Epidemic parotitis, Viral parotitis, Parotitis.
Root Cause of Disease
Mumps is an illness caused by a virus. It usually affects the glands on each side of the face. These glands, called parotid glands, make saliva. Swollen glands may be tender or painful.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mumps show up about 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
The first symptoms may be similar to flu symptoms such as:
Swelling of the salivary glands usually starts within a few days. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling of one or both glands on the sides of the face
- Pain or tenderness around the swelling
- Less often, swelling of glands below the floor of the mouth
Causes
Mumps is caused by a type of germ called a virus. When someone has mumps, the virus is in saliva. Coughing or sneezing can release tiny droplets with the virus into the air. You can get the virus by breathing in tiny droplets. Or you can get the virus by touching a surface where droplets have landed and then touching your face. You also can pick up the virus from direct contact, such as kissing.
The mumps virus, which is a type of paramyxovirus, causes mumps. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with infected saliva or through respiratory droplets from the infected person’s nose, mouth or throat. The infected person can spread the mumps virus by:
- Sneezing, coughing or talking.
- Sharing objects containing infected saliva, such as toys, cups and utensils.
- Playing sports, dancing, kissing or participating in other activities involving close contact with others.
Some groups of people are at a higher risk of getting mumps. These groups include:
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who travel internationally
- People who aren’t vaccinated against the virus
- People living in close quarters, such as college campuses
Home Remedies to Treat Mumps
Remedy – 1: Ginger
Materials : Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Make a paste with dry ginger powder and water and apply it to the visibly swollen parts.
Product Link: Ginger
Remedy – 2: Aloe Vera
Materials : Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is a herbal medicinal plant which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help in treating mump.
Product Link: Aloe vera Gel
Remedy – 3: Neem Leaves
Materials: Neem
The leaves of Margosa neem leaves help in treating mumps. Powder the leaves and mix an equal amount of the powder with turmeric powder till it makes a paste with the use of a little water and apply to the swollen area. This will give some relief from mumps as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Product Link: Neem
Preventions
Most people who have had the mumps vaccine, called fully vaccinated, are protected from mumps infections. People who aren’t vaccinated are more likely to get mumps.
For some people, vaccine protection may go down over time. When fully vaccinated people get mumps, they usually have milder symptoms and fewer complications.
The MMR vaccine
The mumps vaccine is a part of the recommended childhood vaccinations. It’s usually given as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Most people have no side effects. If they happen, mild side effects may include:
- Soreness at the site of the shot.
- Fever
- Rash at the site of the shot.
- Swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck.
- In rare cases, some people may have symptoms such as pain and stiffness in joints, seizures, short-term drop in blood platelets or a rash.
- Severe allergic reactions are rare. People who have a severe allergic reaction to the first dose aren’t given a second dose. Also, people won’t get the vaccine if they’ve had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine.
