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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Swelling Under The Ear Be Due To Salivary Gland?

yesterday I woke up with some swelling below my ear.Today when I woke up it is swollen more . I went to the Dentist . He verified no problem. Went to my family Dr. he said it was my salivary gland. He consulted a ENT Dr. Gave me perscription of anti bioticCephalexin 500 mg. 1cap. 4times a day.Put hot pack on face then lightly massage area.Take a pc. of sour candy in mouth. To try getting gland to open.
Thank You
Tue, 10 May 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi.
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain it is true that swelling below the ear can be due to 2 main causes:
1. Wisdom tooth problems.
2.Infection or blockage in the salivary gland, more specifically Parotid gland that is a major salivary gland located in that area..

In case if there is no related dental issue ruled out, it is probably due to salivary gland..

At times infection in the salivary gland can cause swelling in the area infront and below the ear..
It can be treated well with antibiotics as you are given Cephalexin..

In case if the duct the gland that carries saliva from the gland to mouth is blocked with foreign body or there can be formation of crystalline stones in the duct of the gland leading to resistence in the flow of saliva to the mouth and it accumulates in gland due to backflow..

In this case eating tart/sour candies, drinking plenty of water can at times remove the obstruction with heavy flow of saliva..
In case if it does not occur then either manual palpation of superficial stones can be remvoed by pushing them towards duct opening..
Deep located stones needs surgical removal..

In case if the swelling does not subside with antibiotics and it recurs, you should get an x ray or MRI scan of the gland done for ruling out stones and get treated accordingly..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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Could Swelling Under The Ear Be Due To Salivary Gland?

Hi. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain it is true that swelling below the ear can be due to 2 main causes: 1. Wisdom tooth problems. 2.Infection or blockage in the salivary gland, more specifically Parotid gland that is a major salivary gland located in that area.. In case if there is no related dental issue ruled out, it is probably due to salivary gland.. At times infection in the salivary gland can cause swelling in the area infront and below the ear.. It can be treated well with antibiotics as you are given Cephalexin.. In case if the duct the gland that carries saliva from the gland to mouth is blocked with foreign body or there can be formation of crystalline stones in the duct of the gland leading to resistence in the flow of saliva to the mouth and it accumulates in gland due to backflow.. In this case eating tart/sour candies, drinking plenty of water can at times remove the obstruction with heavy flow of saliva.. In case if it does not occur then either manual palpation of superficial stones can be remvoed by pushing them towards duct opening.. Deep located stones needs surgical removal.. In case if the swelling does not subside with antibiotics and it recurs, you should get an x ray or MRI scan of the gland done for ruling out stones and get treated accordingly.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..