my parotid gland swelled up and was tender, red, and evidently infected. It looked like I had the mumps. The doctors gave me big antibiotics for a week and the swelling has started to come down. But, what causes it to swell in the first place?
2006-12-19 04:24:00 · 4 answers · asked by TeamMarvin 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It can be infection, it can be that the gland's opening is trapped. Any gland can have a clogged opening. It could be a cancerous or noncancerous tumor, but since it responded to antibiotics it must not be. (my brother has ca. of this)
Best to see an ENT Dr rather than any family or internal medicine Dr. They treat this and do surgery on them all the time.
2006-12-19 04:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by Marie123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands. It is found in the subcutaneous tissue of the face, overlying the mandibular ramus and anterior and inferior to the external ear. The duct to this gland (also known as Stensen's duct) empties within the buccal cavity (the inside of the cheek) opposite the upper second molar. Serous fluid (as opposed to mucous fluid) is produced by the parotid gland. The facial nerve and its branches pass through the parotid gland as do the external carotid artery and its branches.You have two parotid glands, which are situated on either side of your face between the back part of the lower jaw and the ear. The ducts of each gland open inside the mouth in the upper cheek on both sides. One of the most common problems of the parotid glands is mumps, which is an acute virus infection that gives pain and swelling usually on both sides. The ducts of parotid glands can also get blocked, leading to swelling, infection and pain. Recurrent, painful swelling of the parotid gland (located on the side of the face, in front of the ear) is known as "chronic sialadenitis," and Sjogren's syndrome is only one of many possible causes. In all cases, there is obstruction of the flow of saliva through the parotid duct (the tube that channels saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth). With Sjogren's syndrome, obstruction presumably occurs because swelling of the gland puts pressure on the duct.
Hope this helps
Matador 89
2006-12-19 04:40:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Other viruses besides mumps can also cause the parotid gland to be inflamed. If the duct of the parotid gland is obstructed by a stone, then also it can swell. The parotid gland is also involved in some malignant conditions. You recovered, so it was most probably a viral infection.
2006-12-19 04:29:23 · answer #3 · answered by yakkydoc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mumps!...
2006-12-19 04:36:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