Painful swelling close to the jaw
Mumps virus has tropism for glandular structures, and the parotid gland is its most common target. The infection of the parotid gland produces visible and painful swelling between the ear and the jaw. Swelling can either occur unilaterally or bilaterally. 80% of all the cases of mumps are caused by a unilateral infection, and only the remaining 20% develop bilateral swelling of the cheek. In the early phase of the infection, this swelling is visible just below the ear, but then it moves downward and forward as fluids start accumulating within the skin of the face and neck. Swelling is at its peak after 1-3 days and then diminishes during the next 5-6 days. As the swelling increases, the ear may be pushed forward. In extreme cases, the angle of the jaw may not be visible anymore. It is a must to visit your doctor immediately in such case in order to prevent serious complications. The doctor will differentiate this condition from commonly confused swelling of lymph nodes of the neck. Protrusion of the ear and disappearance of the angle of the jaw are two major characteristic features of swelling in mumps infection.
