What is a swelling of the parotid gland?
The parotid gland (Glandula parotis) lies on both sides of the cheeks under the skin and is one of the largest salivary glands in humans. When the parotid gland is swollen, the cheek swells up considerably and a knobbly bulge can be felt under the skin. Either the swelling is unilateral or affects both salivary glands. The swelling is caused by inflammation with pathogens or has non-inflammatory causes.
Causes for swelling of the parotid gland
A swelling of the parotid gland is in most cases caused by an inflammation. An infection with bacteria causes the parotid gland to become inflamed, swell and cause purulent parotitis. A typical bacterial pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus, which moves up into the gland through the excretory duct of the parotid gland in the mouth.
Often, the excretory duct is blocked by a salivary stone, which prevents the saliva from flowing away and the bacteria can easily multiply in it. The same happens if a tumor or scarring obstructs the duct. Inflammation of the parotid gland (parotitis) can also be caused by various viruses, such as neurotropic paramyxoviruses, the Epstein-Barr virus or influenza viruses.
In all cases, the parotid gland swells severely and hurts. Especially in small children, swelling of the parotid gland is often caused by a viral infection with the mumps virus. In addition to sore throat and fever, swelling of the parotid gland occurs on both sides.
Most children today receive a standard vaccination against mumps. There are also non-inflammatory causes for a swollen parotid gland. The swelling can occur as a side effect of drugs that reduce salivary flow (e.g. beta-blockers for heart problems, diuretics, antidepressants or antihistamines).
Various metabolic disorders, such as metabolic diseases (hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus), malnutrition or alcohol addiction also cause swelling of the salivary gland. Another cause is Sjögren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune disease that causes severe dryness of the mouth.
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