Parotid glands are the two salivary glands placed between the external ear canal and jaw. They may face different conditions, resulting in swelling. The swelling that regards these glands may be bilateral or unilateral.
Enlarged bilateral swelling occurs in the case of mumps (disease commonly known as "ears") and consists of an acute inflammation of the parotid glands that usually is accompanied by fever, head pain, pain when swallowing and chewing. It can also happen, in case of agenesis swelling, in case of benign neoplasm, malignant in one of the two glands, in case of sialadenitis, in the presence of an obstruction of the flow of saliva or salivary calculosis.
Swelling of just one of the two parotid may also depend of the presence of autoimmune diseases such as: Sjogren's syndrome or metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Infections affecting other parts of the body (such as tonsillitis, mononucleosis and cat-scratch disease) can also affect the parotid glands, causing enlargement.
What kind of diseases can be associated with parotid swelling?
The following diseases may be associated parotid swelling:
- Sialolithiasis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Diabetes
- Cat-scratch disease
- Mononucleosis
- Mumps
- Sialadenitis
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Tonsillitis
- Cancer of the salivary glands
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for swollen parotid?
The diseases that are associated with swollen parotid are many, and different, to enable a development of the treatment aimed at the resolution of the condition, it is important to understand what the base cause of the disorder is and to act on this. You should also consult your doctor.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of swollen parotid?
In case of earlier diagnosed diseases (see list of associated diseases).
