Salivary Gland Infection Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to parotitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. To determine the cause of your symptoms, see your doctor.

• Swelling in front of your ears, below your jaw, or on the floor of your mouth
• Dry mouth
• Strange or foul taste in your mouth
• Pus draining into the mouth
• Mouth or facial pain, especially when you are eating or opening your mouth
• Fever, chills, and other signs of infection

If parotitis recurs, it can cause severe swelling into the neck and can destroy the salivary glands.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may be enough to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:

• Removing fluid from the gland and checking it for signs of infection
• X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body; used to see salivary stones
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the structures inside the body
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body