CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Sialadenitis, an acute infection, commonly affects the parotid gland. The

microbiology of infection of the submandibular and sublingual glands has rarely

been reported (SJ, 1999). The chief agent is Staphylococcus aureus. However,

streptococci (including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Str. pyogenes) and gram-

negative aerobic bacilli (including Escherichia coli) have also been reported (SJ,

1999). Gram negative organisms are often isolated from hospitalised patients.

Organisms less frequently found are Haemophilus influenzae, Treponema

pallidum, cat-scratch bacillus and Eikenella corrodens (Brook I, Frazier EH,

1991). Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria are rare causes of

parotitis. Treatment is rehydration of the patient, encouraging salivary flow

(lemon drops), gland massage, and antibiotics. If an abscess occurs, it will need

surgical draining (Bijai, 2013).

In this paper, we will discuss about a case report of a 45-year-old female

patient who reported with swelling on left side of her face. A 45 year old female

came to Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Rajah Muthiah Dental

College, Annamalai University with a chief complaint of painful swelling on left

side of her face since four days ago. History of pain was sudden in onset and

aggravated by mastication. Initially the swelling was small in size and gradually

increased to the present size. Patient had associated fever before 3 days. Patient

had a history of similar recurrent swelling since 5 years ago and tuberculosis

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twice with first episode 20 years ago and then 2 years later. Patient underwent

similar treatment. Patient wanted the swelling to be treated.