Mumps is a viral disease that causes the parotid gland to swell. The area below and in front of the ears is affected by this swelling of the parotid gland. Sometimes, salivary glands under the jaw are also affected due to a swollen parotid gland. Mumps mainly affects children between the ages of 2 and 12. However, adults who have not been given the MMR vaccine previously may also show symptoms of swelling of the parotid gland. Severe complications that may result from this condition include pancreatitis and meningitis. There are usually no permanent side effects of this disease.
Symptoms of Mumps
Symptoms appear two to three weeks after exposure to the mumps virus. Many children do not show any symptoms. As many as 1 in 3 affected children may not exhibit any symptoms. After the symptoms appear, children should be kept away from school for at least five days. The symptoms usually subside within 10 days. This viral disease is infectious two days before and up to nine days after the symptoms appear. Some symptoms associated with mumps are:
- Swelling of the parotid gland
- Loss of appetite
- Fever that may last for two to three days
- Sore muscles
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Upper abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Treatments for Mumps
The MMR vaccine is given to children suffering from mumps. MMR indicates measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is helpful for the prevention of this viral disease. Some natural treatments helpful in reducing the symptoms of a swollen parotid gland are listed below. If these treatments do not relieve the symptoms of a swollen parotid gland, contact the doctor.
- Medication is one of the useful treatments for mumps. Analgesics are treatments used to relieve pain while antipyretics can be used as treatments for fever.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the beneficial treatments. It helps in preventing dehydration due to anorexia and fever. Despite the pain and swelling, consumption of sufficient amounts of fluid is recommended.
- Application of ice packs can be among the helpful treatments for a swollen parotid gland; ice should never be applied directly to the skin. Application of heating pads can also be among helpful treatments that provide relief from pain.
- Rest can aid all the treatments of a swollen parotid gland. As fever is among the common symptoms of mumps, rest can provide the body with a chance to fight off the virus.
- Avoiding the intake of fruit juices, especially those containing citrus fruits, is advised alongside other treatments for mumps. Drinking citrus juices like grapefruit or orange can worsen the pain caused by any swelling in the parotid gland.
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