Self-induced parapharyngeal and parotid emphysema: A case of pneumoparotitis

Swelling of the parotid suggests pathological change. Enlargement of the parotid gland may result from infections, duct obstruction, benign or malignant tumors, allergies, autoimmune or systemic disease syndromes or lymphoproliferative diseases. Acute swelling is typically associated with viral infection or recurrent chronic parotitis. A rare cause of acute swelling is insufflation of air from the mouth via Stensen's duct into the parotid region. We report a case of recurrent self-induced chronic pneumoparotitis with parapharyngeal extension in a teenager. Pneumoparotitis is rare and is often misdiagnosed and mistreated. Patients typically present with unilateral or bilateral painless swelling and tenderness in the parotid region. Imaging, including computer tomography scans, shows air within the parotid system that extends into the neighboring areas in cases of rupture of the parotid fascia. Salivary gland enlargement resolves spontaneously over 1-3 days. Some authors recommend anti-inflammatory drugs and prophylactic antibiotics to avoid superinfection. Several surgical treatments have been suggested for chronic and recurrent pneumoparotid. However, the primary challenge is to educate the patient to prevent an increase in intraoral pressure.