Summary about Disease
Parotitis is an inflammation of the parotid glands, the salivary glands located near your ears. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or, less commonly, by other factors. Mumps is the most well-known viral cause of parotitis, but other viruses can also be responsible. Bacterial parotitis is typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms
Swelling and tenderness of one or both parotid glands (located in front of the ear and along the jawline).
Pain, especially when chewing or swallowing.
Fever.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Fatigue.
Dry mouth.
Redness or warmth over the affected gland.
Pus draining into the mouth (in bacterial cases).
Causes
Viral Infections: Mumps virus is the most common. Other viruses include influenza, parainfluenza, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and coxsackievirus.
Bacterial Infections: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common. Others include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial parotitis often occurs in people with poor oral hygiene, dehydration, or chronic illness.
Blockage of salivary ducts: Caused by salivary stones or tumors.
Autoimmune diseases: Sjogren's syndrome.
Medications: Some medications can reduce saliva flow and increase the risk.
Medicine Used
Viral Parotitis (like mumps): Primarily supportive care:
Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) for fever and pain.
Rest.
Fluids to prevent dehydration.
Bacterial Parotitis:
Antibiotics (e.g., dicloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, or vancomycin depending on severity and resistance patterns).
Pain relievers.
Sialogogues (medications to stimulate saliva flow).
Other:
If caused by duct blockage, treatments to remove the blockage may be necessary.
Is Communicable
Yes. Mumps (viral parotitis) is highly communicable. Bacterial parotitis is less contagious, but can still spread through direct contact with saliva or nasal secretions.
Precautions
Vaccination: The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is highly effective in preventing mumps.
Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes.
Isolation: Avoid close contact with others if you have parotitis, especially mumps. If it is a bacterial source, isolate until antibiotic treatment has been given for a period of time.
Avoid Sharing: Do not share utensils, cups, or other personal items.
How long does an outbreak last?
Mumps (viral): Symptoms typically last 1-2 weeks.
Bacterial: With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually improve within a few days to a week. The infection should resolve within 1-2 weeks.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: Examination of the parotid glands for swelling, tenderness, and redness.
Medical History: Review of symptoms and potential exposures.
Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests: To detect mumps-specific antibodies or bacterial infection markers.
Saliva tests: To identify the mumps virus.
Culture of pus (if present): To identify the bacteria causing the infection.
Imaging Studies:
Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI: May be used to rule out other causes of parotid gland swelling, such as tumors or abscesses.
Timeline of Symptoms
Mumps (Viral):
Incubation period: 12-25 days.
Initial symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue.
Parotid swelling: Typically appears within a few days of initial symptoms.
Symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Bacterial:
Rapid onset of symptoms, often within a day or two.
Parotid swelling, pain, redness, and warmth.
May have pus draining into the mouth.
With antibiotics, symptoms usually improve within a few days.
Important Considerations
Complications: Mumps can lead to complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), meningitis, encephalitis, and deafness. Bacterial parotitis can lead to abscess formation or spread of infection.
Prevention: MMR vaccination is critical for preventing mumps.
Consult a doctor: If you suspect you have parotitis, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment of bacterial parotitis is essential to prevent complications.
Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is important, especially for bacterial parotitis, to prevent dehydration and promote saliva flow.
Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is important to prevent bacterial parotitis.