These factors include recent surgery, malnutrition, dehydration, Sjogren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, radiation therapy of the head and/or neck, alcoholism, diabetes, and HIV infection. The typical presentation of parotitis involves a rapid onset of localized pain, swelling, and hardening of the infected gland. Associated generalized symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, arthralgias, malaise, and chills (Buttaro et al., 2011). Clinical presentation and physical examination determines the diagnosis of parotitis. Labs drawn should include complete blood count (CBC) with differential and differential, as well as culture and sensitivity. CBC with differential may reveal leukocytosis with neutrophilia in patients with purulence. In such cases, cultures and sensitivities should be performed, along with fungal and mycobacterial analyses. If calculus is suspected to have caused the obstruction, radiographs or oblique soft tissue films should be obtained (Buttaro et al., 2011). Computed tomography (CT) scan, with contrast medium, is an excellent study to obtain because it may reveal ductal stones or purulence. X-ray and ultrasound may be obtained if necessary. Medications with anticholinergic or atropine-like effects such as antiparkinsonian agents, atropine, dicyclomine hydrochloride, glycopyrrolate, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine sulfate should be considered as they can initiate parotitis. Many psychotropic medications have an atropine-like effect and can cause parotid swelling (Buttaro et al., 2011). Antibiotic therapy is the recommended treatment of parotitis; cephalosporins, clindamycin, and/or β-lactamase-resistant penicillins (amoxicillin with clavulanate) are preferred. Cefoxitin and nafcillin are reserved for resistant bacteria. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is essential. The use of sialagogues (agents that stimulate the production and flow of saliva, such as sugar-free hard candy and chewing gum), external massage, local heat, and proper oral hygiene may be beneficial (Buttaro et al., 2011). Medication Synthesis The combination antibiotic, Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is useful for the treatment of numerous bacterial infections. …show more content…
Amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) consist of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate potassium. This combination results in increased spectrum of action and effectiveness against β-lactamase producing bacteria that is resistant amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic that inhibits its synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins within the bacterial cell wall. Clavulanate, which is a β-lactamase inhibitor, inactivates a broad range of β-lactamase enzymes frequently found in bacteria that is resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins (Lexi-Comp, 2016). Augmentin is used to treat many infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin, and sinusitis. K.V. currently was diagnosed with Sialodenitis (Parotitis), an infection of the salivary glands. The prescribed dose is appropriate for this patient infection, it is important to treat the condition