Parotitis

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Parotitis

Parotitis (pronunciation: /pærəˈtaɪtɪs/) is an inflammation of one or both parotid glands, the major salivary glands located on either side of the face, in humans. The condition can be acute or chronic.

Etymology

The term "Parotitis" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning beside, "ous" meaning ear, and "itis" meaning inflammation. Thus, it refers to the inflammation of the glands located beside the ears.

Causes

Parotitis is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The most common viral cause is mumps, a contagious disease that primarily affects the parotid glands. Bacterial causes often involve Staphylococcus aureus or other types of bacteria that have spread from the mouth or throat.

Symptoms

Symptoms of parotitis can include swelling and pain in the area of the parotid glands, fever, chills, and difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth. If the parotitis is due to mumps, additional symptoms may include headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Treatment

Treatment for parotitis depends on the cause. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is viral, treatment typically involves managing symptoms until the virus runs its course. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an abscess or tumor causing the parotitis.

Related Terms

External links

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