Parotitis: Understanding Parotid Gland Swelling
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Parotitis is the medical term for a swollen parotid gland. Your parotid glands are salivary glands located on the sides of your face, between your ear and your jaw. Causes include viral and bacterial infections, salivary gland stones, and dental problems [1].
Quick Answer: What is parotitis?
Parotitis is swelling of one or both parotid glands and may be acute or chronic. It is often associated with mumps but can also result from salivary gland stones, autoimmune diseases, dental problems or infections. Treatment depends on the cause, and it usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. The MMR vaccine is the best prevention against mumps-related parotitis. [1]
What the research says
Parotid glands are especially prone to infection and tumors, and most disorders are managed conservatively. A 2024 rapid evidence review states that the parotid glands are more susceptible to infections and neoplasms, that the most common bacterium in sialadenitis is Staphylococcus aureus, and that most salivary gland disorders are managed conservatively with hydration, massage, warm compresses, sialagogues, oral hygiene, and medication adjustment (Kim et al., Am Fam Physician, 2024).
MMR vaccination is effective against mumps, the classic viral cause of parotitis. A Cochrane review of 138 studies (23,480,668 participants) found that Jeryl Lynn-containing MMR vaccine was 72% effective in preventing mumps after one dose (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.76) and 86% effective after two doses (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.35) (Di Pietrantonj et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2021).
Painful, rapid swelling points to infection, while a painless solitary lump needs imaging and biopsy. A 2014 review reports that acute suppurative sialadenitis presents with rapid-onset pain and swelling and is treated with antibiotics, salivary massage, hydration, and sialagogues such as lemon drops or vitamin C lozenges, whereas salivary gland tumors usually present as a painless solitary neck mass diagnosed by imaging and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (Wilson et al., Am Fam Physician, 2014).
Research summaries are based on article abstracts retrieved from PubMed.
What Is Parotitis?
The parotid glands sit on the side of the face between the ear and the jaw. A person with parotitis develops severe swelling on the side of the face, usually on both sides (bilateral) but sometimes on one side only (unilateral) [1]. Parotid gland swelling is often associated with mumps, which is sometimes called viral parotitis, but it can be a symptom of numerous other conditions, including the flu, HIV, staph infections, and COVID-19 [1].
A normal parotid gland compared with an inflamed parotid gland (parotitis).
Viral acute parotitis (mumps) is most common in children, though its occurrence has decreased since the introduction of the MMR vaccine [1].
What are the symptoms of parotitis?
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition [1]:
Symptom category | Common signs |
|---|---|
Swelling | Severe swelling on the side of the face, usually on both sides |
Pain and tenderness | Pain where the gland is swollen. Most people with acute parotitis have extremely tender glands, while chronic parotitis usually causes little pain. |
General symptoms | Fever, chills, headache, sore throat, general malaise or tiredness, and loss of appetite |
Dry mouth or dry eyes | Usually associated with Sjogren's syndrome |
Source: Cleveland Clinic [1].
What causes parotitis, or parotid gland swelling?
There are many reasons a parotid gland might swell, and the risk factors are not always clear [1]. Parotid gland swelling may be associated with:
Infections: mumps, herpes, Epstein-Barr, influenza, COVID-19, HIV, staph infections, and Candida or other fungal infections
Salivary gland and mouth problems: salivary gland inflammation (sialadenitis), salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis), salivary gland tumors, trauma to the mouth, teeth grinding (bruxism), and dental malocclusion
Systemic and chronic conditions: diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis
Lifestyle and health factors: poor oral hygiene, dehydration, anorexia, bulimia, alcohol use disorder, and smoking or tobacco use
Medications: certain drugs, such as some antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics
The most common viral cause is MuV, the virus that causes mumps. Other viruses include herpes, HIV, Epstein-Barr, and COVID-19 [1].
Is Parotitis Contagious?
When parotitis results from a viral or bacterial infection, it can easily spread through saliva droplets. If you have infectious parotitis, do not share personal items such as towels, eating utensils, or cups, and take all medications exactly as prescribed [1].
How is parotitis diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will visually examine your face and may gently press on the skin in front of your ears and along your jawline. To confirm the diagnosis, they may massage the parotid gland from back to front to see whether pus drains into your saliva. They will then perform bacterial culture testing to choose the best treatment. If bacteria are found in the drainage, they will prescribe antibiotics [1].
Diagnostic process for parotitis: visual examination, physical palpation, and bacterial culture.
