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Parotitis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Parotitis

(Sialadenitis; Salivary Gland Infection)

Definition

Parotitis is swelling in one or both parotid glands. These are 2 large salivary glands that are between each ear and jaw.

The problem can be:

  • Acute—Gets better in a short period of time with or without treatment
  • Chronic—Causes long-term swelling or periods when things are worse and then better
Parotid Gland.

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Causes

There are many causes. It depends whether the illness is acute or chronic. The most common causes are:

  • Bacterial infection
  • A viral infection, such as mumps
  • Blockage of saliva flow

Risk Factors

This illness is more common in older adults and newborns. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Dehydration
  • Recent surgery
  • Certain health problems, such as:
  • Blocked saliva flow from:
    • Salivary stone in the parotid gland
    • Mucus plug in a salivary duct
    • Tumor
  • Mental health problems, such as depression or eating disorders
  • Use of certain medicines
  • Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer

Symptoms

Acute parotitis may cause:

  • Sudden pain and swelling that worsens with eating
  • Redness
  • Pus that may drain into the mouth

Chronic parotitis may cause:

  • Swelling around the parotid gland
  • Dry mouth
  • Milky discharge in the mouth

Chronic parotitis can destroy the salivary glands.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make a diagnosis.

Tests may include a blood test and a fluid sample from the parotid gland.

Pictures may be taken of the area. These may be done with:

Treatment

The cause of the problem will need to be treated. Choices are:

  • Supportive care, such as warm water rinses and good oral hygiene
  • Medicines, such as:
    • Antibiotics to treat infection
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage swelling and pain
  • Surgery to remove anything that may be blocking saliva flow

Prevention

Good oral hygiene may lower the risk of acute parotitis.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute suppurative parotitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-suppurative-parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.
  • Chronic recurrent parotitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-recurrent-parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.
  • Hernandez S, Busso C, et al. Parotitis and Sialendoscopy of the Parotid Gland. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2016 Apr;49(2):381-393.
  • Parotitis. Net Doctor website. Available at: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/mouth-and-teeth/a3082/parotitis. Accessed October 30, 2020.

Contributors

  • James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2020-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.