Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swelling In The Jaw Glands Along With Sharp Sensation Of Sourness After Eating Certain Acidic Fruits?
Question: This morning, I noticed swelling in my jaw glands just on the left side of my face. I am also experienced a sharp sensation of sourness to the point of pain when I ate a banana and an apple. And I have some saliva secreting from this area. Any thoughts as to what could be causing this.
Brief Answer:
May be related to the parotid
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is possible that the swelling is related to the parotid gland which is in that area.
It is a salivary gland and plays a role in the production of saliva which helps with food digestion.
Infection or a blockage in one of the ducts/passage ways of the gland by a stone or other cause can cause swelling and pain.
Issues with the parotid can also occur with systemic infections/conditions such as cat scratch disease, sarcoidosis.
In the majority of persons, the cause is not serious but to determine if the swelling is related to the parotid or another cause, you would need to be seen by your doctor or an ENT doctor.
Imaging may be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
May be related to the parotid
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is possible that the swelling is related to the parotid gland which is in that area.
It is a salivary gland and plays a role in the production of saliva which helps with food digestion.
Infection or a blockage in one of the ducts/passage ways of the gland by a stone or other cause can cause swelling and pain.
Issues with the parotid can also occur with systemic infections/conditions such as cat scratch disease, sarcoidosis.
In the majority of persons, the cause is not serious but to determine if the swelling is related to the parotid or another cause, you would need to be seen by your doctor or an ENT doctor.
Imaging may be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Would an infection or blockage of the parotid gland also cause a sensation of intense sourness in that area when eating a banana or apple?
Brief Answer:
Does not occur with specific food
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It would not normally be specific for these fruits, so if the pain is only occurring with certain foods then another cause would need to be considered.
It would occur with eating because normally the parotid gland tries to secrete saliva when a person consumes food and if there is a blockage or infection then there is pain with eating.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Does not occur with specific food
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It would not normally be specific for these fruits, so if the pain is only occurring with certain foods then another cause would need to be considered.
It would occur with eating because normally the parotid gland tries to secrete saliva when a person consumes food and if there is a blockage or infection then there is pain with eating.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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
