Parotitis
Overview
Definition
Parotitis is swelling in one or both parotid glands. These are two large salivary glands that are between each ear and jaw.
The problem can be:
- Acute—Gets better in a short period of time with or without treatment
- Chronic—Causes long term swelling or periods when things are worse and then better
Parotid Gland |
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Risk Factors
This illness is more common in older adults and newborns. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Dehydration
- Recent surgery
-
Certain health problems, such as:
- Diabetes
- HIV infection
- Sjogren syndrome
-
Blocked saliva flow from:
- Salivary stone in the parotid gland
- Mucus plug in a salivary duct
- Tumor
- Mental health problems, such as depression or eating disorders
- Use of certain medicines
- Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make a diagnosis.
Tests may include a blood test and a fluid sample from the parotid gland.
Pictures may be taken of the area. These may be done with:
- Ultrasound
- Sialography to view the ducts in and around the parotid gland
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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All rights reserved.
a (Sialadenitis; Salivary Gland Infection)
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research http://www.nidcr.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References
Acute suppurative parotitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-suppurative-parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.
Chronic recurrent parotitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-recurrent-parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.
Hernandez S, Busso C, et al. Parotitis and Sialendoscopy of the Parotid Gland. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2016 Apr;49(2):381-393.
Parotitis. Net Doctor website. Available at: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/mouth-and-teeth/a3082/parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.