6. Historical Context: A Timeline of Understanding Parotitis
In ancient times, parotitis was often misunderstood and labeled as a form of divine punishment or as a consequence of evil spirits. There was little knowledge of how the salivary glands functioned, let alone how to treat them. Ancient treatments varied from ritualistic dances to plant-based poultices applied directly to the swelling.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and you’ll find that although medical understanding had evolved somewhat, treatment methods remained primitive. Bloodletting was a popular treatment, based on the belief that excess bad humors caused the disease. It was a perilous practice that often led to further complications.
Then came the Renaissance, a period of scientific revolution. The study of anatomy became more systematized, and the parotid glands started gaining medical attention. Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings even included the salivary glands, marking an acknowledgment of their importance.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw even more advanced research on parotitis. With the advent of microbiology, the bacterial and viral causes of parotitis began to be understood. Treatment protocols evolved from superstitious practices to the use of antibiotics and antiviral medications, a tremendous leap forward. (6)
