How serious is a parotid gland infection?
Although the condition can affect anyone, including infants, those most at risk for salivary gland infection are elderly and chronically ill people. Salivary infections that spread to the deep tissues of the head and neck can be life-threatening.
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What are the symptoms of parotid gland infection?
Symptoms
- Abnormal tastes, foul tastes.
- Decreased ability to open the mouth.
- Dry mouth.
- Fever.
- Mouth or facial “squeezing” pain, especially when eating.
- Redness over the side of the face or the upper neck.
- Swelling of the face (particularly in front of the ears, below the jaw, or on the floor of the mouth)
How does a parotid gland get infected?
Bacterial infections are most often the result of a: Blockage from salivary duct stones. Poor cleanliness in the mouth (oral hygiene) Low amounts of water in the body, most often while in the hospital.
How do you treat an infected parotid gland?
Parotitis causes include viral and bacterial infections, salivary gland stones and dental problems. Treatments include antivirals, antibiotics, heat application and massage.
How long does parotid gland infection last?
Salivary gland infection: How long does it last? A salivary gland infection may last around a 1 week, though some minor swelling may linger for a few weeks. Acute salivary gland infections rarely cause additional complications.
What is the best antibiotic for salivary gland infection?
Antibiotic therapy is with a first-generation cephalosporin (cephalothin or cephalexin) or dicloxacillin. Alternatives are clindamycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or ampicillin-sulbactam. Mumps is the most common viral cause of acute salivary inflammation.
How long does a parotid infection last?
A salivary gland infection may last around a 1 week, though some minor swelling may linger for a few weeks. Acute salivary gland infections rarely cause additional complications.
Can a salivary gland infection spread?
You may also have complications if the initial bacterial infection spreads from the salivary gland to other parts of the body. This can include a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis or Ludwig’s angina, which is a form of cellulitis that occurs in the bottom of the mouth.