|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| [[Image:Sialolithiasis.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Salivary sublingual gland stones]]
| |
| '''Salivary duct calculus''' is a [[concretion]] of mostly [[calcium]] mineral salts ([[Calculus (medicine)|calculus]]) that forms within the ducts. This calculus ([[sialolith]] - pronounced SIGH-al-low-lith) is a [[salivary gland]] stone consisting of layers of calcified organic matter - calcium phosphate and carbon, with traces of magnesium, chloride and ammonium. Sialoliths are not related to kidney stones. The resulting blockage and inflammation ([[sialitis]]) causes immense pain on eating when [[saliva]] production increases and infection of the salivary gland may ensue. Pain may be further be intensified when eating sour or tart foods or candies.
| |
| Other symptoms are dry mouth; bad taste in mouth; and local swelling. The causes are not known, but keeping adequate hydration seems a sensible precaution, especially in hot climates or periods of strong exercise.
| |
|
| |
|
| The majority (perhaps 90%) form in the [[submandibular gland]] but the other glands can create them too.
| |
|
| |
| ==Treatment==
| |
|
| |
| If located near the exits of the gland ducts, they may be squeezed out by finger pressure. They are difficult to visualize with [[xray]]s and sometimes [[CT scans]] or ultrasound are needed. If they are deeper, then surgery may be required. [[Inflammation]] and [[infection]] are treated with [[prednisone]] and [[antibiotics]]. If the infection destroys the gland, it may have to be removed entirely.
| |
|
| |
| ==References==
| |
| * Patient UK leaflet [http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069166/ Salivary Gland Stones (Salivary Calculi)]
| |
| * Medline [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/salivaryglanddisorders.html (Salivary Gland Disorders)]
| |
| {{disease-stub}}
| |
|
| |
| [[es:Cálculo de la glándula salival]]
| |
| [[pl:Kamica ślinianek]]
| |
| {{WikiDoc Help Menu}}
| |
| {{WikiDoc Sources}}
| |
|
| |
| [[Category:Disease]]
| |