What Are The Complications Of Parotitis?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Abscess of salivary gland.
  • Adverse effects of parotitis treatment.
  • Facial paralysis.
  • Chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Infection of other organs.
  • Spread of bacterial infection.

What is the most common cause of parotitis?

Parotitis is a painful swelling of your parotid glands, which are salivary glands located between the ear and jaw. The most common cause is

a virus, such as mumps, herpes, or Epstein-Barr

. Bacterial infections, diabetes, tumours or stones in the saliva glands, and tooth problems also may cause parotitis.

Why is parotitis so painful?

Acute parotitis is an

extremely painful condition as the parotid gland is invested with a richly innervated fascia

. It is most frequently caused by the mumps virus; it occurs commonly in children and is usually bilateral, although it may be unilateral.

What happens if the parotid gland is damaged?

If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva it can affect taste,

make chewing and swallowing more difficult

, and increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.

How long can parotitis last?

Parotitis usually lasts on

average 5 days

and most cases resolve after 10 days. Mumps infection may also present only with nonspecific or primarily respiratory symptoms, or may be asymptomatic.

What is the best antibiotic for parotitis?

[18] In community-acquired parotitis, first-line treatment is with

antistaphylococcal penicillin (nafcillin, oxacillin)

, first-generation (cefazolin), vancomycin, or clindamycin for suspected methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

How do you get rid of parotitis?

Most episodes of chronic parotitis are

treated symptomatically

. Sialogogues, local heat, gentle massage of the gland from posterior to anterior, and hydration provide variable symptomatic relief. When pus is expressed from the Stensen duct, culture and sensitivity studies guide antibiotic selection.

Why are parotid swellings so painful?

Generally, your gland starts to make saliva during a meal. But

because of a blockage, the saliva might start to back up into the parotid gland

. This can cause pain and swelling. Sometimes the gland and duct can become infected as a result.

How do you relieve parotid gland pain?

Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva and reduce swelling. Massaging the gland with heat. Using

warm compresses on the inflamed gland

.

What kind of doctor treats parotitis?


A salivary gland specialist

is the medical professional of choice for evaluating and treating parotitis while minimizing any possible complications.

Can a parotid gland grow back?

Recurrent

parotid tumors unfortunately regrow after initial treatment

, requiring further surgery. Repeat surgery increases both the chances of facial paralysis and facial cosmetic deformities.

What antibiotics treat parotid gland infection?

For health care associated parotitis, broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended as mentioned in Table 3.

Cefoxitin, imipenem, ertapenem

, the combination of a penicillin plus beta-lactamase (amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/sulbactam) will provide adequate coverage.

Is parotid gland swelling serious?

Parotid gland

infections are rare

but if you notice swelling in one of your cheeks, feel chills, or fever, you should seek professional treatment right away. Your healthcare professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the treatment necessary to heal your parotid gland.

Will parotitis go away?

Prognosis In the long term,

most cases of parotitis go away and don’t return

. Parotitis that is linked to another medical condition (such as HIV/AIDS or Sjögren’s syndrome) may not go away completely. It also may go away, but keep coming back.

Why do alcoholics get parotid enlargement?

The exact reason for parotid swelling in associa tion with alcoholism

is not known

. At one time, alcoholic cirrhosis was thought to be a prerequi site of parotid swelling, but it is now known that parotid enlargement can develop before the onset of liver cirrhosis in patients with high alcoholic intakes.

Can dehydration cause parotid gland swelling?

When you get dehydrated, your saliva may become

thick

and flow more slowly than normal. That creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. Instead of a blocked gland or an infection, it’s also possible one of your salivary glands could be enlarged.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.