Parotitis

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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Causes

There are many causes. It depends whether the illness is acute or chronic. The most common ones are:

• Bacterial infection
• A viral infection, such as mumps
• Blockage of saliva flow

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

Symptoms

Acute parotitis may cause:

• Sudden pain and swelling that worsens with eating
• Redness
• Pus that may drain into the mouth

Chronic parotitis may cause:

• Swelling around the parotid gland
• Dry mouth
• Milky discharge in the mouth

Chronic parotitis can destroy the salivary glands.

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

Treatment

The cause of the problem will need to be treated. Choices are:

• Supportive care, such as warm water rinses and good oral hygiene
• Medicines, such as:
  • Antibiotics to treat infection
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage swelling and pain
• Surgery to remove anything that may be blocking saliva flow

Prevention

Good oral hygiene may lower the risk of acute parotitis.