Parotitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Parotitis is a term used to describe a condition in which there is inflammation or inflammation of the parotid gland.
The parotid gland itself is a small exocrine gland that functions to produce saliva. Saliva helps moisten chewed food and aids in the digestion of food.
Parotitis Symptom
Various causes of parotitis can cause typical symptoms, for example:
- In bacterial infections, patients often complain of painful and progressive swelling of the glands. Even the process of chewing can exacerbate pain complaints. Parotitis is usually found on only one side.
- In mumps found pain and swelling of the glands for 5-9 days. These complaints are accompanied by fever, anorexia, and fatigue. Often, swollen glands are found on both sides.
- In parotitis due to HIV found swelling without pain in the parotid gland. Apart from that, generally there are no other complaints.
- The skin in the parotid gland area may appear red and swollen.
- In acute conditions, tenderness is found in the area of the parotid gland which is inflamed. This generally does not occur in chronic conditions.
- On massaging the parotid glands from the posterior to the anterior will secrete saliva. If caused by a bacterial infection, saliva can appear purulent. If it is caused by an autoimmune disease, saliva can be accompanied by small yellowish objects with a consistency like tofu.
- Complaints are often accompanied by fever and chills.
Parotitis Reason
There are various causes of parotitis. Several things can cause inflammation of the parotid gland, for example, infections, systemic diseases, tumors, and so on.
The following are possible causes that can trigger parotitis, including:
- Bacterial infection. Most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Alpha-hemolytic streptococcus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. This infection often causes acute suppurative parotitis.
- Viral infection. The disease that is often found is mumps/mumps/acute viral parotitis caused by a paramyxovirus. To prevent mumps, the MMR ( measles, mumps, rubella ) vaccination can be done during childhood.
- Several other types of viruses that can cause parotitis are HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus ), enterovirus, EBV ( Epstein – Barr Virus ), Influenza, CMV ( cytomegalovirus ), and so on.
- Fungal infection. Candida albicans fungal infection can cause parotitis, especially in humans with chronic disease.
- Tumor. Various benign tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and various other malignant tumors.
- Sialolithiasis. Presence of stones in the salivary ducts. This situation can cause a blockage that develops into parotitis.
- Autoimmune disease. For example Mikulicz disease, Sjogren syndrome, and so on.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis is parotitis
obtained by history and physical examination. Several investigations may be considered to help determine the diagnosis, including:
- Aspiration of pus, especially in cases of acute suppurative parotitis. The sample can then be examined for culture or Gram stain.
- Imaging – such as a CT scan or MRI, sialography, or ultrasonography (USG).
- Biopsy and examination of tissue under a microscope.
Parotitis Treatment
Treatment for parotitis depends on the cause. In cases of bacterial infection, treatment with antibiotics can be given.
In cases of chronic parotitis, treatment is often adjusted according to the symptoms felt (symptomatic treatment). For example, by massaging the parotid glands, warm compresses, and so on. Handling according to the main disease, for example in autoimmune cases or HIV infection, is enough to overcome the symptoms of parotitis that appears.
Meanwhile, in cases that are unresponsive to symptomatic therapy, steroids may be considered to treat inflammation. Surgical treatment may also be considered.