How is parotitis treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause [1]:
Infections: antivirals, antibiotics, or antifungals, depending on whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or fungal.
Pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can ease tenderness or discomfort.
Heat and massage: your provider may recommend massaging or applying heat to the swollen glands.
Autoimmune disease: if parotitis is associated with an autoimmune disease, your provider will probably recommend steroids.
Salivary gland stones: eating sour foods, such as lemon candy, can sometimes help.
Surgery: when nonsurgical treatments do not work, a parotidectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the parotid gland) may be necessary. It is typically reserved for people with parotid gland tumors or cancers.
In some cases, parotid gland swelling goes away on its own, and your provider may recommend treatments to ease symptoms and speed recovery [1].
Management strategies for parotitis: medical treatment, supportive care, and preventive measures.
What is the outlook for parotitis, and can it be prevented?
The outlook for people with parotitis is typically good with treatment. The condition usually lasts about 7 to 10 days, and even without treatment, most people fully recover without complications [1]. If you have a parotid gland infection, isolate yourself until you are no longer contagious [1].
The best way to prevent acute parotitis is the MMR vaccine [1]. In a Cochrane review, two doses of Jeryl Lynn-containing MMR vaccine were 86% effective against mumps [3]. To reduce your risk of other types of parotitis [1]:
Stay hydrated
Wash your hands frequently
Get adequate nutrition
Practice good oral hygiene
Do not smoke
Avoid alcohol
Practice safe sex
When should you see a doctor about parotitis?
If you develop severe facial swelling, see a healthcare provider immediately, especially if you also have fever, chills, or other signs of infection. Because parotitis can have the same symptoms as salivary gland cancer, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment right away [1].
What is the bottom line on parotitis?
Parotitis is swelling of the parotid glands that is usually not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. Because it is often a symptom of an underlying condition, a healthcare provider should confirm the cause. Most people recover within about 10 days with treatment aimed at the cause, supportive care such as heat and massage, and good hydration and oral hygiene. The MMR vaccine remains the best protection against mumps [1].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parotitis the same as mumps?
Mumps is one cause of parotitis, sometimes called viral parotitis. Parotitis can also be a symptom of many other conditions, including salivary gland stones, autoimmune diseases, dental problems, and viral and bacterial infections [1].
Is parotitis contagious?
When parotitis results from a viral or bacterial infection, it can easily spread to others through saliva droplets. If you have infectious parotitis, do not share towels, eating utensils, or cups, and take all medications exactly as prescribed [1].
How long does parotitis last?
The condition usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. Even without treatment, most people fully recover without complications [1].
Do I need surgery for a swollen parotid gland?
Surgery (parotidectomy) may be necessary when nonsurgical treatments do not work. It is typically reserved for people with parotid gland tumors or cancers [1].
Can dehydration cause parotid gland swelling?
Yes. Dehydration is among the conditions associated with parotid gland swelling, and staying hydrated is one way to reduce your risk of non-mumps parotitis [1].
What should I do if I have a salivary gland stone?
If parotitis is due to salivary gland stones, eating sour foods such as lemon candy can sometimes help [1]. Sialagogues, hydration, and massage are common conservative measures for salivary gland disorders [2].
Can medications cause parotitis?
Yes. Parotid gland swelling may be associated with certain drugs, such as some antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics [1].
Is parotitis painful?
Most people with acute parotitis have extremely tender parotid glands, while people with chronic parotitis usually do not have much pain or discomfort [1].
Can children get parotitis?
Yes. Parotitis can affect people of all ages. Viral acute parotitis (mumps) is most common in children, although it has become less common since the MMR vaccine [1].
How can I prevent parotitis?
The best way to prevent acute parotitis is the MMR vaccine. To reduce your risk of other types, stay hydrated, wash your hands frequently, get adequate nutrition, practice good oral hygiene, do not smoke, and avoid alcohol [1].
Related Resources
External resource for deeper reading:
Related Reading
Salivary Gland Scan (Parotid Scintigraphy): Uses and Results explains the nuclear scan that checks how well salivary glands work.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Parotitis. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated July 20, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23577-parotitis-parotid-gland-swelling
Kim MJ, Milliren A, Gerold DJ. Salivary gland disorders: rapid evidence review. Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(6):550-559. PMID: 38905553. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38905553/
Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, Marchione P, et al. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;11(11):CD004407. PMID: 34806766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004407.pub5
Wilson KF, Meier JD, Ward PD. Salivary gland disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(11):882-888. PMID: 25077394. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077394/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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