Which doctor will treat this?

Patients with swelling of the parotid gland are best advised to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. ENT physicians have the diagnostic and therapeutic tools to diagnose a disease and prescribe the appropriate therapy. In larger cities, there are salivary gland centers that specialize in diseases of the salivary gland.

The treatment of a swollen parotid gland depends on the cause. Inflammatory swelling is often caused by salivary stones. The salivary stones obstruct the gland’s excretory duct and can be removed either surgically or by mini-endoscopy of the salivary ducts.

Very large stones must first be crushed by ultrasonic waves. This procedure is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Smaller stones may also be removed by a massage of the gland.
If the swelling of the parotid gland is caused by an infection, the inflammation must be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, the body can encapsulate the inflamed tissue and the pathogens and a purulent abscess forms in the parotid gland, which must be surgically removed.
A bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics.
In addition, the doctor prescribes analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
In the case of a viral infection (e.g. mumps, influenza viruses), only the symptoms can be treated, i.e. fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication can be prescribed.
In the case of chronic and frequently recurring inflammation of the parotid gland or if a malignant tumor is suspected, the parotid gland can also be surgically removed (parotidectomy).

In general, a doctor should be consulted if the swelling of the parotid glands persists for a longer period of time or if there is pain. The doctor can make the exact diagnosis and find the cause of the swelling.

In addition to the prescribed medication and antibiotics, there are also some home remedies that can help to reduce the swelling of the parotid gland as quickly as possible. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent the mouth from drying out and making it harder for bacteria to multiply. Chewing gum and sugar-free sweets stimulate the flow of saliva and thus accelerate healing.

The most common cause of swelling of the parotid gland is a bacterial infection. A targeted strengthening of the immune system through sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help to accelerate healing. In addition, regular and careful oral hygiene helps to prevent the bacteria from spreading further.

Helpful tips for good oral hygiene can be found in the next article at Oral hygieneA swelling of the parotid gland caused by a bacterial infection must in most cases be treated with antibiotics, otherwise serious complications (formation of an abscess) can occur. In addition, patients can take homeopathic remedies to possibly speed up the healing process. Homeopathic treatment of a swollen parotid gland includes therapy with Arsenicum album and Chamomilla. However, the treatment should be individually adapted by a homeopath or naturopath.