Medical Care
The treatment of dacryoadenitis varies with onset and etiology.
Acute dacryoadenitis
Treatment varies by etiology, as follows:
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Viral (most common) - Self-limiting, supportive measures (eg, warm compresses, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories)
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Bacterial - Initiate with first-generation cephalosporins (eg, Keflex 500 mg qid) until culture results are obtained.
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Protozoan or fungal related - Treat the underlying infection accordingly with specific antiamoebic or antifungal agents.
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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.
Consultations
When considering sarcoidosis, tuberculosis (TB), Sjögren syndrome, or Graves disease as the etiology, consultation with an internist is important.
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.
