Further Inpatient Care

Hospitalization for parotitis is extremely unusual. Parotitis may arise in hospitalized patients who are severely ill, and it is treated as indicated above (see Treatment).

Inpatient & Outpatient Medications

Treatment of generic parotitis involves no specific medications. Discontinue medicines with atropinelike effects and substitute other medications when feasible.

Deterrence/Prevention

See the list below:

Generic deterrence is not available.
Adequate hydration, oral hygiene, and minimizing medications with atropine effects are helpful.
Immunization avoids epidemic parotitis (mumps).

Complications

See the list below:

Chronic parotitis destroys the glandular elements of the salivary glands and impairs the protective functions of saliva, leading to dental infections and caries.
Autoimmune parotitis is associated with an increased incidence of lymphoma.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good for all forms of parotitis. Associated or underlying diseases are the actual determinants of the prognosis.

Patient Education

Patients with chronic parotitis are instructed to maintain scrupulous dental care. Minor swelling and discomfort are managed with local heat and massage.

Questions

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Media Gallery

Elderly man with parotid abscess.
Six-year-old girl with recurrent parotitis of childhood.
Sialogram of patient with sialectasis. Notice the appearance of a tree with leaves.
Incision outlined for incision and drainage of parotid abscess.
Parotid gland anatomy.

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Author

Jerry W Templer, MD Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

Jerry W Templer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Missouri State Medical Association, Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Benjamin Daniel Liess, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

Benjamin Daniel Liess, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Triological Society, American Medical Association, Missouri State Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Ted L Tewfik, MD Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Professor of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University Faculty of Medicine; Senior Staff, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal General Hospital, and Royal Victoria Hospital

Ted L Tewfik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Emeritus Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Cerescan; Neosoma; MI10;<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Neosoma; Cyberionix (CYBX)<br/>Received ownership interest from Cerescan for consulting for: Neosoma, MI10 advisor.

Additional Contributors