Parotitis refers to the inflammation of the parotid gland, one of the salivary glands located near the ear. This gland plays a crucial role in producing saliva, which aids in digestion.

Commonly known as mumps, parotitis is an infection that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have not been vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

What is Parotitis?

Parotitis is the inflammation of the parotid salivary gland. When infected, this gland swells, resulting in pain, which may be felt on one or both sides of the face.

There are several potential causes of parotitis, including:

Viral infections

The most common cause of parotitis is the Paramyxovirus, the virus responsible for mumps. This virus spreads through saliva droplets from an infected individual, leading to swelling of the parotid glands. Additional symptoms of viral parotitis include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Other viruses, such as the flu virus, Coxsackie viruses, and even COVID-19, can also cause parotitis.

Bacterial infections

In some cases, parotitis may result from bacterial infections affecting the salivary glands. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria responsible for this condition. However, bacterial parotitis is less frequent and typically occurs in individuals with poor oral hygiene.

Autoimmune conditions

Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can lead to chronic parotitis. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the salivary glands, causing ongoing inflammation.

Salivaly gland blockages

Obstructions in the salivary glands, often due to salivary stones (sialolithiasis) or swelling, can lead to infections that eventually result in parotitis. These blockages hinder the flow of saliva, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and inflammation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Parotitis

Parotitis, whether viral or bacterial in origin, typically presents with several key symptoms:

• Swelling of the parotid glands, often occurs on one or both sides of the face, causing visible asymmetry.
• Pain in the face or jaw can be caused by swollen glands, particularly when chewing or opening the mouth.
• Fever and fatigue are common symptoms in parotitis caused by infection.
• Dry mouth is due to reduced saliva production, individuals with parotitis may experience dry mouth, which can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
• Ear discomfort: Swelling near the ear can lead to pain, particularly when swallowing food or beverages.

Parotitis, especially when caused by viral infections like mumps, can often be prevented by receiving the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective. Along with vaccination, maintaining good hygiene and a balanced diet is essential for bolstering the body's immune defenses.

If the parotitis is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be required. It is important to consult a doctor if you exhibit symptoms of mumps, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Have more questions about mumps? You can access health consultations through the Ai Care app, available on both the App Store and Play Store.

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