Mumps - A General Overview

What is Mumps? This is a medical condition that is characterized by painful enlargement in the parotid glands below the ear and sometimes at salivary glands and ovaries or testes. It is a contagious, acute viral infection. It was in the recent past seen as an unavoidable condition in children.

Generally a painful enlargement in both cheeks is experienced but this does not mean that it always involves swelling; sometimes no swelling can be manifested at all.

Causes

The RNA virus commonly mumps virus is the main cause and can be picked upon contact with items or surfaces contaminated with it. When in the body, this virus enters the bloodstream and then resides in various glands of the body and brain.

This condition is commonly diagnosed in young children between the ages of 2-12 years though adults who didn’t get immunized may contract it too.

The virus has an incubation period of about 2-3 weeks in which the carrier is highly is contagious and kissing or coming in contact with their saliva can spread the virus.

Mumps Symptoms

Early symptoms occur in the incubation period of this disease which are fever and pain in the mouth when chewing. The signature symptom of swollen glands then manifests itself. Headaches, muscle pains and loss of appetite are experienced.In men over 16 years, swelling occurs in either one or both of the testes while in women lower abdominal pain is experienced. Feeling of tiredness. However incredibly 15% of individuals don’t show any symptom at all.

Treatment

Some home remedy tips below can help a child reduce the symptoms i.e.Restrain from giving acidic diets i.e. citrus fruits, juices to kids suffering from this condition since they cause a lot of discomfort. Mullein tea when applied to affected areas assist with the swelling. A paste made from ginger powder mixed with water can be applied to the swollen parts.

Immunization is the only sure way of avoiding the mumps virus hence it is a necessity in post natal clinics for infants.

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