Management of parotitis
When parotitis is caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate medication (antivirals, antibiotics or antifungals). Over-the-counter pain relievers — such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen — can help ease tenderness or discomfort. Your provider may also recommend massaging or applying heat to your swollen parotid glands. Otherwise, parotitis treatment largely depends on the underlying condition. For example, if parotitis is associated with an autoimmune disease, your provider will probably recommend steroids. If parotitis is due to salivary gland stones, eating sour foods (like lemon candy) can sometimes help. When nonsurgical treatments don’t work, a parotidectomy may be necessary. A parotidectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of your parotid gland. Typically, surgery is reserved for people with parotid gland tumors or parotid gland cancers.