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Salivary gland infections - Symptom

Alternative Names

Parotitis; Sialadenitis

Symptoms:

Abnormal tastes, foul tastes
Decreased ability to open the mouth
Dry mouth
Fever
Mouth or facial 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)

Signs and tests:

An examination by the health care provider or dentist shows enlarged salivary glands. Pus may drain into the mouth. The gland may be painful, particularly with bacterial infections. Viral infections such as mumps may cause painless swelling of the glands. A CT scan or ultrasound may be done if the doctor suspects an abscess.

Head and neck glands

Reviewed last on: 3/3/2009
James L. Demetroulakos, MD, FACS, Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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