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?

[olivoyl_mh]

I too have recently had problems with swelling in the left gland.  I was also told to quit my zyrtec that i had been on for 10 years.  I understand your frustration.  My ENT Dr said about the only thing they can do i remove the gland all together.

[cjacques]

I'm 44 years old and it sounds like we're suffering from the same exact thing. I just can't stand this any longer. It keeps me up, and when it happens during the day, I just can't stop pressing on my gland to expell the **** that comes out of it. I was told by my doctor that there wasn't anything i could do either. I've been going through this for over 10 years now, and it happens almost daily now. I can identify with you because now I press on the gland a lot from habit. It happens mostly to my right side though, but yesterday both sides in one day, and today my eye lid. I feel like a freak, and look like a chipmunk. If you would like to write back please do. I wish there was help for us!

[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.

[allicia25]

My daughter has the exact same symptoms.  We have been to the ENT over and over and he gives us the same story.  Stop taking the medicine and it will eventually become dysfunctional.  My daughter is 9 now but it started when she was 7.  She constantly presses on the gland, to the point it is a mark on her jaw.

I had to rush her to the Urgent care, yesterday.  They advised that it could be a food allergy; her glands swollen up so bad that her lips, eye lids, tongue we swollen as well.  She couldn't breathe well.  She was eating a sauce that was red.  He advised that this is the most common food allergy. Also, shell fish.  I felt this was interesting because I became allergic to shell fish when I was pregnant with her.  

I am going to watch what she eats and keep records of what makes her swell.  Hopefully, this data will help diagnosis the problem.

[Katy67]

My son has a lump on his jaw and has had two episodes of extreme hives (very large).  The doctors are treating all of this as an allergic reaction.  Any comments

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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

[maybeeme]

Hello-I'm 43 yrs old female and when I eat stuff like lemons or hot cheetos or even when my foods to tangy I get a burning on the right side of my neck under my earlope. Which makes me stop eating the pain is so overwhelming. I do take thyroid medicines. I have been looking on sites like google to find answers. When it happens it takes a good hour before it goes away completely.

[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.

[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

[Peter53ish]

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

[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!

[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.

[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)

[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)

[kimmieupson]

Hi Im Kimmie. Iv had same as you at several years but its got worse. Im in 13th year and got to a poinbt where its every day and after approx 10 years the mucosy stuff stops coming out and the glands are even angrier. I just didnt even want to go on any more as so painful and affect every part of yr life doesnt it. countless ent apps and doc scans mri etc and def not stones. At present Iv just had food allergy test its worth paying for top one like York or Lorisian and it MUST be an IgG TYPE not IEg or you will get wrong results!!!!! very important. Most of us with this condition are intol to Gluten wheat dairy eggs and yeast plus anything like citric acid which is in most things (comes under yeast...) malt or barley malt vinegears wines etc. You can only have apple cider vinegar. If I eat yeast etc it has massive affect on the salivary gland problem but I need to steer clear of all these things. I still am trying to get mucus tested in a specialist place in uk as we are all starting to believe our problem is a form of autoimmune disease, not sjrogens but something new. One man is being tested in university of michigan and Im trying to make contact as his treatment is working. However our problem could be just the intolerances. Time over next few months will tell. In meantime Im back on antihistamins as they make a huge difference from second day of taking them. If one type doesnt help get another as they have varying ingredients. Pls make contact and I will be able to let you know what our findings are. stay strong use pain killers and Ill be back Kimmie

[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 ***@****.

[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