How Do You Spell PAROTIDITIS?

1. Parotiditis is a medical term referring to an inflammation or infection of the parotid glands, which are the largest of the salivary glands located in front and below the ears. Commonly known as mumps, parotiditis is a contagious viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus. It primarily affects children, but can also occur in adolescents and adults who have not been vaccinated or exposed to the virus before.

   The onset of parotiditis is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and muscle aches. The distinctive sign of this condition is the noticeable swelling of one or both parotid glands, resulting in a swollen and puffy appearance around the jaw and cheeks. In some cases, the swelling can extend to other salivary glands or other parts of the body.

   The virus causing parotiditis spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes, as well as through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The infection primarily affects the salivary glands, but can also result in complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining), and deafness.

   Treatment for parotiditis usually focuses on relieving symptoms and managing complications. This includes bed rest, consumption of fluids and soft foods, and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, prevention through vaccination is highly recommended, as it provides lifelong immunity and reduces the risk of severe complications.

2. Inflammation of the parotid gland, parotitis; mumps.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PAROTIDITIS

The word "Parotiditis" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.

The term "parotid" comes from Latin "parōtidēs", which refers to the largest of the salivary glands located near the ear. The Latin word, in turn, can be traced back to the Greek term "parōtidēs", which also refers to the same gland.

The suffix "-itis" is a common medical suffix denoting inflammation or infection, derived from the Greek word "itis" (ῖτις).

Therefore, "Parotiditis" can be understood as "inflammation of the parotid gland". It is commonly used to refer to the disease known as mumps, which is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the parotid glands.