Symptoms of mumps

Written by Zhang Cui Xiang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 10, 2024
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There are many types of mumps, with acute suppurative mumps being common. In the early stages of inflammation, the symptoms are relatively mild and not obvious. If the condition continues to develop, pain in the parotid region becomes apparent, with slight swelling and tenderness in the parotid area, and mild redness and pain at the duct opening. As the disease progresses further to the stage of suppuration and necrosis of the parotid tissue, continuous pain in the parotid area, or throbbing pain, becomes evident. The swelling centered around the parotid area and earlobe becomes more prominent. At this point, massaging the gland can exude pus from the duct opening. Treatment mainly involves maintaining oral hygiene and administering systemic anti-inflammatory treatment. If an abscess forms, incision and drainage are performed.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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What is mumps?

Mumps is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the mumps virus that invades the parotid glands. It primarily occurs in children and adolescents and is transmitted through respiratory droplets, often causing epidemics in classrooms. Clinically it presents with fever, swelling and pain in the parotid gland area, and body temperatures can reach up to 40°C. There can also be complications such as meningitis, meningoencephalitis, orchitis, oophoritis, and pancreatitis. To manage mumps, it is advisable to avoid acidic foods, maintain oral hygiene, and rinse the mouth with saline after meals. Pain relief medication can be used for headaches and pain in the swollen parotid glands. For testicular swelling and pain, local cold compresses or support with cotton padding and a jockstrap can be helpful. Proper supplementation with water, electrolytes, and energy is important. Antiviral medications can be used early on, and diuretics can be added for severe headaches and vomiting. In severe cases or those with complications like meningoencephalitis or myocarditis, steroids may be administered.

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best method to treat mumps

The best treatment for mumps mainly depends on the specific condition of the child. If it is bacterial mumps, give the child some anti-infection drugs for treatment, and if there is suppuration, antibacterial treatment is necessary, along with standardized treatment. There is also epidemic mumps. If it is epidemic mumps, it is necessary to apply topical medications and timely administer oral antiviral drugs to the child because epidemic mumps is a self-healing infectious disease. Pay attention to a light, easily digestible diet, and avoid giving the child spicy and greasy foods.

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What are the early symptoms of mumps?

Mumps in children is a contagious disease, and its complications can cause significant damage to the body. Its early symptoms often manifest as swelling below the earlobe, sometimes starting on one side and then appearing on the opposite side a few days later, or swelling can occur simultaneously on both sides, including the entire area around the earlobe, often with noticeable redness and tenderness. Additionally, affected children may also experience fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nausea. Diagnosis can be confirmed through lymph nodes in the neck and an ultrasound of the parotid gland, and it can also be diagnosed by complete blood count and antibody tests to provide symptomatic treatment.

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Can mumps cause facial paralysis?

Mumps generally does not cause facial paralysis. This disease is an inflammation caused by a viral infection of the salivary glands. Patients mainly exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the area of the salivary glands, primarily located behind the ears. It occurs mostly in children, but adults can also contract the disease. Treatment mainly involves antiviral medications and drugs that clear heat and detoxify, as well as possible physical therapy. Facial paralysis, also known as facial neuritis, is caused by a viral invasion that leads to the demyelination of the facial nerve. This might also be related to exposure to cold winds. The main symptoms include paralysis of the facial expression muscles affecting the eyelids and other facial features, which may lead to widened eye slits, disappearance of forehead lines, flattening of the nasolabial fold, and deviation of the mouth corner. There may also be issues such as air leakage while whistling.

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How is mumps treated?

Mumps is generally caused by a viral infection and requires antiviral treatment for the child. Mumps can easily lead to fever or orchitis in boys, among other things, so it is crucial to take it seriously. It is recommended to isolate the child and avoid crowded places to prevent the spread of the infection. Ensure that the child consumes a nutrient-rich diet, including fresh vegetables and fruits such as kiwi and broccoli. Viral mumps generally affects both sides and is quite contagious, so it is essential to avoid going out and to isolate to prevent infection.