Parotitis (patient information)
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Parotitis |
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Parotitis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.
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
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Mouth or facial pain
- Especially during chewing and swallowing
- 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 staph infection from staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Parotitis can result from blockages in the mouth, including benign or malignant tumors or 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 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 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?
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 Template:WH Template:WS