Which statement best describes the clinical presentation of acute sialadenitis?

Which statement best describes the clinical presentation of acute sialadenitis?

• A. Fever only
• B. Painless swelling
• C. Numbness of tongue
• D. Swelling, pain, and difficulty opening mouth

Answer: (D)

Acute sialadenitis classically presents with a tender, swollen salivary gland accompanied by fever and malaise. The hallmark feature is the combination of swelling and pain in the affected gland, which often worsens with meals as saliva flow increases. As the inflammatory process intensifies, the swelling can limit jaw movement, producing difficulty opening the mouth (trismus). This trio—swelling plus pain plus restricted mouth opening—best captures the typical clinical picture. Fever alone is not specific, a painless swelling suggests a noninfectious issue or chronic obstruction, and numbness of the tongue is not a characteristic feature.

Acute sialadenitis classically presents with a tender, swollen salivary gland accompanied by fever and malaise. The hallmark feature is the combination of swelling and pain in the affected gland, which often worsens with meals as saliva flow increases. As the inflammatory process intensifies, the swelling can limit jaw movement, producing difficulty opening the mouth (trismus). This trio—swelling plus pain plus restricted mouth opening—best captures the typical clinical picture. Fever alone is not specific, a painless swelling suggests a noninfectious issue or chronic obstruction, and numbness of the tongue is not a characteristic feature.