The human endocrine system is the controlling mechanism of the whole organism as a whole, however, like the nervous system. The production of hormones and glands is necessary for the normal and uninterrupted operation of all organs, including the digestive system.
Features of the salivary gland
The universal composition of human saliva contributes not only to enhancing the taste of a person during meals, but also to moisturize and disinfect incoming substances. The composition of saliva includes special digestive enzymes that break down complex molecules, including starch molecules. More than 98%, saliva consists of water, and only 2% are trace elements, acid salts, alkali metal cations, mucin, lysozyme, amylase, maltose and some vitamins.
In the oral cavity, food is not more than 20 seconds. During this time, it is not possible to completely break down protein, carbohydrate and fatty foods with biologically active substances. However, this time is enough to activate the gastrointestinal tract, which begins to work with the first chewing movements.
Anatomy of the submandibular salivary gland
If we talk about any organ, then first you need to remember about its anatomy. The submandibular salivary gland belongs to the paired organs of the human body. It is located between the region of the lower jaw and the muscles of the tongue and performs the function of producing and releasing secretion substances with the subsequent maintenance of an acidic pH in the oral cavity.
In form, the submandibular salivary gland is a round formation resembling a walnut weighing almost 15 grams. Most often, experts call the location of its location a “submandibular” triangle, with one of the surfaces of the gland in contact with the region of the lymphatic submandibular nodes, the facial vein and arteries, and the other with the back of the hyoid muscle. Thus, the submandibular salivary gland originates in the lower part of the jaw, which is in contact with its upper part.
In infancy, the role of the submandibular glands is especially significant. Thanks to the hormone-like substances produced, the submandibular salivary gland regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus in the body. In view of this feature, the correct formation of dental tissues, the regeneration of bone tissues, as well as the mucous membranes of the digestive system (esophagus and stomach) occur.
Submandibular gland inflammation
Inflammation of the gland in medical practice is called "sialadenitis of the submandibular salivary gland", characterized by a violation of the production of saliva. As a rule, the pathological process occurs against the background of infectious infection of the oral cavity, but cases of its occurrence are also possible with inflammation of a single distant organ.
Another probable cause of submandibular or submandibular sialadenitis can be blockage of the ducts of the gland when foreign bodies get into it. As a result, a solid neoplasm occurs at the site of inflammation, called a calculus (stone). Stones differ from each other in shape, color and size. Such an obstacle leads to the fact that the ducts of the submandibular salivary gland are blocked and phosphorus and calcium salts are stratified on the inside of the constipation. In this case, calculous sialadenitis is diagnosed, requiring a special form of treatment.
Classification of forms of inflammation
The inflammatory process in the salivary glands is usually classified into primary and secondary. The first type of disease is characterized by getting into the blood, lymph, oral cavity of viral infections. Non-infectious entry of heavy metal cations and their salts into the glands is possible, which leads to similar consequences.
Secondary sialadenitis occurs against the background of another inflammatory disease and is considered a complication of the latter. Pathogens are pathogenic fungi and bacteria. According to statistics, the likelihood of such a complication increases in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery.
The acute and chronic course of the disease is distinguished by the form of the course. Acute sialadenitis is accompanied by sharp pain, aggravated by chewing, as well as severe swelling of the affected soft tissues and painful palpation.
The chronic form of sialadenitis includes the number of the most common diseases in maxillofacial surgery, which accounts for 14% of reported cases. Experts are inclined to believe that the occurrence of pathology is associated with a congenital anomaly - glandular tissue failure. With a decrease in the body's natural defenses, the ducts of the salivary glands become narrower and the chronic disease worsens.
Symptoms of inflammation of the submaxillary gland
The symptomatology of the disease is determined by the form of the course of the disease. An accurate diagnosis can only be obtained after a comprehensive study in medical centers. As a rule, the following symptoms can cause suspicion:
- decreased saliva production;
- dryness, bad breath and bad breath;
- persistent or passing pain in the submandibular gland;
- discomfort during chewing;
- redness and irritation in the tongue and jaw;
- fever, accompanied by chills and increased fatigue.
