What Causes Parotitis?
Discussion
The salivary glands are important for creating saliva which helps with taste, digestion, oral health, and speech. Salivary gland problems are not that common but can be painful, annoying or herald potential systemic diseases. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland lying anterior to the ear within the cheek structures. There are 2 lobes (superficial and deep) and the facial nerve runs between them. The salivary duct opens adjacent to the upper second molar. Infections are the most common cause of parotitis with mumps being the most commonly associated infection especially in unimmunized patients.
Patients with parotitis present with pain or discomfort, swelling, and potentially systemic fever and/or localized temperature elevation. The jaw angle may not be discernable because of the swelling and there may be mucopurulent discharge from the salivary duct. Special attention should be paid to the facial nerve innervation and adjacent structures when examining the patient.
Patients are usually treated supportively for infectious causes with analgesics, sialoguges, parotid gland massage, oral hygiene practices and if appropriate, antibiotics. Consultations with dentists or otorhinolaryngologists may assist primary care providers with outpatient management and is helpful if the diagnosis is not clear.
Learning Point
The differential diagnosis for parotitis and other salivary gland disorders includes:
Infections
Viral
Mumps
Adenovirus
Coxsackie virus
Cytomegalo...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Pediatric Education Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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