Swollen salivary glands issues

[beentheredoneit]

Has anybody dealt with this?  I've done all sorts of diagnostic tests, scans, come up with nothing.  The doctors just say it's something I probably have to live with, as it's my only side effect from all this.  Despite medications, the glands under the chin area are always swollen. 

Some days it make my life a hassle when speaking at length, but the doctors all tell me to just deal with it.  I've tried all kinds of specialists at this point and tests like I said.

I believe this and the meds sometimes cause symptoms of dry mouth as well.

[Miss Philicia]

HIV infection as well as medication can cause persistent dry mouth. I've long had this issue and use Biotene toothpaste and mouth rinse to try and address the deficiency because it can lead to tooth decay. But I don't think my glands are enlarged. You know there are lymph nodes in your neck which can seem swollen when you have HIV.

I'd advise that you be sure to stick with a 6 month routine dental check up. Have you been to the dentist since being diagnosed?

[Ann]

Hi Beenthere,

I've moved your thread out of the Lipo forum and into the Living forum, because your swollen salivary glands have nothing to do with lipo - and you'll also more likely to get more responses in this forum.

Are your doctors sure it's not lymph glands that are swollen? I've had a lymph gland right behind my right earlobe, pretty much the whole time I've been poz. It varies in size (such as getting a bit bigger if I've got a head cold) but never gives me any trouble. It's just one of those things.

Other than that, I got nothin'. Sorry.

Ann

[beentheredoneit]

All specialists agreed that those are salivary glands.  Getting the CAT scan showed no issues.   

I just called the dentist again to verify that he saw nothing on my last x-rays, but as was said, sometimes it's just something that comes and goes as a side effect.

[beentheredoneit]

Have you been to the dentist since being diagnosed?

Yep. Def helps to keep up with the regular dental routine.

[Ann]

All specialists agreed that those are salivary glands.  Getting the CAT scan showed no issues.   

I just called the dentist again to verify that he saw nothing on my last x-rays, but as was said, sometimes it's just something that comes and goes as a side effect.

Good to hear you've had a definite explanation as to what is swollen. As long as they're not giving you pain, it sounds like it's just one of those things.

As it's been investigated thoroughly, just keep an eye on them for any changes (such as sudden, painful further swelling) and try to not worry about it.

[mitch777]

I have had the same issue for years.
Same glands.
I used to bring up the topic every now and then with my docs but they kind of pushed it under the rug.
It is just one of those things that I try to ignore the best I can.
If anyone solves the mystery, let me in on it.

[OneTampa]

I posted a year or so ago about a similar situation I experienced back in the 1990s.  The right side of my neck just below my ear lobe and under my jaw became very swollen overnight.  I had no pain, restricted movement or trouble swallowing.  I went to the doctor and he performed a needle aspiration to collect a biopsy to rule out cancer or some other infection.  They also took a few x-rays. It was  determined that I had a blocked salivary gland.  The swelling went away on its own after a few days.  I was soon back to my old self.  I never had the condition before or since.

I am glad you are working with your doctors and hope you are better soon.

Take care.

[beentheredoneit]

It was  determined that I had a blocked salivary gland.  The swelling went away on its own after a few days.  I was soon back to my old self.  I never had the condition before or since.

Could you mention where you got this treatment finally, or what type of specialist?  I am going back to see a dentist for further assistance soon just to be sure of things.  It is basically the same area or gland on both sides.  It would come and go originally, now it is more just stationary.

[OneTampa]

Could you mention where you got this treatment finally, or what type of specialist?  I am going back to see a dentist for further assistance soon just to be sure of things.  It is basically the same area or gland on both sides.  It would come and go originally, now it is more just stationary.

My HMO carrier GP referred me to an ear, nose and throat specialist at the local hospital.

It won't hurt to also consult with you dentist.

I hope this helps.

[OneTampa]

My HMO carrier GP referred me to an ear, nose and throat specialist at the local hospital.

It won't hurt to also consult with your dentist.

I hope this helps.

[beentheredoneit]

I've long had this issue and use Biotene toothpaste and mouth rinse to try and address the deficiency

Yeah, as far as the dry mouth part goes, I just started using the Biotene rinse.  It hasn't much so far.  I've tried an organic spray as well with no luck.  I think the salivary glands have some play in this or the meds.

[Tonny2]

Hi, your CD8, Are they normal? There is something called Dysfunctional Immune Lymphocytes Syndrome.....I got same symptoms, dry mouth, swollen glands