Dacryoadenitis Treatment & Management

Updated: Nov 07, 2023
  • Author: Gagan J Singh, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy, Sr, MD  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

The treatment of dacryoadenitis varies with onset and etiology.

Acute dacryoadenitis

Treatment varies by etiology, as follows:

  • Viral (most common) - Self-limiting, supportive measures (eg, warm compresses, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories)

  • Bacterial - Initiate with first-generation cephalosporins (eg, Keflex 500 mg qid) until culture results are obtained.

  • Protozoan or fungal related - Treat the underlying infection accordingly with specific antiamoebic or antifungal agents.

  • Inflammatory (noninfectious) - Investigate for systemic etiology, and treat accordingly.

Chronic dacryoadenitis

In most cases, treat the underlying systemic condition.

If the enlargement does not subside after 2 weeks, consider lacrimal gland biopsy.

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Consultations

When considering sarcoidosis, tuberculosis (TB), Sjögren syndrome, or Graves disease as the etiology, consultation with an internist is important.

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Long-Term Monitoring

Acute dacryoadenitis: For most patients, 2-6 weeks of follow-up care on an outpatient basis is necessary after beginning the initial treatment.

Chronic dacryoadenitis: Patient should receive follow-up care, in conjunction with the primary care physician, on an outpatient basis.

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