Recurrent parotitis

(1) Recurrent parotitis is probably caused by a congenital abnormality of the salivary gland ducts with recurrent attacks of ascending infection, perhaps aided by dehydration. The parotid gland is predominantly affected probably because of its lower rate of secretion compared with the submandibular...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of disease in childhood 1997-10, Vol.77 (4), p.359-363
Main Authors: Chitre, V V, Premchandra, D J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Antibiotics
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Congenital diseases
Female
Humans
Infections
Inflammation
Male
Medical sciences
Non tumoral diseases
Otology
Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology
Parotitis - diagnosis
Parotitis - etiology
Parotitis - therapy
Patients
Puberty
Recurrence
Review
Sialography
Studies
Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology
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Description
Summary:(1) Recurrent parotitis is probably caused by a congenital abnormality of the salivary gland ducts with recurrent attacks of ascending infection, perhaps aided by dehydration. The parotid gland is predominantly affected probably because of its lower rate of secretion compared with the submandibular gland. (2) The condition mainly affects children between the ages of 3 and 6, with males being more commonly affected. The symptoms peak in the first year of school, and usually, but not invariably, begin to subside at puberty. By the age of 22, most patients are completely symptom-free. When the disease starts after puberty, females are predominantly affected. (3) Ultrasound is the appropriate initial investigation, and is usually supplemented by sialography. The sialography may itself cause a resolution of symptoms. (4) Treatment is conservative in the first instance, and an expectant policy is indicated. More aggressive treatment is justified only for those adults with persistent problems. This may be parotid duct ligation, parotidectomy, or tympanic neurectomy, depending upon the preference and experience of the treating physician.
ISSN:0003-9888
1468-2044
DOI:10.1136/adc.77.4.359