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What Causes Acute Swelling Under The Jaw While Eating?
Question: A few years ago I was eating Chinese food, and out of no where the left side of my throat(the gland under my jaw) became extremely swollen. So I went to the hospital and of course they took forever, so by the time I was seen the swelling pretty much went down. They didn't find anything wrong. It's been years since this has happened. Ever since then my glands itch so bad just about everyday and it's driving me crazy! They actually haven't gotten swollen since the first time, until this week. I have woken up twice this week with swollen glands on both sides now. I was thinking maybe I am having an allergic reaction to something, but it's so often that I'm just not sure what it could be.
Brief Answer:
Suspected sialo-lithiasis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Sudden acute swelling under the jaw while eating and its regression within a few hours indicates blockage of Wharton’s duct (commonly by stone/sialo-lithiasis or calcium and phosphate crystals causing initially partial blockage), which drains the sub-maxillary gland.
Patients with stones will experience pain and swelling in the affected gland. This will worsen at mealtimes or if the patient eats something acidic that stimulates salivary flow, such as a Chinese food (particularly sweet & sour -a common Chinese preparation),
Frequently, the diagnosis can be made by the history and examination.
Sometimes, if a stone is suspected but not visualized, imaging may be helpful.
A dental film that is shot at a right angle to the floor of the mouth may pick up stone in Wharton’s duct. Alternatively, ultrasound or CT may be helpful. It is useful to keep in mind that 25% of stones are multiple.
If it is due to allergy to certain food stuffs,it will affect other glands also.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Suspected sialo-lithiasis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Sudden acute swelling under the jaw while eating and its regression within a few hours indicates blockage of Wharton’s duct (commonly by stone/sialo-lithiasis or calcium and phosphate crystals causing initially partial blockage), which drains the sub-maxillary gland.
Patients with stones will experience pain and swelling in the affected gland. This will worsen at mealtimes or if the patient eats something acidic that stimulates salivary flow, such as a Chinese food (particularly sweet & sour -a common Chinese preparation),
Frequently, the diagnosis can be made by the history and examination.
Sometimes, if a stone is suspected but not visualized, imaging may be helpful.
A dental film that is shot at a right angle to the floor of the mouth may pick up stone in Wharton’s duct. Alternatively, ultrasound or CT may be helpful. It is useful to keep in mind that 25% of stones are multiple.
If it is due to allergy to certain food stuffs,it will affect other glands also.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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