What Is Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis? How Can Ayurveda Help?

Abstract

Salivary glands are the exocrine glands that are positioned in the head, in and around the oral cavity and secrete the salivary content into the mouth. The three main pairs of salivary glands are: parotid glands, sublingual and submaxillary glands. Salivary glands help us aid the process of digestion, help in swallowing, lubricating the mouth and help protect teeth from the harmful bacteria. Thus, it is very important to maintain the health of salivary glands. In this article, we will take a look at sialadenitis and sialadenosis, two conditions of salivary glands and how ayurveda can help with it.

Introduction – What Is Sialadentis & Sialadenosis?

Sialadenosis is a non neoplastic, non-inflammatory swelling of the salivary gland that happens in association with acinar hypertrophy and ductal hypertrophy. Sialadenosis is a non tender swelling that is often bilateral and symmetric. This condition is often associated with systemic metabolic conditions. Sialadenitis is the inflammation of the salivary gland. Parotid gland is the most commonly affected salivary gland in this case. It can be acute (sudden), chronic (long term) or recurrent(returning).

Causes

Some of the most common causes of sialadenitis are

1. Infectious Causes

• Bacterial- Staphylococcal aureus, Haemophilus influenzae
• Viral- Mumps, HIV

2. Obstructive Causes

Sialolithiasis, ductal stricture, ductal foreign body.

3. Inflammatory Causes

Post Radiation sialadenitis

4. Drug-Induced

Clozapine, I- asparaginase

5. Autoimmune Sialadenitis

Sjorgen syndrome, IgG4-related

Some of the Most Common Causes of Sialadenosis Are

• Nutritional disorders- Bulimia nervosa, Vitamin Deficiency
• Endocrine disorders- Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism
• Metabolic disorders- Obesity, Cirrhosis, Malabsorption
• Autoimmune disorders- Sjorgen disease
• Drug-Induced- Valproic acid, Thiourea

Symptoms

Most common symptoms of sialadenosis and sialadenitis are

• Painful, tender swelling
• Purulent discharge
• Low grade fever
• Malaise

Treatment

Treatment for sialadenosis and sialadenitis is based on the similar lines. The basis of the treatment is to find out the underlying cause behind the swelling and inflammation of the salivary gland. Some of the supportive treatment measures used/

• Enteric antibiotic therapy
• NSAIDS
• Intravenous antibiotics
• Excision of the salivary gland.
• Hydration
• Warm compresses
• Sialogogues

Ayurveda Perspective & Management on Sialadenitis & Sialdenosis

Although there is no direct mention of sialadenitis or sialadenosis in Ayurveda, Ayurveda mentions 65 types of Mukh Roga or buccal cavity disorders. Ayurveda considers all the three doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha are also present in the mouth and perform various functions. For example, Bodhaka Kapha, a subtype of Kapha is considered responsible for moistening the mucous membranes of the mouth and the physical form of Bodhaka kapha is saliva. Similarly, Vata dosha is found in the pores of the teeth and Pitta dosha is found in the blood vessels that nourish and protect the gum tissue. Imbalance of these Doshas due to faulty diet and lifestyle often results in the aggravation of these Doshas which eventually leads to the inflammation and swelling in the buccal cavity and salivary glands. Ayurveda’s management of these disorders includes balancing out all the vitiated doshas. Certain procedures such as oil pulling, tongue cleaning with Ayurveda methods helps in maintaining the oral hygiene which eventually helps in associated complaints of sialadenitis and sialadenosis.

Ayurveda Herbs That Help in Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis

Ayurveda mentions various herbs that help in oral hygiene. There are many anti-inflammatory herbs in Ayurveda that help reduce the inflammation and swelling in case of sialadenitis and sialadenosis. Ayurveda herbs help treat the issue from the root cause as well. Some of the common Ayurveda herbs that can be used in the case of sialadenitis and sialadenosis are

1. Amalaki (Embilica Officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in sialadenitis.

2. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Active ingredient of the most common Indian herb curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It deeply clarifies the blood and supports the healing of the overall body tissues. Turmeric can be cooked with food but can also be taken in the form of capsules or tablets.

