Symptom 3: Redness and Warmth
Inflammation often brings with it a duo of symptoms: redness and warmth. When sialadenitis occurs, the skin overlaying the affected salivary gland changes its hue. This reddening isn’t subtle; it stands out, indicating heightened blood flow to the area. The warmth that accompanies is not just a figurative description. If you were to touch the area, it would feel distinctly warmer than the surrounding skin.
Such changes are part of the body’s natural response to infection or injury. The increased blood flow aims to deliver more white blood cells to the affected region, gearing up to combat potential threats. Redness, while visually discernible, is more than skin deep. It hints at the body’s internal battle against the inflammation.
But why does the skin feel warm? This warmth results from the dilation of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. The body, in its wisdom, tries to cool down the affected area, resulting in this warmth that can be felt upon touch. This symptom duo, while possibly causing distress, is an indicator of the body’s defense mechanisms hard at work.
In some cases, this redness and warmth might spread beyond the immediate area of the salivary gland. It’s essential to monitor this spread, as it can provide insights into the inflammation’s progression. To wrap up, while redness and warmth are clear markers of sialadenitis, they’re also signs of the body’s relentless efforts to heal. (3)
