Dacryoadenitis overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal glands (the tear-producing glands).
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Dacryoadenitis can be diagnosed by examination of the eyes and lids.
CT
Special tests such as a CT scan may be required to search for the cause.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Sometimes biopsy will be needed to be sure that a tumor of the lacrimal gland is not present.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
If the cause of dacryoadenitis is a viral condition such as mumps, simple rest and warm compresses may be all that is needed. For other causes, the treatment is specific to the causative disease.
Primary Prevention
Mumps can be prevented by immunization. Gonococcus, the bacteria causing gonorrhea, can be avoided by the use of condoms. Most other causes cannot be prevented.
References
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