The human endocrine system is the control mechanism of the whole organism as a whole, just like the nervous system. The production of hormones and glands is necessary for the normal and smooth operation of all organs, including the organs of the digestive system.
Features of the salivary gland
The universal composition of human saliva contributes not only to enhancing the taste sensations of a person during meals, but also to moisturizing and disinfecting the incoming substances. Saliva contains special digestive enzymes that break down complex molecules, including starch molecules. More than 98% of saliva is water, and only 2% are trace elements, acid s alts, alkali metal cations, mucin, lysozyme, amylase, m altose and some vitamins.
Food stays in the mouth for no more than 20 seconds. During this time, it is not possible to completely break down protein, carbohydrate and fatty foods to biologically active substances. However, thisenough time to activate the gastrointestinal tract, starting 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 refers 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 secreting secretion substances, followed by maintaining an acidic pH environment in the oral cavity.
In shape, the submandibular salivary gland is a round formation resembling a walnut weighing almost 15 grams. Most often, experts call the place of its location a “submandibular” triangle, and one of the surfaces of the gland is in contact with the region of the lymphatic submandibular nodes, 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, with which it comes into 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, regeneration of bone tissues, as well as the mucous membranes of the digestive system (esophagus and stomach) occur.
Inflammation of the submandibular gland
Inflammation of the gland in medical practice is called "sialoadenitis of the submandibularsalivary gland", characterized by a violation of the production of saliva. As a rule, the pathological process occurs against the background of an infectious infection of the oral cavity, but there may be cases of its occurrence with inflammation of a single distant organ.
Another probable cause of submandibular or submandibular sialadenitis may be blockage of the ducts of the gland when foreign bodies enter 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 obstruction leads to the fact that the ducts of the submandibular salivary gland are blocked and layering of phosphorus and calcium s alts occurs on the inside of the constipation. In this case, calculous sialoadenitis 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 the disease is characterized by viral infections entering the blood, lymph, and oral cavity. Non-infectious entry of heavy metal cations and their s alts into the glands is possible, which leads to similar consequences.
Secondary sialoadenitis occurs against the background of another inflammatory disease and is considered a complication of the latter. The causative agents are pathogenic fungi and bacteria. According to statistics, the likelihood of such a complication increases in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery.
According to the form of the course, acute and chronic course of the disease is distinguished. Spicysialoadenitis is accompanied by a sharp pain, aggravated by chewing, as well as severe swelling of the affected soft tissues and painful palpation.
Chronic sialoadenitis is one of the most common diseases in maxillofacial surgery, accounting for 14% of reported cases. Experts are inclined to believe that the occurrence of pathology is associated with a congenital anomaly - the failure of the glandular tissue. With a decrease in the body's natural defenses, the narrowing of the ducts of the salivary glands and the exacerbation of a chronic disease occur.
Symptoms of inflammation of the submandibular gland
The symptomatology of the disease is determined by the form of the course of the disease. An accurate diagnosis can be obtained only after a comprehensive study in medical centers. As a rule, the following symptoms can arouse suspicion:
- reduced saliva production;
- dryness, bad breath and bad taste;
- constant or transient pain in the submandibular region;
- discomfort while chewing;
- redness and irritation in the tongue and jaw area;
- Fever with chills and fatigue.
Submandibular salivary gland: treatment of sialadenitis
The likelihood of a favorable treatment outcome for patients with an acute form is very high. The treatment is based on a course of medical procedures based on the use of drugs that enhance salivation and the movement of saliva along the duct. For amplificationeffectiveness 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, treatment is based on stopping the attack of fever accompanying the edema with antiseptic agents, and in the future, in case of nicotine addiction, stop using cigarettes.
Pain syndrome in the development of submandibular sialadenitis is well removed by various types of massage. However, it is not recommended to perform it on your own, because further spread of the infection is possible.
Unlike the acute form of inflammation, the chronic form is practically untreatable. Complete disappearance of signs of pathology was registered only in 20% of patients. The efforts of medical workers are not aimed at eliminating the disease, but at preventing the development of complications in the salivary glands. In this case, it is advisable to treat the affected areas with antibacterial drugs.
In calculous sialoadenitis, surgery is considered the only way to solve the problem. Also, 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 pathologies of the salivary gland
In addition to the above pathologies, the submandibular gland has a number of other diseases. These diseases cause malfunction of the gland and the endocrine system as a whole.
In case of violation of the activity of the gland, it is possible ascomplete removal of the submandibular salivary gland, as well as local elimination of the causes of its malfunction.
Often in people under the age of 30, the salivary flow can become blocked due to thick secretions that form a salivary stone. Also, a similar clinical picture occurs when the salivary canal is squeezed, which ultimately leads to stretching of the glandular lobule or the duct itself.
Such disorders in medical practice are called "submandibular salivary gland cyst". Visually, it is a benign formation of a round shape and a soft surface, localized in the region of the lower jaw. If the cyst is ignored for a long time, the growth of the formation to the sublingual zone is possible, followed by deformation of the face.
A characteristic feature of the cyst is its ability to independently empty the contents into the oral cavity with an increase in the pressure of the salivary flow, as well as to restore the integrity of the integument, followed by filling 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, during examination, the specialist is unable to distinguish a cyst from a tumor, so the study is continued using computed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),cystography, ultrasound and sialography.
When the disease is advanced, 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.
Treatment of salivary gland cysts
Despite the painless occurrence, as well as a mild pain syndrome, a salivary gland cyst must be treated. Currently, there is only one effective method of its elimination - surgical.
Depending on the location of the cyst, the operation is performed both from the inside of the oral cavity and from the outside. Neutralization of the cyst of the submandibular gland is carried out together with itself. The submandibular parotid salivary gland is treated in a similar way, it is shown in the photo.
Recovery period of the salivary gland
To ensure the patient's comfort after removal of the submandibular salivary gland, it is necessary to strictly follow the diet. Doctors recommend completely giving up smoked, fatty and fried foods, as well as sugar. The daily rate of water per day should be at least 2.5 liters.
The absence of the submandibular gland does not mean a complete cessation of salivation. Increased saliva production is provided by the introduction of lemon, cranberries, chewing gum, as well as 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 follow the basic rules of oral hygiene: brush your teeth 2 times a day and rinse with special products.
When tartar, caries, periodontal disease and other diseases occur, it is necessary to undergo a timely examination by a specialist and get rid of imperfections.
For infectious diseases, local antiseptic solutions are used to rinse the mouth. This measure reduces the stagnation of saliva and prevents the development of inflammation.
