Salivary Gland Infection Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Salivary Gland Infection Guide

Christine Jeffries
Empowered
Christine Jeffries

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Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to parotitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. To determine the cause of your symptoms, see your doctor.

  • Swelling in front of your ears, below your jaw, or on the floor of your mouth
  • Dry mouth
  • Strange or foul taste in your mouth
  • Pus draining into the mouth
  • Mouth or facial pain, especially when you are eating or opening your mouth
  • Fever, chills, and other signs of infection

If parotitis recurs, it can cause severe swelling into the neck and can destroy the salivary glands.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may be enough to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:

  • Removing fluid from the gland and checking it for signs of infection
  • X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body; used to see salivary stones
  • Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the structures inside the body
  • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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