Swollen Parotid

[swollenparotid]

two days ago, i was with my friends, and i got hit in the side of the face, right below the ear, with a water bottle full of sand. I just shrugged it off as i did when getting hit with many other things, but i first started thinking something was wrong when i tried to eat a life saver candy. when i tasted the sweetness, it sent a sharp pain under my ear where i got hit, and i immediately spit it out. i tried eating another one, and the same thing happened. i looked it up when i got home, and concluded that i had gotten a swollen parotid salvitory gland. so whenever i salivate, (like when i eat,) it sends that sharp pain in my ear. when i went to a bbq last night, i ate alot, ignoring the pain, and it got very swollen, but after some sleep, it went back to how much it already was swollen. Question: Is there any way i can make this swelling go away completely? and should i go to the doctor even though i know its not from a disease or something?

[ENTMD]

I think you're probably right about your diagnosis.  Some portion of the drainage system in the gland was likely injured, such that when you eat, and the gland begins pumping out saliva, it's pumping against an obstruction/swelling/narrowing.  This should resolve on its own once the swelling and inflammation resolves.  That could take several days.  Worst case scenario is that scarring forms and causing longer-lasting problems.  I would give it some more time.  Use NSAIDs and warm compresses.  Any signs of infection, go in sooner.  If it's not getting better after about 10-14 days, go in.

[swollenparotid]

Thanks for replying,
I feel much more relaxed about this now. I'll give this some time, and then go to the doctor if it doesn't heal after that long.

[swollenparotid]

Do you think an ice pack would work though? i don't think i have any warm compresses.

[ENTMD]

The rationale behind the warmth is that this may help the obstruced ducts dilate and drain.  I really don't know how effective that is; can't give you and objective evidence.  All you would need to do is run a wash cloth under warm water.  It's not an essential part of your healing - time is.

[swollenparotid]

OK, thanks. I wound up heating a wet wash cloth in a zip-lock bag in the microwave, and that seems to be working really well.