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Mumps - Parotitis

Low urgency
Common-
Inflammation of one or both of the salivary glands known as the parotid glands, which are located in the angle of the jaw.
 
Caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus group that is spread by droplets of saliva released when you talk, cough, or sneeze.
 
Symptoms include painful swelling of the gland, causing facial deformity.
 
The diagnosis is made by reviewing the patient's medical history and performing a complete physical examination. Laboratory analysis is clinical and based on blood tests.
 
The condition usually lasts for a week and resolves on its own without any specific treatment. Only the symptoms are treated.
Bibliographic references
  1. Anthony W Chow. Suppurative parotitis in adults. UpToDate. Jul 31, 2015.
  2. Mary A Albrecht. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of mumps UpToDate, Septiembre 2016
  3. Dayan GH. Mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations: are available mumps vaccines effective enough to prevent outbreaks? Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47:1458.
  4. Jan E Drutz. Measles, mumps, and rubella immunization in infants, children, and adolescents. UpToDate. Septiembre 2016.
  5. McLean HQ. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep 2013; 62:1.
  6. Steven A. Rubin. Parotiditis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 231e
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Swollen face

    Inner cheek is reddened and filled with pus

    Face swollen on one side

    Swollen neck

    Swollen face erases posterior border of the jaw

Symptoms to watch out for

Vomiting
If it is accompanied by seizures
Headache
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Neck stiffness
Hearing loss
Pregnancy
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)

Self-care

Isolate the infant for 5 days after the onset of symptoms to prevent transmission to others.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Maintain hydration of half a gallon per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.
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