Granula - Obstructed Salivary Gland
My 6-month-old daughter is experiencing an obstruction in her salivary gland located beneath her tongue. Since her birth, she has been under the care of an ENT specialist due to this issue. Today, the doctor informed us that she will require anesthesia for a drainage procedure, as the gland is increasing in size. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has faced a similar situation. This whole circumstance has left me feeling very anxious and overwhelmed. She is so little, and the thought of her undergoing anesthesia makes me extremely worried. 💔 The doctor mentioned that there's a significant likelihood of the problem recurring, which could mean she might have to undergo the procedure once more in the future. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with this and how their experience turned out. Thank you.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 4:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your daughter's situation; it’s completely understandable to feel anxious when it comes to your child's health, especially with the thought of anesthesia. Here's a summary of the main concerns and actionable advice:
Main Points
Your daughter has an obstructed salivary gland requiring a drainage procedure under anesthesia, and the possibility of recurrence is adding to your anxiety.
Explanation
An obstructed salivary gland, often caused by mucous or calculus buildup, can lead to swollen glands, discomfort, and infections. The procedure aims to relieve the obstruction and allows for normal salivary flow. Use of anesthesia in infants is generally safe, and the medical team will monitor her closely throughout the process.
As for the potential recurrence, some children do experience this due to various reasons, including anatomical differences or ongoing gland issues. Knowing that this could happen again can be worrying, but it’s a common concern in some children.
Next Steps
-
Discuss Anesthesia Concerns: Talk to your doctor or the anesthesiologist about your worries regarding anesthesia. They can explain the safety measures in place for young children and address any specific questions you have.
-
Prepare Emotionally and Practically: Surround yourself with supportive friends or family who can help you emotionally during this time. It might also help to ask the ENT specialist about the expected recovery process, which can offer reassurance.
-
Post-Procedure Care: After the drainage, keep an eye on your daughter’s recovery, looking for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discomfort. Follow any specific care instructions provided by the doctor.
-
Follow-Up Plans: Clarify what follow-up visits will look like, both immediately post-procedure and in the long term. This can help you feel more in control of her care.
-
Connect with Other Parents: If you feel comfortable, seek out parent support groups, either online or local, where you can hear from others who have gone through similar experiences.
It’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed; be gentle with yourself. Remember, your daughter is in capable hands, and you are doing everything you can to care for her. If you have any additional questions or just need to talk, feel free to share.
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Influenza: Seeking Insights
I know I recently shared an update, but I realized I overlooked an important question. My 28-year-old husband has been feeling unwell since early this morning, although he seems to be on the mend. He experienced a single episode of vomiting and has had diarrhea 3-4 times today. Since he started expressing discomfort, we have been entirely apart to prevent any possible spread of illness. Given his symptoms, could this be Norovirus or Influenza? Currently, he is suffering from a headache, feels unusually warm (though we don’t have a thermometer, so I can’t confirm if he has a fever), and is experiencing soreness in his legs. Additionally, his throat was quite painful for much of the day, particularly after vomiting, which might be due to a globus sensation. He has taken a total of 12mg of ondansetron, administered in intervals of six hours. For reference, he weighs 230 pounds, seldom consumes alcohol, has Puerto Rican heritage, is a former smoker, and does not use any illicit substances.
Understanding Esophageal Polyps
I’m a 33-year-old woman who recently discovered a polyp located at the base of my esophagus. I’m wondering if anyone has insights on what the possible pathology results might indicate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.