From the Research
For parotiditis, I recommend acetaminophen (500-1000 mg every 6 hours) or ibuprofen (400-600 mg every 6-8 hours) for pain and fever relief, as well as antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days) if bacterial parotiditis is suspected, based on the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The treatment of parotiditis focuses on symptom management, as it is typically a viral infection that resolves on its own.
- Apply warm or cold compresses to the swollen area for 10-15 minutes several times daily to reduce discomfort.
- Stay hydrated and consume soft, bland foods that don't require much chewing.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods that may stimulate saliva production and worsen pain. If bacterial parotiditis is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed, and severe cases may require hospitalization for IV fluids and antibiotics 2. It's also important to note that parotiditis can be caused by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, and that the MMR vaccine is the best prevention for viral parotiditis, with two doses providing about 88% protection against mumps 1. In terms of specific treatment, the study by 1 provides a comprehensive approach to the management of parotiditis, highlighting the importance of early and proper antimicrobial therapy, as well as surgical drainage in severe cases. Overall, the key to managing parotiditis is to provide symptom relief, prevent complications, and promote recovery, while also considering the potential causes and risk factors for the condition 3, 4, 5.