Parotitis
Type: Symptom
Definition
The painful swelling and inflammation of one or both parotid salivary glands.
Clinical Details
The virus replicates directly within the epithelial cells of the parotid glands located in front of the ears. This replication causes intense tissue inflammation, leading to dramatic, visible swelling of the cheeks and jaw. The swelling is typically tender to the touch and worsens when chewing.