Mumps Symptoms - What is Parotitis?

The parotid glands, which produce saliva are located at the back of each cheek, between the ear and the jaw. When there is an inflammation of one or both parotid glands it is called Parotitis and when this inflammation is caused by a virus, it is called mumps.

At one time, mumps was common. It was only after the MMR (Measels, Mumps and Rubella shot)vaccination was licensed, that the figures have dropped drastically.
A first attack of mumps is said to give almost lifelong protection, so if your child has swollen salivary glands for the second time, please confirm the reason, it could be something else!

How does one contract Mumps?

As Mumps is caused by a virus, it spreads from person to person. An infected person can spread it to others by coughing, sneezing and talking. A child or a grown up who drinks or eats from a cup or a plate which has been used by an infected person may also contract mumps. Anyone who has not had an MMR(Measels, Mumps and Rubella) shot or mumps in the past can get it.

Mumps-Symptoms

It is possible to know when a person is suffering from mumps, here are a few signs to watch out for. It is also important to note that in some cases the infected person may not experience any of the symptoms noted below.

• Swelling of one or both parotid glands.
• The throat feels tender and hurts while swallowing.
• Fever which lasts from two to three days.
• Muscles turn sore.
• An earache.
• Absence of hunger.
• Nausea.
• Adolescent boys and men, sometimes experience a swelling in both testes, this goes down within four days.

The symptoms mentioned above begin around 16-18 days after being exposed to the virus. In some cases ,it can also start from the 12 to the 25 day of exposure to the virus.

Care Tips

• You need to take care that the person suffering from mumps gets plenty of rest.
• To ease the pain, a warm towel, a heating pad(which is set on low) or an ice pack can be used.
• Give the person plenty of liquids, this will prevent dehydration.
• Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, cooked cereals and soups should be given.
• Avoid food which is sour, spicy and hard.
• Medicines which have been prescribed by the medical practitioner can be given, in doses that have been advised.

Risks

Though not considered a serious illness, mumps should be treated on time because if left untreated, it may cause the following problems:

• Swelling of the pancreas.(An organ located inside the belly)
• An infection of the brain or spinal cord, which may ultimately lead to brain damage.
• Sterility in males.
• Partial hearing loss.