submandibular gland swollen and hurts

@tricia7 -

And how on earth did this ENT explain this would help your complaints?

Be thankful your insurance denied it! Truly.

I would address all lifestyle as a whole. Immune system help, sleep, stress, exercise. All of it.

And run fast from an ENT surgeon.

@tricia7
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogrens Syndrome, both autoimmune illnesses. I always have swollen submandibular glands and cervical lymph swollen when I'm overtired. Have you thought about seeing a rheumatologist? I agree with @seekinginfo it's best not to see one doctor in any case where illnesses are chronic. If you do need surgery, it wouldn't be nasal?!

Hello @tricia7. I think you need to shop around for a new ENT. Perhaps a visit to your PCP would be a good idea to start by assessing your general health with some bloodwork and exam and then a referral to ENT if nothing can be found. I would stress that you feel unwell and all that you are doing to treat your symptoms
I had a painful ear for many months and cycled through my PCP and 3 different ENTs looking for answers. When I finally showed up with some facial nerve paralysis signs, the 3rd ENT sent me for an MRI. Results of that had me requesting a referral to ENT at a University Medical Center an hour away. There I finally received a diagnosis of cancer in my ear canal. Be persistent, as you are your own best advocate for your health care. Do not give up until you are satisfied with a diagnosis.

Did you ever find anything more about your issue? What you described sounds literally word for word as to what I've been experiencing for 2 years straight. Well except for the Lyme disease part.

My ears, nose and throat doctor just takes a few minute look and writes me off as fine even though I suffer with the same exact symptoms.

@aw91 I wish I could tell you what’s causing this. Since that time I have gone to 4 ENTS trying to get help to no avail. Two suggested sinus surgeries for mildly deviated septum and collapse nasal valve, two said I didn’t need surgery. My PCP doesn’t know what’s causing it and my labs are mostly normal. I had an ultra sound of the gland and a year later an MRI. Since neither test showed a mass I was sent on my way. It’s frustrating that it swells so much and in is sore. The constant phlegm and congestion is frustrating. I’ve tried medications for congestion and they don’t touch it. Something is clearly wrong but no-one knows what’s causing this. I mention it to my dentist and he refers me back to PCP. I’ve given up.
I wish you well and wish I was of more help.

@tricia7 My symptoms included what you’re describing, but weren’t limited to that. I had sinus surgery in 2020 and a total right parotidectomy in 2022 after my duct system kept sealing over.

In 2025 I finally got a lead, it was the styloid process (Eagle syndrome), affecting nearby nerves and the internal jugular vein. It can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on its length, thickness, and trajectory to surrounding structures.

Not saying that’s what you have, but if it hasn’t been ruled out, a CTA head/neck (CPT 70496, 70498) can help assess the styloid process in relation to surrounding structures and may show things a standard CT can miss. My initial radiology read didn’t assess for Eagle syndrome appropriately, and I needed a second opinion.

I have a swollen submandibular gland, which has a corresponding lump in my neck and a mass under my tongue where the glands meet. I am having a procedure whereby they use a tiny camera, dilate the duct,flush it out, and put a steroid in place. It is proven to help some folks. This can bypass needing the removal of the gland. Cleveland Clinic will be performing it.