In: Anatomy and Physiology
Answer :
Viral infections such as mumps, flu, and others can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Swelling happens in parotid glands on both sides of the face, giving the appearance of "chipmunk cheeks." Salivary gland swelling is commonly associated with mumps, happening in about 30% to 40% of mumps infections.
A salivary gland infection is typically caused by a bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of salivary gland infection. Others causes of salivary gland infection include:
Streptococcus viridans
Haemophilus influenzae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Escherichia coli
These infections result from reduced saliva production. This is often caused by the blockage or inflammation of the salivary gland duct. Viruses and other medical conditions can also reduce saliva production, including:
mumps, a contagious viral infection that’s common among children who haven’t been immunized
HIV
influenza A and parainfluenza types I and II
herpes
a salivary stone
a salivary duct blocked by mucus
a tumor