What Causes Swelling Below Ears?

Posted on Sat, 16 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Aug 2014 Answered on

Tue, 2 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has swelling below each ear with onset of one day. She does not complain of difficulty breathing but does complain of some difficulty swallowing.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCm

Detailed Answer:
This is most probbably parotitis or salivary gland infection. But also it can be swollen lymph nodes to to respiratoy or throat infection. Sometimes it can be mastoiditis as well or inflammation of temporomandibular joints. Parotitis should be treated with antiinflammatroy drugs and antibiotic so she should see othorinolaringologist for it. Same mediciens should be used for throat baveterial infections. If parotitis is ruled out, she should do rtg of temporomandibular joints and have ear and throat examination. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (26 minutes later)

Is this condition something that requires immediate attention or can it wait unitl Monday 2 days hence

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
No,this is not an emergency. It would be smart to take some nonsteroid painkiller such as ibuprofen or diclofenac and put . But it can wait for few days,just avoid cold and windy places. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar