What Causes Slightly Enlarged Parotid Glands And Excessive Salivation While Bending?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have slightly enlarged Parotid glands , when I lie down my mouth is as dry as dry , when I bend my head down saliva is out of control and just slurps out.
I have the autoimune disease Wegners Granulomotosis

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
wegeners granulomatosis involving salivary gland

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.

The dryness in the mouth, excessive salivation and enlarged parotid gland are most likely related to wegeners granulomatosis. This condition is known to affect salivary gland. In this context I would have ordered for investigations like stimulated and unstimulated salivary secretion, ultrasonography of the salivary gland and minor salivary gland biopsy. This will determine whether there is defect in the salivary gland secretion or any abnormality in the swallowing threshold. Your local oral physician will know about these test.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed we can treat the condition accordingly with medicines like botox or atropine (dose can be decided based on the diagnosis) to reduce the salivary secretion. There are exercise that help improve swallowing threshold.

All the tests and treatment options will be done at an oral physician's office. Therefore I will suggest you to consult one nearby.

I hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad