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What Causes Facial Swelling And Jaw Pain In Elderly?
Question: My elderly mother's left side of her face appears swollen. It has been that way all day. She has no other medical symptoms, but she does wear a partial and says the inside of her mouth and jaw are sore. Can you advise on whether this is a severe situation and what steps to take? Oh, she did say she felt somewhat lethargic also. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
parotiditis
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your medical questions
Your mother has noticed swelling and some jaw pain. The swelling is just along the jawline and possibly up by her ear then she could have a parotid gland obstruction. Elderly patients have dry mouth from medications and not drinking enough and they can produce stones in the parotid duct. If she could drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration and then try eating sour candy, The sour will stimulate the parotid gland and may dislodge the stone.
If she has not only swelling but facial redness she may have cellulitis which is an infection in the soft tissues of the face. For this she would need to see a medical provider and prescribed an antibiotic.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any further questions
parotiditis
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your medical questions
Your mother has noticed swelling and some jaw pain. The swelling is just along the jawline and possibly up by her ear then she could have a parotid gland obstruction. Elderly patients have dry mouth from medications and not drinking enough and they can produce stones in the parotid duct. If she could drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration and then try eating sour candy, The sour will stimulate the parotid gland and may dislodge the stone.
If she has not only swelling but facial redness she may have cellulitis which is an infection in the soft tissues of the face. For this she would need to see a medical provider and prescribed an antibiotic.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any further questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you.Do you suggest she seek medical treatment?
Brief Answer:
Seek medical attention if worsens or develops fever
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for returning to HCM
Your mother should seek medical attention if she develops fever, pain increases or the over symptoms worsen. These could all be symptoms of infection and she will need an antibiotic to treat the infection
Seek medical attention if worsens or develops fever
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for returning to HCM
Your mother should seek medical attention if she develops fever, pain increases or the over symptoms worsen. These could all be symptoms of infection and she will need an antibiotic to treat the infection
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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