Swollen Cheeks in Adults: Mumps, Causes & What to Do

Mumps is a viral infection that is most common in children, but it can also occur in adults. Symptoms of mumps include:

- Swollen cheeks and jaw

- Pain when chewing or swallowing

- Fever

- Headache

- Fatigue

- Loss of appetite

If you are an adult and you have swollen cheeks, it is important to see a doctor to rule out mumps and other possible causes, such as an infection, an allergic reaction, or a salivary gland disorder.

Mumps is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This means that you can get mumps if you come into close contact with someone who has the infection, such as by talking to them, coughing, or sneezing.

Mumps is a preventable disease. There is a vaccine that is available to protect against mumps. The vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine, which also protects against measles and rubella.

If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated against mumps, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can recommend whether or not you need to get the vaccine.