Pneumoparotitis (also termed pneumosialadenitis[1] wind parotitis,[1] surgical mumps,[2] or anaesthesia mumps),[2] is a rare cause of parotid gland swelling which occurs when air is forced through the parotid (Stensen) duct resulting in inflation of the duct.
[1] Further investigations are not typically required, however sialography, ultrasound and computed tomography may all show air in the parotid gland and duct.
[1] Management is simply by avoidance of the activity causing raised intraoral pressure which is triggering this rare condition.
[5] It is more likely to occur in persons who regularly have raised pressure in the mouth, for example wind instrument players,[6] and balloon[1] and glass-blowers.
[7] Cases have also been reported with bicycle tyre inflation,[1] whistling,[1] nose blowing,[1] cough[1] and valsalva manoeuvre to clear the ears.