This summary discusses recurrent parotitis in children. Parotitis in adults is addressed separately.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis is an inflammatory reaction that is characterized by repeated swelling episodes of the parotid glands, which are located between the ear and jaw on each side of the head. This condition usually starts between ages 3 and 6 years and lasts until the child hits puberty (around age 10-15 years), when it resolves on its own. This condition is most prevalent in Black males aged 2-8 years.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis typically presents with unilateral or bilateral swelling of the jaw by the ears, pain, redness, and fever. Episodes usually last about 2-7 days but can last a few weeks, if severe. Frequency of flares varies for every case; they can occur multiple times each month to once every year. A predisposing medical history and risk factors have been difficult to pinpoint, but allergies, autoimmune conditions, viruses, congenital lymphatic anomalies, and underproduction of saliva have been thought to cause this disease. The virus most commonly associated with this condition is the mumps virus. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), parainfluenza, adenoviruses, and human herpesvirus 6 have also been implicated. There are no known exposures that predispose children to this condition.