When a child’s cheek suddenly swells up like a chipmunk’s, it’s usually the zánět slinné žlázy, zánět jedné nebo více slinných žláz, které produkují slinu a pomáhají při trávení a ochraně ústní dutiny. Also known as parotitida, it’s one of the most common and alarming signs parents see — but it’s not always what they think. Many assume it’s zarděnky, but that’s a myth. Zarděnky (rubeola) don’t cause swollen salivary glands — only spalničky and some viruses do. The most frequent culprit is the mumps virus, which targets the parotid glands near the ears. But other viruses, even common cold viruses, can trigger the same swelling.
What makes it tricky is that the swelling can appear overnight. One moment your child is fine, the next they can’t open their mouth wide, eat, or even smile without pain. Fever often comes with it, and chewing becomes torture. But here’s the good part: in most cases, it’s not dangerous. The body fights it off on its own in about a week. Antibiotics won’t help — it’s almost always viral. What matters is comfort: cool compresses, soft foods, lots of fluids, and avoiding sour candies that make saliva flow and hurt more. If the swelling is only on one side, or if your child has trouble breathing, swallowing, or develops a high fever over 39°C, that’s when you call the doctor. It could be a bacterial infection or something else entirely.
Don’t confuse this with teething or a tooth abscess. Those cause pain localized to one tooth or gum. A swollen salivary gland affects the whole side of the face, often both sides. And if your child was recently around someone sick, or hasn’t had the MMR vaccine, that’s a big clue. Two doses of MMR vaccine protect against mumps, measles, and rubella — and they’re the best defense. Even if your child got one dose, they’re still at some risk. The second dose isn’t optional — it’s the key to real protection.
What you’ll find below are real, practical stories from parents and clear answers from a pediatrician. We’ll cover how to tell if it’s mumps or just a cold, why some kids get it even after vaccination, what to do at home, and when it’s time to worry. No fluff. Just what works.