Which condition is an inflammation of the lacrimal gland?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on April 23, 2026
Dacryoadenitis refers to inflammation of the lacrimal gland and may be unilateral or bilateral. The lacrimal gland is located superotemporally to the globe, within the extraconal orbital fat.
What is acute Dacryoadenitis?
Acute dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland, which typically causes pain, edema, and erythema in the superotemporal portion of the orbit and surrounding tissues. It is more common in children and young adults but can present at any age.
Why does my lacrimal gland hurt?
Lacrimal Gland swelling may be acute or chronic. Acute swelling is caused by a bacterial or viral infection such as mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, gonococcus and staphylococcus. Chronic swelling could be due to non-infectious inflammatory disorders such as thyroid eye disorder, sarcoidosis and orbital pseudotumor.
What does the lacrimal gland feel like?
The skin overlying the lacrimal glands is usually red and swollen (See Figure 1) and may be warm and tender to palpation. Physical findings that may be associated with the enlarged glands include conjunctival injection, chemosis, and ipsilateral preauricular lymphadenopathy (See Figure 2).
Can the lacrimal gland get infected?
Dacryoadenitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal gland. Infections are rare and may be acute or chronic. Patients with acute dacryoadenitis present with a tender area of erythema and swelling in the lateral part of the upper lid. It may lead to preseptal or orbital cellulitis or may suppurate into an abscess.
What is inflammation of lacrimal sac?
Dacryocystitis is an inflammation and infection of the lacrimal sac, usually caused by nasolacrimal duct obstruction. 1–3. It can be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, and can be localized to the sac, extend to the pericystitis, or progress further to cause orbital cellulitis.
Why does my lacrimal duct hurt?
As you age, the tiny openings that drain tears (puncta) may get narrower, causing blockage. Infection or inflammation. Chronic infection or inflammation of your eyes, tear drainage system or nose can cause your tear ducts to become blocked. Injury or trauma.
What are the treatments for bulbourethral gland stones?
Treatments can include antibiotics and/or correcting any structural abnormalities such as a syringocele. The bulbourethral glands can also get stones of calcium and other minerals, much like a kidney stone.
What are the causes of bulbourethral gland problems?
The bulbourethral glands can also get stones of calcium and other minerals, much like a kidney stone. This usually only happens in older men when fluid resides in the duct and gland for too long and begins to crystalize. Treatment is often unnecessary, but larger stones may be surgically removed. Cancer of the bulbourethral glands is fairly rare.
Can prednisone cause adrenal insufficiency?
Prednisone causes near-universal adrenal insufficiency. That means that nearly everyone on prednisone can have this issue when they decrease in dose. Usually it goes away and your adrenal glands eventually recover. That doesn’t mean you get the diagnosis of AI. Only if you have AI for a long time do you receive a diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of bulbourethral gland cancer?
Cancer of the bulbourethral glands is fairly rare. Symptoms may include a bloody discharge from the penis that isn’t associated with lab tests or symptoms that would indicate another more common cancer such as prostate cancer. Any bloody discharge from the penis should always be an indication that a man should see his healthcare provider.