Child Health World

Although the chances of acquiring mumps nowadays are low since the release of a mumps vaccine in 1967, it is still important to get enough information on how to diagnose and treat mumps just in case your kids may have one.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a type of a viral infection cause by paramyxovirus. Mumps virus infection is airborne. It can easily spread from an infected person's saliva or from other discharges coming from the nose or throat.

Once the mump virus entered the body, it can mix with the bloodstream and can easily infect the kidneys, pancreas, thyroid and sexual glands. It commonly infects the salivary glands, which is located just in front of the ears and near the check area. 

Since mumps virus is airborne, It is important keep a person infected with mumps in isolation to prevent the mump virus from spreading.

Mumps symptom

To check if your kids are positive of mumps virus infection, here are some things to look out for:

• Increased body temperature
• Swelling of the salivary glands on one side
• Swelling of salivary glands on both ear areas
• Swollen earlobes
• Feeling of soreness in the swollen area/s
• Discomfort in the jaw area
• Pain when talking, eating or opening the mouth
• Swelling continues for 3 days to more than a week

Diagnosing mumps

To diagnose mumps, your doctor would usually look for the sign and symptoms of mumps. Your kid can also undergo a blood test if so needed. The blood test can detect the antibodies of mumps, which can confirm the presence of the virus infection.

How to treat mumps?

Ibuprofen for children and aspirin for adults can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of mumps. Since mumps is a viral condition, it usually fades away on its own course. In general, common cases of mumps usually last for two weeks or so.

How to prevent mumps?

The most popular vaccine used for mumps is measles-mumps-rubella inoculation (MMR). Two doses are administered. The first one should be taken when a child reaches one year old and the second dose should be given once he reaches 4 years old.

The mumps vaccine is not recommended to a person who is allergic antibiotic neomycin. Consult with your physician before you request you children to take mumps vaccine. Pregnant women are also advised not to take the vaccine.

Mumps remedy

The best remedy for mumps is a good rest. Instead of letting you kids eat the usual meal, change his diet to soups and soft foods. Because of the swelling, they may have a hard time swallowing and eating. Give them plenty of liquids and make sure they drink enough water.