3. Khadir (Acacia Catechu)

Acacia catechu is an ayurveda herb that finds its mention in Charak Samhita, one of the most ancient ayurveda classical textbooks. It has both antibacterial and antifungal properties; it inhibits the growth of both bacteria and fungi and is hence considered the best to treat the inflammation and infection.

4. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a medicinal herb that is excellent for skin issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties and healing properties. It has Nimbin that prevents skin problems like acne, blisters etc. This herb is bitter in taste and is considered as Kandu Ghana in Ayurveda which means this herb helps in all sorts of skin and mucous membrane issues.

5. Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Giloy(Tinospora cordifolia) is a safer herbal alternative to modern medications. It helps in reducing inflammation and restoring the strength of the immune system. It also balances the tridoshas, thus helpful in treating the buccal cavity disorders.

6. Triphala

Triphala, a combination of three ayurveda herbs namely amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Harad (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia billerica) is one of the most used ayurveda combinations has a unique ability to provide multiple benefits to the body.A combination of three herbs ,it helps in constipation and digestion which helps in oral health. Along With this, it helps to detox, replenish and nourish the liver with its qualities. It can be easily consumed in powder form, tablet form or in a decoction form.

Herbal Formulations for Sialadenosis and Sialadenitis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified authentic ayurveda company that manufactures best, 100% pure ayurveda products under the supervision of MD doctors. Planet Ayurveda manufactures some of the best herbal alternatives to modern medications. All the formulations made by planet ayurveda are 100% vegetarian formulations which are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch and additives. All the herbs in these formulations are mentioned in ancient ayurveda texts. Some of the formulations for sialadenitis and sialadenosis by Planet Ayurveda are

Product List

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Septrin Tablets
3. Kaishore Guggul
4. Digestion Support
5. Gum Care Powder

Product Description

1. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules by Planet Ayurveda have 500mg of pure extract of curcuma longa. Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties worldwide. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and blood purifier. It has Laghu (light) and rooksha (dry) guna and a bitter, pungent taste which makes it a great herb to reduce the swelling and work as an antiseptic for all kinds of skin inflammation.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day

2. Septrin Tablets

Planet Ayurveda’s Septrin tablets is a formulation that has pure ayurveda herbs. Some of them are Guggula (Commiphora mukul), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale) and marich (Piper longum). All these herbs are anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial and have healing properties which makes this combination good for treatment of buccal cavity disorders.

Dosage: 2 tab twice daily

3. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore guggul by Planet Ayurveda is a tablet formulation that contains various ayurveda herbs such as Guggula (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Goskhur (Tribulus teresteris), Vidang (Emelia ribes) and Trikatu (Three peppers). Guggula, the key ingredient in this tablet, helps majorly in fighting the disease, reducing the inflammation and heals the skin wounds.

Dosage: 2 tab twice daily

4. Digestion Support

Digestion Support capsules by Planet Ayurveda have pure standardised extracts of many ayurveda herbs that help in the overall digestion of the body. Some of the herbs are Amla (Embilica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Pippali (Piper longum) etc. This formulation is best known for reducing the toxin (AMA) from the body and maintains the natural pH level in the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

5. Gum Care Powder

Gum care powder by Planet Ayurveda is a powder formulation that has all the essential herbs required for the gum health of an individual. Some of the herbs are Sonthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Poog (Areca catechu) etc. This powdered formulation can be massaged over gums and teeth and then rinsed with water. It helps to keep the gum tissues strong and helps maintain the overall oral hygiene in all kinds of buccal cavity disorders.

Dosage: Massage over gums and teeth and then rinse.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

While modern science mentions various treatment options for sialadenitis and sialadenosis, most of these treatment options have long term side effects on the body and don’t cure the disease from the root cause. Ayurveda on the other hand has various herbs and formulations that help treat this disease from root cause and prevent recurrent episodes. Thus, It is always a better option to go for natural and safe alternatives in case of salivary gland disorders.