Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It Affects YouCausesDiagnosisHow It Goes AwayTreatmentPreventionSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Affects You
Causes
Diagnosis
How It Goes Away
Treatment
Prevention
Seeking Medical Care
Parotitisis inflammation of theparotid glands—located on both sides of the head, in front of the ears. These structures are one of several types ofsalivary glandsin the face that provide saliva to the mouth.
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections typically cause parotid gland swelling.However, it can also occur with other medical conditions or parotid gland blockage.
This article discusses parotitis—how it affects the body, its signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoZay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
How Does Parotitis Affect the Body?
Parotitis can cause various signs and symptoms, including the following:
What Causes Parotid Gland Swelling?
The most common cause ofparotid glandswelling is bacterial infections. However, it can also develop from a virus or be a side effect of another medical condition. It can also occur from parotid duct obstruction.
Parotid Glands
Parotid Gland Infection
Other Medical Conditions
Parotitis can occur as a side effect of other medical conditions or treatments, such as:
Parotid Duct Obstruction
Left untreated, parotid gland obstruction can lead to infection.
Is Parotitis Contagious?
How Is Parotitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing parotid gland obstruction can also include imaging, such as an ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), orcomputed tomography (CT) scan.
Does Parotitis Go Away on Its Own?
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your parotitis. Parotid gland infection can spread to deeper tissues in the neck and face. Swelling can lead to difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What Is the Best Treatment for Parotitis?
Viral infections usually go away without treatment. However, bacterial parotitis requires treatment with antibiotics. If abscesses occur, a healthcare provider might recommendaspirationto drain the pus. Ultimately, the cause and severity of parotitis will guide treatment.
Home remedies can also help treat symptoms of parotitis. These can include:
How to Prevent Parotitis
Parotitis can’t always be prevented, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing parotid gland inflammation. These include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you suspect parotitis due to swelling in your cheeks that’s not improving, see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and best treatment options. Other symptoms that may occur with parotitis for which you should seek immediate medical attention include the following:
Summary
Viral infections typically get better without treatment, but bacterial infections require antibiotics. A blocked parotid gland might require surgery. Home remedies, such as warm compresses, saltwater rinses, and gentle massage, can help treat symptoms of parotitis.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & symptoms of mumps.Penn Medicine.Salivary gland infection.Bukhari AF, Bugshan AS, Papas A, Desai B, Farag AM.Conservative management of chronic suppurative parotitis in patients with sjögren syndrome: A case series.Am J Case Rep. 2021;22:e929553-1-e929553-5. doi:10.12659%2FAJCR.929553Sjögren’s Foundation.Symptoms.American Academy of Family Physicians.Salivary gland disorders.Penn Medicine.Radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis.Cedars-Sinai.Parotid duct obstruction.Penn Medicine.Mumps.Kaiser Permanente.Parotitis: Care instructions.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & symptoms of mumps.Penn Medicine.Salivary gland infection.Bukhari AF, Bugshan AS, Papas A, Desai B, Farag AM.Conservative management of chronic suppurative parotitis in patients with sjögren syndrome: A case series.Am J Case Rep. 2021;22:e929553-1-e929553-5. doi:10.12659%2FAJCR.929553Sjögren’s Foundation.Symptoms.American Academy of Family Physicians.Salivary gland disorders.Penn Medicine.Radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis.Cedars-Sinai.Parotid duct obstruction.Penn Medicine.Mumps.Kaiser Permanente.Parotitis: Care instructions.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & symptoms of mumps.Penn Medicine.Salivary gland infection.Bukhari AF, Bugshan AS, Papas A, Desai B, Farag AM.Conservative management of chronic suppurative parotitis in patients with sjögren syndrome: A case series.Am J Case Rep. 2021;22:e929553-1-e929553-5. doi:10.12659%2FAJCR.929553Sjögren’s Foundation.Symptoms.American Academy of Family Physicians.Salivary gland disorders.Penn Medicine.Radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis.Cedars-Sinai.Parotid duct obstruction.Penn Medicine.Mumps.Kaiser Permanente.Parotitis: Care instructions.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & symptoms of mumps.
Penn Medicine.Salivary gland infection.
Bukhari AF, Bugshan AS, Papas A, Desai B, Farag AM.Conservative management of chronic suppurative parotitis in patients with sjögren syndrome: A case series.Am J Case Rep. 2021;22:e929553-1-e929553-5. doi:10.12659%2FAJCR.929553
Sjögren’s Foundation.Symptoms.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Salivary gland disorders.
Penn Medicine.Radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis.
Cedars-Sinai.Parotid duct obstruction.
Penn Medicine.Mumps.
Kaiser Permanente.Parotitis: Care instructions.
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