Head and neck
Salivary gland swelling
Salivary gland swelling can have more than one cause, so careful history, examination, and follow-up help guide safe treatment.
Salivary gland swelling is evaluated by relation to meals, pain, fever, dry mouth, pus, facial weakness, and imaging. Meal related swelling may suggest duct stone or obstruction.
01
Common symptoms
Swelling near jaw or below jaw
Pain during meals
Dry mouth
Pus or bad taste
Facial weakness in serious cases
02
How ENT evaluation may be done
Gland and duct examination
Oral cavity examination
Ultrasound
CT scan for stones or deep lesions
FNAC for persistent gland lumps
03
Treatment options
Hydration and massage for selected obstruction
Antibiotics when bacterial infection is likely
Stone management pathway
Surgery for selected tumours or recurrent disease
Referral for autoimmune causes when suspected
04
Home care and preparation
Hydrate well
Warm compress if advised
Gently massage toward the mouth
Note meal related swelling
05
Questions to ask during consultation
Is this stone, infection, or tumour?
Do I need ultrasound or FNAC?
Can this recur?
When is surgery needed?
Warning signs
When to seek urgent care
Facial weakness, rapidly growing swelling, high fever, severe pain, or breathing difficulty needs urgent care.
This page is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.