Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Parotid And Neck Glands?
Question: I have an appointment with an ENT but it is more than a week away
I have pain and swelling in the parotid/salivary and neck glands accompanied with general body weakness and fatigue. I have taken two rounds of clindamycin and then a Zpak which lessons the symptoms somewhat but there seems to be a gradual worsening. I am normally extremely fit and healthy for my age but am no longer to exercise because of this..whatever it is. I was scheduled Monday for wisdom tooth extraction but the oral surgeon declined 'on second thought', did a XXXXXXX diagnostic in mouth check of salivary drain and said the left side (where the pain and swelling is the worst) is completely blocked, the right side partially drains. A (w/o contrast) CT scan at the ER yesterday revealed nothing. The ARNP on call said my teeth fillings cast a glare and she could see nothing abnormal but she could see my jaw and inside my mouth had swelling of the tissue. The area around the ear and mastoid is extremely painful and there is significant pressure deep in the ear and down the eustation part of my throat.
I have pain and swelling in the parotid/salivary and neck glands accompanied with general body weakness and fatigue. I have taken two rounds of clindamycin and then a Zpak which lessons the symptoms somewhat but there seems to be a gradual worsening. I am normally extremely fit and healthy for my age but am no longer to exercise because of this..whatever it is. I was scheduled Monday for wisdom tooth extraction but the oral surgeon declined 'on second thought', did a XXXXXXX diagnostic in mouth check of salivary drain and said the left side (where the pain and swelling is the worst) is completely blocked, the right side partially drains. A (w/o contrast) CT scan at the ER yesterday revealed nothing. The ARNP on call said my teeth fillings cast a glare and she could see nothing abnormal but she could see my jaw and inside my mouth had swelling of the tissue. The area around the ear and mastoid is extremely painful and there is significant pressure deep in the ear and down the eustation part of my throat.
Brief Answer:
An ENT Specialist would be very helpful here!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported, From all the information you have provided, there seems to be an ongoing infection that needs surgical drainage for complete healing. Antibiotics can only help to control and lessen the symptoms but rarely would they guarantee a complete eradication of germs from the infectious site.
With an ENT on board, the exact site and nature of this infection would be mapped out. The area would be assessed and explored to make sure no infectious collection is concealed. This will permit proper antibiotic penetration as well s drainage of the infectious material. This will help with complete healing. Zpack would be largely insufficient alone to control this infection but, accompanied by some surgical interventions, healing would be more feasible than not. If there is no clear indication for surgical intervention , a more power, aggressive and sustained antibiotic regimen would be prescribed.
The swollen glands around the neck signal an ongoing infection that needs to be addressed. Please, follow up and make sure you are seen by an ENT specialist as early as possible.
I hope this addresses your query fully and provides some information for you to act on. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
An ENT Specialist would be very helpful here!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported, From all the information you have provided, there seems to be an ongoing infection that needs surgical drainage for complete healing. Antibiotics can only help to control and lessen the symptoms but rarely would they guarantee a complete eradication of germs from the infectious site.
With an ENT on board, the exact site and nature of this infection would be mapped out. The area would be assessed and explored to make sure no infectious collection is concealed. This will permit proper antibiotic penetration as well s drainage of the infectious material. This will help with complete healing. Zpack would be largely insufficient alone to control this infection but, accompanied by some surgical interventions, healing would be more feasible than not. If there is no clear indication for surgical intervention , a more power, aggressive and sustained antibiotic regimen would be prescribed.
The swollen glands around the neck signal an ongoing infection that needs to be addressed. Please, follow up and make sure you are seen by an ENT specialist as early as possible.
I hope this addresses your query fully and provides some information for you to act on. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
