Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands. These are one of your three pairs of salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. If you or your child contracts mumps, it can cause swelling in one or both parotid glands.
The disease is most commonly known for this symptom, which creates the appearance of “hamster cheeks”. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.
Mumps was common worldwide until the mumps vaccine was developed in the 1960s. The vaccine, usually given in combination with the measles and rubella vaccines in the MMR vaccine, has drastically reduced cases of this disease.
Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of appetite, followed by painful swelling of the salivary glands. In rare cases, it can cause complications such as hearing loss or meningitis.
The treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms until the body fights off the infection.
As always, it is recommended to consult with healthcare professionals for advice in the event of a suspected infection.
Causes of Mumps
Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is a type of paramyxovirus. It spreads easily from person to person through infected saliva. If you’re not immune, you can contract mumps by breathing in saliva droplets from an infected person who has just sneezed or coughed. You can also contract mumps from sharing utensils or cups with someone who has the virus.
After exposure, the infection incubation period varies from 12 to 25 days. After this period, in the infected person, the parotid glands (salivary glands located on both sides of your face, below your ears) typically start to swell, which is the classic symptom of mumps.
Not being vaccinated or having incomplete vaccination against mumps predisposes an individual to contract the virus. The mumps vaccine is usually given as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) inoculation, which is commonly administered during childhood.
Risk Factors of Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to symptoms such as swollen cheeks, fever, headache, and muscle aches. It can potentially have serious complications, such as hearing loss and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The risk factors for mumps include the following:
1. Not being vaccinated: Those who haven’t received their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are at a higher risk of contracting mumps.
2. Age: Mumps commonly affects children between the ages of 2 to 12 who haven’t been vaccinated. However, adults who haven’t been vaccinated can also contract the virus.
3. Time of year: Mumps outbreaks usually occur in winter and spring.
4. Close quarters: People living in close quarters, such as dormitories or boarding schools, are more likely to contract mumps due to the ease with which the virus spreads.
5. Traveling or living in a country with high mumps incidence: Those traveling to or living in a country where mumps is common are at a higher risk of getting mumps if they aren’t vaccinated.
6. Immune disorders: Those with immune disorders may be at a higher risk because their immune system is less capable of fighting off the virus.
7. Previous mumps virus exposure: If you’ve been exposed to mumps but never received the vaccination, you have a high risk of getting mumps.
Signs and Symptoms of Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, which are located near your ears. Here are the common signs and symptoms of mumps:
1. Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis)
2. Fever
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches
5. Tiredness and loss of appetite
6. Pain while chewing or swallowing
The swelling can go unnoticed but when present, it typically lasts a week or so. In some cases, people infected with the mumps virus don’t show any signs and symptoms but they can still spread the virus.
Please consult with a healthcare professional if you or someone you know have these symptoms for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects the salivary glands, which are located near your ears. These glands produce saliva, which aids in digestion and helps break down food.
The primary symptom of mumps is swelling in the salivary glands, which can cause pain, fever, headaches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Less common complications can include inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, breasts, and/or brain.
Mumps is most commonly contracted through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person. Prior to the development of a vaccine, mumps was a common childhood disease. Nowadays, mumps outbreaks are relatively rare due to widespread vaccination.
Diagnosis of mumps typically involves a physical examination to check for swollen salivary glands. If the doctor suspects mumps, a blood test can confirm the diagnosis by identifying the presence of mumps virus or antibodies to the virus.
Treatment of Mumps
Mumps is a viral disease caused by the mumps virus. It primarily affects the parotid glands, which are one of the three sets of salivary glands behind the cheeks and below the ears. Mumps was a common childhood disease before the introduction of the Mumps vaccination.
Firstly, as mumps is a viral infection, antibiotics cannot be used in treatment as they are not effective against viruses. The immune system should naturally fight off the mumps virus within a few weeks, however, to help reduce the symptoms of mumps, the following treatment methods can be helpful:
1. Rest and Hydration: Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to ease symptoms. Water is best, but warm fluids can also be comforting.
2. Pain Relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage fever and pain.
3. Warm or Cold Compress: An warm or cool compress can help with swelling.
4. Soft Foods: Eating a soft and mild diet can help if chewing or swallowing is painful.
5. Isolation: Mumps is highly contagious, hence the infected person should be isolated to prevent it from spreading. This includes baby carriers, toys, eating utensils, and other close contact items.
6. Avoid Acidic Foods: Acidic and sour foods can stimulate salivary glands causing more pain, so avoid foods like citrus fruits, juices, etc.
7. Mumps Vaccine: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent mumps. In many regions, children receive the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years.
As with any virus, prevention is a significantly easier process than treating the disease itself. Apart from the MMR vaccination, practicing good hygiene can also help to prevent the spread of mumps.
Always consult a healthcare professional for any medical conditions or inquiries.
Medications commonly used for Mumps
Mumps is a viral disease, therefore, antibiotics are not suitable as they only work for bacterial infections. Most treatments focus on relieving symptoms until the body fights off the infection.
1. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and ease any discomfort or pain. Aspirin, however, should not be used in children with viral illnesses as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
2. IV Fluids: For severe cases where the patient is unable to drink enough fluids, intravenous fluid may be given to prevent dehydration.
