotid glands down was using prednisone.  After the biopsy my rheumatologist prescribed Arava and started weening me off of the steroid (a slow taper as I have been on prednisone for two years).  Everything was going great until two weeks ago.  I'm now swollen again and the Dr is looking at switching me to Humira.  I would like to be informed of what you find as I've never been tested for food allergies.  I've approached my Dr with this question and she does not believe that any food allergy is the problem.  Thanks for posting.  

[Tito22]

Hi Kimmie we are all still wating to hear back from you
i hope the Dr gave you good news im to the end dealing with this
sickness im dealing with it Every Day now please let us know
                      thank you!!
                          Waiting

[ladyfrmportarthur]

hi I'm a 35 year old female who has always sufferered frm sinuses & allergies since I was a kid!!now all of a sudden i'm having problems with my glands on the right side of my neck it swells,itches like mad, is tender 2 touch & some stringy white thingy is coming out what the hel!!l I've never had this b4 i had my 3 month old baby!!  HELP ME Im getting scared & worried is it contagious can i give whatever this is 2 my daughter ??been 2 the ER 3 times in the last month can anyone help me give me some tips on what i should do i would be 4ever greatful thank u!! Danyelle

[PatriciaAnn0724]

hi Kimmy thank you so much for the information I to suffer from the same as everyone. Right side,
left side, sometimes both sides. Majority of the time the area becomes itchy before it swells. I look forward to your research and please let me know if there's anything that I could possibly do. PJ
I can be reached at ***@****.