What is the treatment for parotitis (inflammation of the parotid gland)?

Treatment for parotitis typically involves managing symptoms while addressing the underlying cause. For viral parotitis (like mumps), treatment includes rest, adequate hydration, soft foods, warm or cold compresses to reduce swelling, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) or ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours). Bacterial parotitis requires antibiotics, commonly amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125mg twice daily for 7-10 days) or clindamycin (300-450mg four times daily for 7-10 days) if penicillin-allergic. Severe cases may need IV antibiotics and hospitalization. Maintaining good oral hygiene, massaging the gland to promote drainage, sucking on sour candies to stimulate saliva flow, and avoiding dehydration are important supportive measures. For chronic or recurrent parotitis, addressing underlying conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or sialolithiasis (salivary stones) is essential. Surgical intervention may be necessary for abscesses, stones, or tumors affecting the parotid gland. Prompt treatment is important as complications can include abscess formation, facial nerve damage, or spread of infection to nearby structures.