Everything You Need to Know About Parotitis

Parotitis is inflammation of the parotid glands—located on both sides of the head, in front of the ears. These structures are one of several types of salivary glands in 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.

How Does Parotitis Affect the Body?

Parotitis can cause various signs and symptoms, including the following:

• Swollen parotid glands
• Dry mouth
• Pain
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Fever or chills
• Redness on the sides of the neck or face
• Drainage from the affected glands
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  

What Causes Parotid Gland Swelling?

The most common cause of parotid gland swelling 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

About 80% of cases of parotitis are caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. However, it can also occur from viruses, such as mumps, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or fungi, such as Candida albicans.

Other Medical Conditions

Parotitis can occur as a side effect of other medical conditions or treatments, such as:

• Sjögren's syndrome
• Tumors (cancerous and noncancerous)
• Radiation treatments (such as for cancer)
  

Parotid Duct Obstruction

Parotid gland swelling can also occur from a blockage in the parotid duct—the opening where saliva is emptied into the mouth. This can be caused by:

• Salivary gland stones
• Mucous plugs
• Scar tissue
• Abnormal cell growth
• Foreign bodies

Left untreated, parotid gland obstruction can lead to infection.

How Is Parotitis Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose parotitis by palpating (feeling) swollen parotid glands. They may take a pus sample from the parotid gland and send it to a microbiology lab to look at under a microscope to determine the cause of the infection.

Diagnosing parotid gland obstruction can also include imaging, such as an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Does Parotitis Go Away on Its Own?

Parotitis caused by a virus usually goes away without treatment. However, if you have a bacterial infection causing parotitis, you will require antibiotic treatment.

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 recommend aspiration to drain the pus. Ultimately, the cause and severity of parotitis will guide treatment.

Parotitis caused by parotid gland stones (mineral deposits) is sometimes treated with endoscopy to remove the stones. In severe cases, a healthcare provider will surgically remove the parotid gland.

Home remedies can also help treat symptoms of parotitis. These can include:

• Avoid smoking.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Rinse with salt water.
• Brush teeth and floss at least twice per day.
• Gently massage the affected gland.
• Apply warm compresses to the affected area.
• Suck on sugar-free sour candy.

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:

• Practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing.
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels, etc., with people with a bacteria, virus, or fungus causing parotitis.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Stay up-to-date on your measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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:

• A high fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Swallowing problems

Summary

"Parotitis" is the medical term for inflammation of the parotid gland. This condition is often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections but can occur from blockage of the parotid gland. Symptoms can include pain, pus, swelling, fever, and more. Parotitis is diagnosed with a physical exam, culturing the infected fluids, and imaging such as MRI or CT scan.

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.