What are the causes of parotiditis?

From the Guidelines

Parotiditis is most commonly caused by viral infections, with mumps virus being the classic example, as well as bacterial infections, autoimmune conditions, obstruction of the salivary ducts, and other factors. The causes of parotiditis can be divided into several categories, including:

• Viral infections: Mumps virus is the most well-known cause of parotiditis, but other viruses can also cause the condition 1.
• Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus aureus and other oral bacteria can cause parotiditis, especially in elderly, dehydrated, or immunocompromised patients with poor oral hygiene 1.
• Autoimmune conditions: Sjögren's syndrome can lead to chronic parotid inflammation 1.
• Obstruction of the salivary ducts: Stones (sialolithiasis) or strictures can cause retrograde infections resulting in parotiditis 1.
• Medications: Certain medications with anticholinergic properties that reduce saliva production may predispose to parotid inflammation 1.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck region can damage the gland tissue, leading to inflammation 1.
• Trauma: Trauma to the parotid region can cause parotiditis 1.
• Rare conditions: Sarcoidosis or IgG4-related disease can also cause parotiditis 1. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, ranging from supportive care for viral causes to antibiotics for bacterial infections, or addressing the underlying autoimmune condition or obstruction. It's worth noting that the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on the available information, the above statement is the most accurate answer.

From the Research

Causes of Parotiditis

The causes of parotiditis can be categorized into several types, including:

• Viral parotitis, which can be caused by paramyxovirus (mumps), Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, and influenza A and parainfluenza viruses 2
• Acute suppurative parotitis, which is generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and rarely, gram-negative bacteria 2, 3
• Anaerobic bacteria, including Peptostreptococcus species, Bacteroides species, pigmented Porphyromonas species, and Prevotella species, which have been recognized as an important cause of this infection 2, 3

Predisposing Factors

Predisposing factors to suppurative infections include:

• Dehydration 2, 4
• Malnutrition 2, 4
• Oral neoplasms 2
• Immunosuppression 2
• Sialolithiasis 2, 4
• Medications that diminish salivation 2

Other Causes

Other causes of parotiditis include:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria, which are rare causes of parotitis 3
• Obstructive etiologies, such as sialolithiasis, trauma, stenosis, and mucoceles 4
• Neoplasms, which are rare and typically benign, but warrant referral and imaging 4