Mumps is a contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the parotid glands (the largest of the three major pairs salivary glands, located in the cheeks). The disease usually strikes children and teens. It usually clears up completely after running its course without long-term complications. Before a mumps vaccine was introduced in 1967, about half of all children contracted mumps. Since then, only around 1,600 cases are reported each year in the United States.

The following signs and symptoms often accompany mumps:

• Swelling of the salivary glands in the face and jaw line
• Fever, chills, headache, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of discomfort
• Pain when chewing or swallowing
• Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles (occurs in up to 25% of males who get the disease after they reach puberty)

Symptoms usually start 14 - 24 days after infection with the virus.

Mumps is caused by a virus spread through infected saliva. You can get mumps from breathing in droplets of the virus when an infected person has coughed or sneezed, or by sharing utensils.

People who have not been vaccinated, particularly children and teens, are at risk for developing mumps. Mumps occur most often in children between the ages of 5 - 9.

If you have symptoms associated with mumps, you should see your health care provider. Your health care provider will check for swelling in your face, especially below the ear and above the jaw. Your doctor may also do a blood test or a viral culture to see if the mumps virus is present. Routine hearing tests on young children can detect any temporary or, rarely, permanent loss.

Prevention

Vaccination is the key to preventing mumps. The live mumps virus is about 95% effective in preventing the disease. The vaccine is available alone or in the combination vaccine of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Protection usually lasts at least 20 years with very few side effects. It is generally given at 15 months of age, but may be given to teens and adults as well. Women should not be vaccinated during pregnancy, and people with fever or allergies to eggs should first talk with their health care provider.

Treatment Plan

If you have mumps, you should stay out of school or work for 7 - 10 days after symptoms begin, while you are highly contagious. You should eat soft foods, avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus or tomato products, and take pain relievers as needed. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) instead as directed by your pediatrician.

A man with swollen testicles should rest in bed until symptoms get better. Relieve pain with ice packs, or by supporting the scrotum with cotton or gauze, or an athletic supporter. A health care provider may do a hearing test on young children who develop mumps, to detect any possible loss of hearing. If the person develops pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) with nausea and vomiting, the doctor may administer IV fluids.

See also: Pancreatitis.

Drug Therapies

No medications other than pain relievers are needed for uncomplicated cases of mumps.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Mumps usually gets better on its own, although should always see your health care provider if you have symptoms of mumps. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and some CAM therapies may help.

Nutrition and Supplements

Adults may find that these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms and strengthen the immune system. For children, make sure they get plenty of fluids and eat soft foods until they feel better.

• Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries).
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• Drink plenty of water daily.

These supplements may also help:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil two to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources. Fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding. People who take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) should talk to their doctor before taking fish oil.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) daily, to help maintain intestinal health. Some evidence suggests probiotics may also help strengthen the immune system, although there is no clear proof. Refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
• Bromelain, an enzyme made from pineapple, standardized, 40 mg 3 times daily, taken between meals, reduces inflammation. It is often used with turmeric (Curcuma longa), an anti-inflammatory that makes the effects of bromelain stronger. Bromelain and turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding. If you take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, do not take bromelain and turmeric without asking your doctor.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, is an antioxidant that may help strengthen the immune system. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, 1 tablespoonful 2 times daily. Elderberry has antiviral properties and may help strengthen the immune system. Ask your health care provider about dosing for children.
• Soothing herbal teas may help decrease pain and swelling, such as chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and marshmallow (Althea officinalis). If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor before taking licorice.

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. A professional homeopath, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for mumps based on his or her knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person’s constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

• Aconitum -- useful for childhood illnesses including the mumps, particularly when onset is sudden and the individual has a fever.
• Belladonna -- most common treatment for mumps, particularly if it comes on rapidly.
• Mercurius -- for mumps with swelling that is worse on the right side, excessive foul-smelling perspiration and salivation
• Phytolacca -- for mumps in which glands feel swollen and hard
• Pilocarpinum -- for mumps with excessive perspiration and salivation, as well as considerable thirst. This is considered by some homeopaths to be the best remedy for this purpose.
• Pulsatilla -- for the later stages of mumps, especially in adults or children approaching puberty
• Rhus toxicodendron -- for mumps with swelling that is worse on the left side

For uncomplicated cases of mumps, the prognosis is excellent. Complications are more likely in people who have reached puberty and beyond. These may include meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its membranous coverings), deafness, orchitis, pancreatitis, and miscarriage in early pregnancy.

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