From the Research
Treatment for acute parotitis typically involves antibiotics, pain management, and supportive care, with empiric antibiotic therapy beginning with medications that cover Staphylococcus aureus, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate or clindamycin, for 7-10 days 1. The choice of antimicrobial depends on the etiologic agent, and maintenance of good oral hygiene, adequate hydration, and early and proper therapy of bacterial infection of the oropharynx may reduce the occurrence of suppurative parotitis 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of acute parotitis include:
- Pain management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Warm compresses applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times daily
- Adequate hydration to promote saliva production and gland drainage
- Gentle massage of the gland toward the mouth to help express pus and relieve obstruction
- Surgical drainage may be necessary if an abscess forms 2, 3, 4 For viral parotitis, treatment is primarily supportive with rest, hydration, and pain management 5. It's essential to note that the parotid gland is the salivary gland most commonly affected by inflammation, and acute parotitis can be caused by various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and anaerobic bacteria 1, 3. In cases where an abscess forms, surgical drainage may be indicated to prevent complications and facilitate recovery 2, 4. Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, and the most recent and highest quality study 4 supports the use of antibiotics, pain management, and supportive care in the treatment of acute parotitis.