View source for Parotitis (patient information)

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{{Parotitis (patient information)}}
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Parotitis|here]]'''

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==Overview==
*Parotitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the [[parotid glands]] found under the [[mouth]] and in back of both [[ears]]. It is a symptom of [[viral]] or [[bacterial]] infection, a [[growth]], or from recurrent conditions.

==What are the symptoms of Parotitis?==
The symptoms of parotitis include the following:
*Abnormal tastes
*[[Trismus|Difficulty opening mouth]]
*[[Dry mouth]]
*[[Fever]]
*Mouth or facial pain
**Especially during [[chewing]] and [[swallowing]]
*[[Erythema|Reddening]] of the face or upper neck
*Facial [[swelling]]
**Particularly in front of the ears

==What causes Parotitis?==
The causes of Parotitis include [[viruses]] such as [[mumps]], [[HIV]], or [[extrapulmonary tuberculosis]]. It can also result from a [[''staphylococcus aureus'' infection|staph infection]] from ''[[staphylococcus aureus]]'' bacteria. Parotitis can result from blockages in the [[mouth]], including benign or malignant [[tumors]] or [[Salivary duct stone|salivary gland stones]]. A chronic disease that can cause parotitis is [[Sjögren's Syndrome]].

==Who is at highest risk?==
*Children between 6 months and 16 years old for [[mumps]]-based parotitis.
*Women over age 40 and/or [[perimenopausal]], for parotitis from [[Sjögren’s syndrome]].
*People lacking the [[MMR vaccine|mumps vaccine]] or anti-[[tuberculosis]] [[vaccination]].
*Those who smoke, chew tobacco, or have poor oral hygiene.

==Diagnosis==
*An examination of the [[mouth]], particularly behind the [[ears]], will be done to determine if the [[parotid glands]] are swollen.
*A [[cheek]] or [[mouth]] swab may be done to obtain a sample to test for viruses such as [[mumps]] and [[HIV]], or presence of bacteria such as ''[[staphylococcus aureus]]''.
*A CT scan or MRI may be done if the cause is suspected to be from an [[abscess]] or an obstruction, such as a [[Salivary duct stone|salivary gland stone]].
*A sample will be taken for analysis in the event of a [[parotid gland]] [[tumor]].
*An examination to check for presence of [[pus]] may be done to diagnose parotitis sourced from an [[abscess]].

==When to seek urgent medical care?==
*When diagnosed with parotitis: If [[fever]] develops or worsens or you have [[difficulty breathing]] or [[swallowing]].
*If swelling is due to a [[tumor]] that does not respond to therapy. 

==Treatment options==
*Pain relievers, such as [[aspirin]] and [[tylenol]].
*Heated massages of the outside of the [[parotid gland]].
*Warm salt water rinses.
*Lemon drops or [[lozenges]] to stimulate saliva flow.
*[[Antiretroviral]] medication if the cause is [[HIV]].
*Anti-[[tuberculosis]] medication
*[[Antibiotics]] and [[abscess]] draining for [[bacterial]] infection-caused parotitis.
*[[Surgery]] of the [[parotid gland]] (partial or full)

==Where to find medical care for Parotitis?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Parotitis}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Parotitis]

==Prevention==
*[[Vaccination]] against [[mumps]] and [[extrapulmonary tuberculosis]].
*Practicing good oral hygiene.
*Washing hands frequently.
*Avoiding close contact with those who are sick.
*Limiting sexual contact with [[HIV]]-infected individuals.
*Using [[condoms]] during [[sexual intercourse]]
*Limiting alcohol consumption.
*Reducing tobacco consumption and smoking.
*Avoiding harmful inhalants, such as pesticides.

==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
Prognosis is usually good and full recovery is expected with or without treating symptoms.

==Possible complications==
[[Parotid gland]] [[abscesses]] are potential complications from lingering [[inflammation]] due to [[bacterial]] infection. 

==Sources==
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001041.htm

[[Category:Disease]]

[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Glands]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
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