Parotid Duct Obstruction

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

The parotid gland is one of your salivary glands. A parotid duct obstruction happens when something blocks saliva from flowing out of your parotid gland. The duct is most often blocked by a small stone. The buildup of saliva in the gland can cause swelling and pain. Your parotid duct may get infected from the bacteria that live in your mouth.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Manage your parotid duct obstruction:

• Drinking liquids: Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.
  
  
• Keep your mouth moist: Suck on sour candy, drink sour liquids, or chew sugarless gum to get your saliva flowing. This may help push the stone out and reduce your pain and swelling.
  
  
• Massage your jaw: Massage the area of your swollen gland. This may help reduce swelling and pain by pushing the buildup of saliva out of the gland.
  
  
• Apply heat: Place a warm, moist cloth on the area.

Medicines:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your primary healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or a specialist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or a specialist if:

• Your pain and swelling do not go away, or they get worse.
  
  
• Both sides of your face are swollen.
  
  
• Your mouth and eyes are very dry.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You cannot move one side of your face.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• The skin around your parotid gland is red, or you see pus if you push on the gland.
  
  
• You cannot open your mouth because of swelling.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing or swallowing because of swelling.

Learn more about Parotid Duct Obstruction (Aftercare Instructions)