Salivary gland infections

Alternative names:

parotitis

Symptoms:

• swelling of the face (particularly in front of the ears, below the jaw, or on the floor of the mouth)
• dry mouth
• abnormal tastes, foul tastes
• mouth or facial pain, especially when eating
• decreased ability to open the mouth
• fever

Signs and tests:

An examination by the health care provider or dentist shows enlarged salivary glands. Pus may drain in the mouth in some cases. The gland may be painful, particularly with bacterial infections. Viral infections such as mumps may cause painless swelling of the glands.