What causes swollen facial glands? A detailed health guide

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Nearly 30% of adults will experience swelling of the lymph nodes at some point, often signaling an underlying issue. Understanding what causes swollen facial glands is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the reasons can range from a simple infection to more complex systemic problems.

Quick Summary

Swollen facial glands are most often caused by infections, such as mumps or sialadenitis, but can also result from salivary stones, autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, allergic reactions, or, in rare cases, tumors. The specific cause is determined by factors like location, tenderness, and accompanying symptoms.

Key Points

Immune Response: Swollen facial glands, which can be either lymph nodes or salivary glands, are often a sign your body is fighting an infection, typically viral or bacterial.
Infections are Common: Mumps and bacterial sialadenitis are frequent infectious causes, each presenting with specific patterns of swelling and pain.
Salivary Gland Blockages: Salivary stones can cause painful, intermittent swelling, especially during or after eating.
Autoimmune Conditions: Chronic swelling can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, where the immune system attacks salivary glands.
When to See a Doctor: Persistent, painful, or non-tender swelling, especially with fever or unexplained weight loss, warrants a medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Diverse Causes: Beyond infections and autoimmune issues, other causes include dental problems, allergic reactions, and in rare instances, tumors.

Understanding the Glands in Your Face

Your face and neck contain two primary types of glands that can swell: salivary glands and lymph nodes. Salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, produce saliva. Lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped structures, are a key part of your immune system, filtering lymph fluid and housing infection-fighting white blood cells. When either of these swells, it can lead to facial puffiness, pain, and discomfort.

Viral Infections as a Primary Culprit

Viral infections are a very common reason behind swollen glands, as the body's immune system activates to fight the invading virus.

Mumps: This highly contagious viral infection is a classic cause of swollen salivary (parotid) glands, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. The swelling is typically on both sides of the face, accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue.
Mononucleosis (Mono): Often called the 'kissing disease,' mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can lead to significantly swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jawline, along with severe fatigue, sore throat, and fever.
Other common viruses: The common cold and flu can also trigger localized swelling of the lymph nodes as your body fights the infection.

Bacterial Infections and Inflammation

Bacterial infections can also cause painful, localized swelling, often requiring antibiotic treatment.

Sialadenitis: This is a bacterial infection of a salivary gland, most commonly the parotid or submandibular glands. It can cause a tender, firm swelling, often accompanied by pus drainage and fever. Risk factors include dehydration, poor oral hygiene, and salivary stones.
Dental Abscess: An untreated dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, can lead to localized swelling in the jaw and facial region. The swelling can be severe and may be accompanied by intense tooth pain.
Cellulitis: A serious bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, warmth, and painful swelling on the face.

Issues with the Salivary Glands

Beyond infection, several other conditions can specifically affect the salivary glands.

Sialolithiasis (Salivary Stones): These are small, calcium-rich stones that can block the ducts of the salivary glands. This blockage causes painful swelling, especially when eating or anticipating food, as saliva is unable to drain properly.
Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. This can cause chronic swelling of the parotid glands, along with dry mouth and dry eyes.
Benign and Malignant Tumors: While rare, tumors can develop in the salivary glands, causing a firm, often painless, lump or swelling. Tumors are typically investigated with imaging and a biopsy.

Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases

Systemic conditions that affect the whole body can also manifest with facial gland swelling.

Sarcoidosis: This inflammatory disease can cause swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, including the face and neck.
HIV/AIDS: Swelling of the salivary and lymph glands can be a symptom of HIV infection.
Lupus: This chronic autoimmune disease can cause inflammation and swelling throughout the body, sometimes affecting facial glands.

Allergies, Trauma, and Other Factors

Other causes can be less severe but still result in noticeable swelling.

Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause rapid, life-threatening swelling of the face and throat. Less severe allergies can cause localized swelling, especially if associated with insect bites or food sensitivity.
Trauma: An injury to the face can cause swelling of the surrounding tissues and potentially the lymph nodes as the body responds to the damage.
Bulimia: Chronic self-induced vomiting can cause recurrent swelling of the parotid glands due to the irritation from stomach acid.

What to Expect at the Doctor's Office

When you see a doctor for swollen facial glands, they will perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history. They may ask:

When did the swelling begin? The onset can provide clues about the cause.
Is the swelling painful or tender? Tenderness often points to an infection, while a painless lump could indicate a stone or tumor.
Are you experiencing any other symptoms? Fever, fatigue, dental pain, or dry mouth can help narrow down the possibilities.
Do you have any underlying health conditions? Autoimmune diseases or other chronic illnesses can be linked to gland swelling.

Comparison of Common Causes


Cause	Onset	Location	Pain Level	Associated Symptoms
Mumps	Sudden	Both sides (parotid glands)	Moderate to high	Fever, headache, fatigue
Sialadenitis	Sudden	One side (parotid or submandibular)	High	Fever, pus discharge, pain with eating
Salivary Stone	Intermittent	One side (submandibular or parotid)	Variable, often worse with eating	Swelling reduces over time and recurs
Sjögren's Syndrome	Gradual	Both sides (parotid glands)	Low to none	Dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue
Dental Abscess	Gradual	Localized to tooth	High	Intense toothache, fever, redness
Lymphoma	Gradual	Any lymph node	None to low	Weight loss, night sweats, fatigue

Seeking Medical Attention

While many cases of swollen facial glands are benign and resolve on their own, it's essential to know when to see a doctor. Seek medical advice if:

The swelling is persistent and does not improve.
You experience intense pain or high fever.
The swelling is hard, fixed in place, and not tender.
You have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
You have accompanying symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Understanding the various causes of swollen facial glands is the first step toward effective treatment. From viral infections to autoimmune disorders, the causes are diverse, and seeking professional medical guidance is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and proper care. For more detailed information on specific salivary gland issues, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Conclusion

Swollen facial glands can indicate a range of health issues, from common viral or bacterial infections to more complex and chronic conditions. By paying attention to the location, tenderness, and accompanying symptoms, you and your doctor can narrow down the potential causes. Remember, while many cases are harmless, persistent or severe swelling should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious problems and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Swelling from a lymph node usually feels like a small, tender, movable lump under the jaw or chin, while salivary gland swelling (often the parotid or submandibular glands) is located in front of the ear or under the jaw and can cause pain, especially when you eat.

Yes, allergies can cause swelling. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can lead to rapid, dangerous facial swelling. Less severe allergies, like those from insect bites or certain foods, can also cause localized inflammation and swelling.

The duration depends on the cause. Swelling from a viral infection, like a common cold, may subside within a week or two. Swelling caused by bacterial infections will typically decrease with antibiotic treatment. If swelling persists for longer than a few weeks, see a doctor.

For mild cases caused by infection, staying hydrated, getting rest, and applying a warm compress can help. However, home remedies will not resolve underlying issues like salivary stones or chronic conditions, and a doctor should be consulted for proper treatment.

Swollen glands specifically refer to the enlargement of lymph nodes or salivary glands, which can make the jaw or face appear swollen. However, a swollen jaw can also be caused by other issues, such as a tooth abscess, injury, or TMJ disorder, without the glands themselves being enlarged.

While stress and anxiety do not directly cause glands to swell, they can suppress the immune system, potentially making you more susceptible to infections that would then cause the glands to swell. They can also sometimes contribute to symptoms that feel like swelling, such as muscle tension.

Yes, painless swelling should be evaluated by a doctor. While tender swelling often indicates infection, a hard, painless lump can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor, though this is rare.