Introduction
The parotid gland, the so-called parotid gland, is located on the left and right side of the ear in front of the ear in the rear cheek area. The human being has many small and three large salivary glands. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in humans.
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 excretory duct.
Inflammations can thus arise. The danger increases if the excretory duct is narrowed by salivary stones. Since the flow of saliva is blocked, bacteria accumulate here and inflammatory processes can result.
People with a weak immune system or insufficient fluid intake are more susceptible to bacterial parotid gland inflammation. A viral inflammation is the well-known mumps, which is caused by the mumps virus. Less frequent are parotid gland inflammations caused by the Varicella zoster virus.
The causes and triggers of parotid gland inflammation are manifold. If the (posterior) cheek area swells up while eating, this is often a sign of parotid gland inflammation. Due to possible complications, such as meningitis or unilateral deafness caused by mumps virus, a doctor should always be consulted in the case of parotid gland inflammation. These complications can be easily prevented with appropriate treatment.
Swelling as a symptom of parotid gland inflammation
Swelling of the parotid gland is often very painful in the course of inflammatory processes. The swelling is usually unilateral. An exception is the mumps virus, where swelling can be seen on both sides.
The swelling can be of varying degrees of severity. Sometimes it appears as a small egg and sometimes the swelling is more extensive. The swollen area is usually reddened.
There are also painless swellings in the context of diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. In addition, certain drugs can cause swelling of the parotid gland. Moreover, ulcers and tumors can cause swelling of the parotid gland. Such parotid cancer should be examined and clarified by a doctor. Swelling behind the ear and swelling of the parotid gland