Submandibular salivary gland: treatment of sialadenitis
The likelihood of a favorable treatment outcome for patients with acute form is very high. The treatment is based on a course of medical procedures based on the use of saliva-enhancing drugs and saliva promotion along the duct. To enhance the effectiveness of treatment, specialists prescribe a UHF course for edematous tissues, as well as alcohol-camphor compresses.
In case of detection of purulent foci and severe edematous inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland, the treatment is based on stopping the attack accompanying edema of the fever with antiseptic agents, and in the future, in case of nicotine addiction, refuse to use cigarettes.
The pain syndrome with the development of submandibular sialadenitis is well relieved by various types of massage. However, it is not recommended to perform it on your own, because further spread of infection is possible.
In contrast to the acute form of inflammation, chronic is practically untreatable. Complete disappearance of signs of pathology was recorded in only 20% of patients. The efforts of medical workers are not aimed at eliminating the disease, but at preventing complications in the salivary glands. In this case, it is advisable to treat the affected areas with antibacterial drugs.
With calculous sialadenitis, the only method for solving the problem is surgery. Also, an surgical opening of the gland is indispensable for purulent inflammation with signs of melting. In this case, an antibiotic is injected into the focus of inflammation.
Other salivary gland pathologies
In addition to the above pathologies, the submandibular gland has a number of diseases. These diseases cause a malfunction in the gland and the endocrine system as a whole.
In case of violation of the activity of the gland, it is possible both complete removal of the submandibular salivary gland, and local elimination of the causes of its malfunction.
Often in people under 30 years of age, the salivary flow can become clogged due to the thick secretion that forms the salivary stone. A similar clinical picture also occurs when the salivary canal is compressed, which ultimately leads to a stretching of the glandular lobule or the duct itself.
Such violations in medical practice are called "submandibular salivary gland cyst." Visually, it is a benign formation of a round shape and soft surface, localized in the region of the lower jaw. With prolonged ignoring of the cyst, it is possible for the formation to grow into the hyoid zone, followed by facial deformation.
A characteristic feature of the cyst is its ability to independently empty the contents into the oral cavity with increasing salivary flow pressure, as well as to restore the integrity of the integument with subsequent filling of the cavity with liquid.
Diagnosis of salivary gland cysts
Diagnosis of the submandibular salivary gland is carried out in order to identify signs of pathology, including signs of cystic formations. The first stage of the study will include a visual examination of the patient using instrumental and laboratory devices.
Often, when examined, a specialist is not able to distinguish a cyst from a tumor, so the study is continued using computer-assisted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cystography, ultrasound and sialography.
With the advanced form of the disease, additional examinations are often prescribed, such as cyst puncture and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The collected biological material is sent for laboratory cytological and biochemical studies, the main purpose of which is to exclude malignant tumors.
Salivary Gland Cyst Treatment
Despite the painless occurrence, as well as a mild pain syndrome, the salivary gland cyst must be treated. Currently, there is the only effective method for its elimination - surgical.
Depending on the location of the cyst, the operation is performed both on the inside of the oral cavity and on the outside. Neutralization of the submandibular cyst is carried out together with it. The submandibular parotid salivary gland is treated in a similar way , it is presented in the photo.
Recovery period of the salivary gland
To ensure a comfortable state of the patient after removal of the submandibular salivary gland, it is necessary to strictly follow a diet. Doctors recommend completely giving up smoked, fatty and fried foods, as well as sugar. The daily norm of water per day should be at least 2.5 liters.
The absence of a submandibular gland does not mean a complete cessation of salivation. Increased saliva production is provided by the introduction of lemon, cranberries, chewing gum, and spicy and spicy foods into the diet.
Prevention of diseases of the submandibular gland
First of all, to maintain a normal environment and microflora of the oral cavity, it is necessary to observe elementary rules of oral hygiene: brush your teeth 2 times a day and rinse with special tools.
If tartar, caries, periodontal disease and other diseases occur, it is necessary to undergo a timely examination by a specialist and get rid of imperfections.
In infectious diseases, local antiseptic solutions for rinsing the oral cavity are used. This measure reduces stagnation of saliva and prevents the development of inflammation.