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Mumps

Introduction
I was really frightened to observe my swollen neck in the mirror. Oh! I remember it was the very week after our science teacher introduced throat cancer to us. I thought I am going to die of cancer. But as soon as I went to my mom to tell her of my fear she grabbed me from the hand and took me to the doctor who told me that it was nothing but mumps. What is mumps? (It definitely is not throat cancer). The origin of the word mumps is not clear. It might be from English word, now obsolete, “mump” that means a grimace. Or, mumps has come from a colder climate, Iceland, where “mumpa” meant to fill the mouth too full. Scientifically it is described as an acute viral illness. It is contagious and causes painful enlargement of the two salivary glands present in the cheeks at the angle of the jaw. It mainly attacks in the childhood but teens and adults could be its victim as well (if not immunized). It usually occurs once in a life time, a second infection is rare.

Alternative Names
It is usually called epidemic parotitis.

Causes
The paramyxovirus is the virus causing mumps. While paying a visit to someone with mumps, be aware because the disease is contagious. It is recommended not to take the kids along (since they are at a higher risk of catching it). The virus once caught, multiplies itself in the body causing painful mumps.

Risk Factors
  • Anyone who has not been vaccinated in his/her lifetime.
  • Anyone living or having a close contact with someone with mumps.


Symptoms & Signs
  • Swelling of neck because of the enlargement of the salivary or parotid glands.
  • Swelling of the temples or jaw.
  • Discomfort or pain in the throat.
  • Pain in the testicles.
  • Facial pain.
  • Headache.
  • Inflammation of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands.
  • The mouth of the child appears to be full of potatoes due to the swelling of the parotids.


Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose the presence of mumps at two levels. He will first perform a physical examination followed by a Serum Analysis. These procedures are performed as follows.
Physical Examination: The swollen glands confirm the presence of mumps. These swollen glands could be mistaken as a symptom to bacterial parotid involvement in the streptococcal throat infection, diphtheria or exhaustion due to poor oral hygiene typhoid or typhus. In order to remove this condition some further tests are required.
Serum Analysis: in order to distinguish the symptoms of mumps from those of certain other diseases, level of serum is analyzed. An elevation in the serum level confirms mumps in the patient.

Prevention
The best prevention of mumps is the MMR vaccine. This vaccine prevents a trio of Mumps, Measles and Rubella. You should give your child the first vaccine at the age of 12-15 months. The second vaccine is then due at the age of 4-6 years or between 11-12 years (if not vaccinated previously)

Treatment
There is no treatment working for the cure of mumps. All the treatment available these days actually work to reduce the symptoms and lessen the risk of further complications such as orchitis or arthiritis. Like any other viral infection a complete bed rest is advised. The doctors usually prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to help the patient.

Primary Natural Supplements
HERBS
  • Mullein Leaves
VITAMINS
  • B Complex


Secondary Natural Supplements
HERBS
  • Goldenseal


Dietary Guidelines
  • Increase fluids in the diet of your child, because fluids help in keeping the body flushed.
  • Ice creams! This time you should not abstain your kid from eating some.
  • Herbal teas are effective in holding the symptoms back.
  • I know you don’t like the taste of it, but a pinch of ginger is beneficial in keeping the stomach clean. (which could help you in getting rid of this horrid disease as soon as possible)


Home Care Suggestions
  • BED REST above all.
  • Use cold compresses on the swelling to reduce the pain.
  • Do not use aspirin based drugs.


Mind/Body Considerations
Relax yourself through certain breathing exercises. And don’t create problems for your mummy and daddy I’ve already asked them to give you a lot of Ice cream which I guess is enough to hold you back. Right!

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