Pronounced: PEAR-uh-TIE-tiss
Parotitis causes swelling in one or both of the parotid glands. These are two large salivary glands that sit inside each cheek over the jaw in front of each ear. Usually, the problem goes away by itself, but some cases require treatment. See your doctor if you have swelling or other symptoms in this part of your face.
A variety of factors can lead to an inflamed parotid gland. They include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Discuss these risk factors with your doctor:
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.
If parotitis recurs, it can cause severe swelling into the neck and can destroy the salivary glands.
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:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Flossing and thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day may help with healing. Warm salt water rinses can help keep the mouth moist. It may also help if you quit smoking.
Your doctor may need to remove a stone, tumor, or other blockage. Increasing saliva flow may be all that's needed to remove a mucus plug.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
References:
Chitre VV, Premchandra DJ. Review: recurrent parotitis. Arch Dis Child . 1997;77:359-363. Available at: http://adc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/77/4/359 .
Salivary gland infections. University of Maryland Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/001041.htm . Accessed September 26, 2005.
Salivary gland infections. US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001041.htm . Accessed September 26, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
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.
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