SIALOADENITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Sialoadenitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the salivary glands, which produce and secrete saliva. It is derived from the combination of the terms "sialo," which refers to saliva, and "adenitis," which describes inflammation of a gland. The condition can affect any of the salivary glands, but is most commonly seen in the parotid gland, which is located near the ears.
Sialoadenitis usually occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, often caused by a blockage or obstruction in the salivary ducts. These blockages can prevent saliva from flowing properly, allowing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation. Viral infections, such as mumps, can also lead to sialoadenitis.
Individuals with sialoadenitis may experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, and tenderness around the affected gland, difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing, dry mouth, fever, and foul-tasting or foul-smelling saliva. In severe cases, abscesses may form, which can lead to complications if not promptly treated.
Diagnosis of sialoadenitis typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to detect any abnormalities in the salivary glands. Treatment often involves the use of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, along with measures to relieve symptoms such as warm compresses, fluids, and pain relievers.
In some cases, if there is a persistent blockage or recurrent infections, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected gland or repair the obstruction. Sialoadenitis can usually be cured with appropriate treatment, but prevention of future episodes may involve good oral hygiene, maintaining hydration, and avoiding irritants that may trigger inflammation.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SIALOADENITIS
- seialadenitis
- sialadenitis
- syaladenitis
- aialoadenitis
- zialoadenitis
- xialoadenitis
- dialoadenitis
- eialoadenitis
- wialoadenitis
- sualoadenitis
- sjaloadenitis
- skaloadenitis
- soaloadenitis
- s9aloadenitis
- s8aloadenitis
- sizloadenitis
- sisloadenitis
- siwloadenitis
- siqloadenitis
- siakoadenitis
Etymology of SIALOADENITIS
The word "sialoadenitis" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two Greek terms.
1. "Sialon" (σίαλον) means "saliva" in Greek. This term is derived from "sialis" (σιάλις), which refers to "saliva" or "spittle".
2. "Aden" (ἀδήν) means "gland" in Greek.
The suffix "-itis" in "sialoadenitis" denotes inflammation. Therefore, "sialoadenitis" can be broken down as follows:
- "Sialo-" refers to saliva.
- "Aden-" refers to gland.
- "-itis" refers to inflammation.
Overall, "sialoadenitis" can be defined as an inflammation of the salivary gland.
