The parotid glands are in the cheeks and make saliva (spit). Parotitis (pair-oh-TY-tiss) happens when the parotid gland gets inflamed (swollen and irritated) or infected with viruses or bacteria (types of germs). 

Kids with parotitis can have pain, redness, and swelling on the lower side of the face. They can also have a fever and pain with swallowing or chewing. Parotitis can happen on one or both sides of the face. You can help your child feel more comfortable while they recover from parotitis.

• Let your child rest as much as needed.
• Give your child lots of liquids to drink.
• If it is soothing to your child, put warm or cool compresses over the swollen cheek.
• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for:
  • Taking any medicines
  • Massaging the parotid gland
• If your child is uncomfortable from pain or fever, and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Don't give aspirin to your child or teen as it is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• If chewing is painful and it's hard for your child to eat solids, offer soft foods that are easy to swallow (such as soups, yogurts, milkshakes, smoothies, ice pops, or ice cream).

Your child:

• Has new or worsening redness or swelling of the face or neck
• Can't move their face normally
• Isn't drinking at all or has signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body) such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, making less pee or darker than usual pee, or crying with little or no tears
• Seems to be getting sicker

Who gets parotitis? Kids who are dehydrated, have an infection in the teeth or gums, take certain medicines, or have certain medical conditions are more likely to get parotitis.

Can parotitis be prevented? Parotitis that is caused by the mumps virus can be prevented by getting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Be sure that all family members are up to date on recommended vaccines.