Symptoms of inflammation of the parotid gland

introduction

The parotid gland is located to the left and right in front of the ear in the back of the cheek. Humans have many small and three large salivary glands. The parotid gland is the largest human salivary gland. There are various diseases of the parotid gland, including inflammation of the parotid gland. Inflammation of the parotid gland can result from bacterial or viral infections. The parotid gland has direct access to the oral cavity through its duct. This can cause inflammation to rise. The danger increases when the duct is narrowed by salivary stones. As the flow of saliva is blocked, bacteria collect here and inflammatory processes can result.

People with immunodeficiency or inadequate hydration are more prone to bacterial infections of the parotid gland. Viral inflammation is the well-known mumps, which is triggered by the mumps virus. Inflammation of the parotid glands caused by the varicella zoster virus is less common. The causes and triggers of parotid gland inflammation are manifold. If the (back) cheek area swells when you eat, this is often a sign of inflammation of the parotid gland. Because of possible complications, such as meningitis or unilateral deafness with the mumps virus, a doctor should always be consulted in the case of inflammation of the parotid gland. With appropriate treatment, these complications can easily be prevented.

Further information on this topic can be found at: Inflammation of the parotid gland

Swelling as a symptom of inflammation of the parotid gland

Swelling of the parotid gland is often very painful as part of inflammatory processes. The swelling is usually one-sided. An exception is the mumps virus, which shows swelling on both sides. The swelling can vary in size. Sometimes it shows up as a small egg and sometimes the swelling is more extensive. The swollen area is usually reddened. There is also painless swellings in the context of diabetes mellitus, and in the context of hyperthyroidism. Certain medications can also cause swelling of the parotid gland. In addition, ulcers and tumors can cause the parotid gland to swell. Such cancer of the parotid gland should be examined and clarified by a doctor.

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Pain as a symptom of inflammation of the parotid gland

Since the parotid gland is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue, it presses on nerves and nerve tracts when it swells. This can lead to immense pain and malfunctions. With inflammation of the parotid gland, there is usually severe pressure pain in front of and under the ear. When opening the mouth, the pain often increases and restricts the mouth opening. Due to the proximity to the jaw and teeth, the pain can spread there. A sore throat and headache can also develop. When eating, the pain usually increases as there is increased saliva production, which increases the pressure. Because of this, food intake is often severely impaired.

Read more on the subject at: Pain in the parotid gland

Fever / chills as a symptom of inflammation of the parotid gland

As part of inflammatory processes in the parotid gland, fever often occurs in addition to a general feeling of illness. With bacterial infections, the fever is often high. In viral infections, on the other hand, it is often mild. In the case of parotid gland inflammation, messenger substances of the immune system, so-called cytokines, are released and thus increase the setpoint of the body temperature. The pathogens and foreign substances, so-called pyrogens, increase the release of the messenger substances. These messenger substances are not only involved in the immune reaction, but also influence the regulation of body temperature by contributing to the release of the hormone prostaglandin E2. This hormone then reaches the “vegatative control center in the brain”, the so-called hypothalamus. Here, accompanied by other mechanisms, the setpoint of the body temperature is increased. When this has happened, the previous “normal” body temperature is perceived as “too cold”. As a result, the body's heat dissipation is reduced and, for example, it leads to ice-cold fingers. In addition, the body tries to generate more heat and reacts in the form of chills, with the aim of reaching the newly set target value for body temperature. The measurement of the body temperature indicates an increased value - despite visible freezing. As soon as the inflammatory reaction of the parotid gland subsides and the target value normalizes again, the increased body temperature then triggers the opposite reactions. There is a break in a sweat with the aim of returning to the normal starting value. Whether and to what extent a person affected with an inflammation of the parotid gland has a fever is very individual.

Pus as a symptom of inflammation of the parotid gland

With a bacterial inflammation of the parotid gland, a purulent secretion usually develops. This pus can also reach the mouth in some cases. Those affected often notice a very unpleasant taste in the mouth. With a viral inflammation, the secretion is usually clear to cloudy.

Difficulty swallowing as a symptom of inflammation of the parotid gland

A swallowing disorder with insufficient chewing ability can cause inflammation of the parotid glands. Because chewing is reduced, this initially leads to reduced salivation and the colonization of bacteria is favored. On the other hand, it is also possible that an inflammation of the parotid gland triggers a swallowing disorder. Due to the pain and restricted mobility in the mouth and jaw area, restricted mouth opening and sore throat, swallowing of saliva or food may be restricted. The swelling of the parotid gland can also lead to compression and injury to the facial nerve, the facial nerve. In this case, the complete closure of the mouth can be impaired. Since the closure of the mouth plays an important role in the swallowing process, paralysis of the facial nerve can, among other things, promote swallowing disorders.

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