Some preventatives include:
1. MMR Vaccine: known as the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, is commonly used to prevent these diseases. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, usually:
First Dose: 12-15 months of age
Second Dose: 4-6 years of age
Although mumps is a contagious disease, this vaccine is 70% – 80% effective in preventing it.
Remember, it’s important for anyone suspected of having mumps to see a healthcare professional straight away for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Also, they should stay at home, away from school, college or work for at least five days after symptoms begin to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Please note this is not medical advice and you should always consult with your healthcare provider.
Prevention of Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can be prevented through several measures:
1. Vaccination: The most effective and efficient prevention method for mumps is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is commonly used worldwide and is typically given in two doses, one at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.
2. Good Hygiene Practices: As the mumps virus can be spread through saliva, maintaining good hygiene practice such as washing your hands frequently, not sharing items that might be contaminated with saliva like drink bottles or utensils, and covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, can help limit its spread.
3. Isolation: If you’ve been diagnosed with mumps, isolation from others, especially from non-immunized individuals, is highly recommended until you’re no longer infectious (usually a few days after your symptoms start). This can help prevent the spreading of the disease.
4. Boosting Immunity: Keeping your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and regular physical activity can aid in the prevention of mumps and other infections.
5. Avoid Contact with Infected People: Try avoiding close contact with individuals who are infected with the mumps virus to prevent the disease.
Remember that these measures significantly reduce the chances of contracting mumps, but might not guarantee absolute protection due to various factors. Thus, vaccination remains the most recommended preventive measure.
FAQ’s about Mumps
1. What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that typically results in swollen and painful salivary glands, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. It’s spread through bacteria in saliva and mucus from the nose, mouth, and throat.
2. How does mumps spread?
Mumps is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions or saliva or through sharing items, like cups or utensils, with an infected person.
3. What are the symptoms of mumps?
Symptoms usually begin 16 to 18 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by swelling of salivary glands.
4. How is mumps diagnosed?
Mumps can be diagnosed through a clinical exam, a history of exposure to the virus, and lab tests for the virus or antibodies to the virus.
5. Can mumps be prevented?
Yes, mumps can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Pregnant women should not get the vaccine, but it is recommended for infants, kids and adults who haven’t been vaccinated.
6. Is there a treatment for mumps?
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Symptoms can be managed with pain relievers, bed rest, and a lot of fluids. Medical attention is necessary if complications appear.
7. What are the complications associated with mumps?
Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. However, mumps can occasionally cause complications, especially in adults. These might include inflammation of the testicles (in males who have reached puberty), inflammation of the brain, inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, inflammation of the ovaries (in women who have reached puberty), and hearing loss.
8. Can you get mumps if you’ve been vaccinated?
It’s possible, but unlikely. The MMR vaccine is successful in preventing mumps 88% of the time when a person gets both shots, according to the CDC.
These are general FAQs about mumps. Consult with a health professional or doctor for personalized advice and treatment.
Useful links
Mumps is a viral disease that primarily affects the parotid glands — one of your three pairs of salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. Complications of mumps can include inflammation in the brain, the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, the testicles, the ovaries, and/or the breast tissue.
Below are some useful journal articles and resources on Mumps:
Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have mumps or seek accurate information about the disease. These journal articles are intended for research and educational purposes.
Complications of Mumps
Mumps is a viral illness that primarily affects the salivary glands near the ears, resulting in swelling and pain. While mumps can be mild in some patients, it can also lead to various complications, especially in adults. Complications include:
1. Orchitis: Mumps can cause swelling in one or both testicles in males who’ve reached puberty. This rarely leads to sterility.
2. Pancreatitis: Mumps can lead to the inflammation of the pancreas, which can present symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Meningitis or Encephalitis: Mumps can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
4. Oophoritis: Mumps can cause swelling in one or both ovaries in females who’ve reached puberty, which can cause abdominal pain and fever.
5. Deafness: In some cases, mumps has been associated with hearing loss, which can be temporary or permanent.
6. Mastitis: In rare cases, mumps might cause inflammation of the breast tissue.
It’s noteworthy to mention that complications from mumps are rare, but they can be severe. Therefore, vaccination against mumps is highly recommended. Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child contract mumps or show symptoms of these complications.
Home remedies of Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection and while there’s no specific treatment, most people recover within a couple of weeks. However, there are some remedies you can use at home to ease the symptoms:
1. Warm or Cold Compress: Applying hot or cold packs to the swollen glands can help to reduce pain and swelling. Use a soft cloth as a barrier between the skin and the ice pack to prevent skin damage.
2. Hydrate: Keeping yourself well-hydrated is especially important. Water, fruit juices, soup, etc. can be taken frequently and in small amounts.
3. Rest: It makes the immune system stronger and helps the body repair itself. Give your body plenty of rest to recover quicker.
4. Soft Foods: Having soft foods and avoiding acidic foods and beverages may help with the discomfort of swallowing.
5. Over the Counter Medicines: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help with fever and discomfort.
6. Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can also help soothe a sore throat that can come along with mumps.
7. Avoid Sour Foods: Sour foods like citrus fruits or juices can stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful when you’ve got mumps.
Remember: Mumps is highly contagious, so patients should stay home and avoid close contact with others for five days after symptoms start. It’s also important to note that even with these remedies, one should still consult a healthcare provider to avoid any complications. It’s best isolated and medical help given to stop the disease from spreading.