What is Dacryoadenitis?

When the tear producing glands in the body, or lacrimal glands, are inflammed, the condition is called dacryoadenitis.

Causes

It is typically caused by bacterial or viral infections like gonococcus, mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, or staphylococcus. For bacterial infections, according to the Review of Ophthalmology, " While staphylococci, streptococci and gonococci are often noted as the most frequent bacterial pathogens, haemophilus, moraxella and pseudomonas organisms have also been identified as culprits ". The chronic form of this condition is typically caused by noninfectious inflammatory disorders like thyroid eye disease and sarcoidosis. According to Medscape, the thought is that it is caused " by ascension of an inciting agent from the conjunctiva through the lacrimal ductules into the lacrimal gland. "

Symptoms

Some of the signs of this condition can include swelling of the front of the ear lymph nodes, pain in the area of the swelling, excess discharge and tearing, and swelling with possible tenderness and redness of the upper lid's outer portion.

Diagnosis

During a physical examination of the eyes and lids, the condition of dacryoadenitis can be diagnosed. Sometimes a CT scan or biopsy will be ordered, to make sure that a lacrimal gland tumor is not present.

Treatment

The treatment of the condition is done by what caused it. Treating the underlying condition will help the dacryoadenitis. If it is a viral cause, rest and warm compresses may be all the treatment needed before the symptoms go away. There is typically a full recovery from this condition. Complications can include eye pressure and distorted vision. There may also be a lacrimal gland tumor present.

Source: A.D.A.M., Medscape, Review of Ophthalmology