Soreness and pain near the ear in the cheek area, with drooling.

The area near the ear on the cheek refers to the temporomandibular joint. When soreness, pain, and drooling occur in this region, possible causes may include mumps, oral ulcers, or lymphadenitis. These conditions can be treated with medical interventions such as medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Mumps

After the mumps virus enters the body through the respiratory tract, it replicates in the epithelial cells of local mucosa and regional lymph nodes, then spreads via the bloodstream to the salivary glands and central nervous system, causing mumps. The main symptoms include swelling and soreness. Under medical guidance, antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or acyclovir capsules may be taken for treatment.

2. Oral Ulcer

Oral mucosal damage caused by burns or bacterial infections can lead to oral ulcers, which may result in increased saliva production. In severe cases, ulcers may irritate the temporomandibular joint and salivary glands, leading to symptoms such as soreness, distension, or pain in the temporomandibular joint. Topical treatments such as oral ulcer powder or watermelon frost can be applied as directed by a physician to relieve discomfort.

3. Lymphadenitis

Bacterial or fungal invasion through the skin or mucous membranes can cause infection, leading to inflammatory reactions in the draining regional lymph nodes. Main symptoms include swollen and painful lymph nodes. Under medical supervision, antibiotics such as cefaclor capsules or roxithromycin capsules may be prescribed for treatment.

In addition to the above common causes, similar symptoms may also be associated with disorders such as masticatory muscle dysfunction, temporomandibular joint dislocation, or joint ankylosis. If symptoms persist, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment under professional guidance.