Sialadenitis swollen salivary gland sialadenitis refers to the inflammation of a salivary gland which produces saliva to aid in digestion the condition is most common among elderly adults and mostly affects the parotid and submandibular glands appointments 2164448500. Viral infections such as mumps flu and others can cause swelling of the salivary glands swelling happens in parotid glands on both sides of the face giving the appearance of chipmunk cheeks. Description a common cause of swollen salivary glands is salivary stone occasionally salivary stones may block the flow of saliva occasionally salivary stones may block the flow of saliva when saliva cant drain through the ducts it causes a backup in the gland creating swelling and pain. According to the cleveland clinic sialadenitis is the medical term for a salivary gland inflammation causing swelling and discomfort sialadenitis can have many causes but its a rare condition parotid gland infection symptoms