Ask a doctor on the topic of Otorhinolaryngology

Swelling under the ear

January 2, 2012 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello,

I have a question. A few days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and had a slight pain under my left ear, right behind the earlobe, the area was also swollen. Throughout the day, the swelling completely went away. It improved with gentle massaging, drinking, and talking. I initially thought I might have slept in a cramped position and bitten. I then saw on the internet that it could be the parotid gland, that there might have been a stone there and the flow was blocked. However, since I am not a doctor, I wanted to ask what you think about it. Many years ago, I had the same thing, also at night and after a few hours everything was back to normal. I didn't go to a doctor because I don't have any symptoms anymore, but I am afraid of going to the doctor and still worry about it. If it was something like a stone, what can I do to prevent it? Drink more? I drink too little, for example.

Best regards

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner,

That could indeed have been a salivary stone, although these occur much less frequently in the parotid gland than in the submandibular gland. Muscle spasms are also a possibility.
The amount of fluid intake is crucial in preventing inflammation of the parotid gland. Even if you have to take psychotropic medications for your condition, reduced saliva secretion may be a side effect, which can promote inflammation.
What you describe doesn't sound serious, but I would still recommend having an ultrasound done by an ENT specialist.

Kind regards,
C. Welsch