Mumps - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

MumpsAbout 1/3 of people have no symptoms.
Definition:Others can have swollen glands (swollen cheeks),
Mumps is an acute , contagious, viral illnessheadache, fever, and earache.
characterized by painful enlargement of the parotidSore muscles
glands, just below and in front of the ear, and atLoss of appetite
times, the salivary glands under the jaw andHeadache
sometimes of the pancreas, ovaries, or testes.Earache that is aggravated by chewing
Together with the likes of measles and chickenpox ,In men and adolescent boys, swelling in one or both
mumps was once considered one of the inevitabletestes
infectious diseases of childhood. This disease, mainlyAversion to light, lethargy, and a stiff neck
affecting children, can be prevented by vaccination.Upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
Mumps is characterized by a painful swelling of bothLower abdominal pain in women
cheeks. In some cases, the swelling may occur in onlyTemperature is moderately high, usually lasting for
one cheek, or there may be no swelling at all. The3-4 days.
word "mumps" comes from an old English wordEating or drinking acidic or citric foods causes much
meaning lumps or bumps in the cheeks.discomfort.
Causes of mumps:Other symptoms may include testicular pain (in
Mumps is caused by a mumps virus, an RNA virus ofmales), seizures, stiff neck, and difficulty
the paramyxovirus family of viruses. It spreads fromswallowing.not feeling well
person to person as well as through contact withThe mouth may feel dry.
contaminated items and surfaces.You may feel tired and off your food for a few
Once the mumps virus enters the body, it passesdays.
into the bloodstream and can spread to manyHome remedies for mumps:
different glands and to the brain.Some important home remedies for mumps includes:
Mumps occurs most often in children ages twoDon't be tart: Avoid giving your child citrus fruits or
through twelve, although unvaccinated adults are alsojuices, or any other food that is high in acid, when he
susceptible.or she is suffering from mumps.
People with mumps are contagious for about a weekGinger powder: A paste made with dry ginger
before and two weeks after the onset ofpowder and water is applied on the visibly swollen
symptoms, which occurs about two to three weeksparts.
after exposure to the mumps virus.Mullein tea: Apply a cloth soaked in mullein tea to
Mumps is mainly caused by a virus. The incubationaffected areas to help with swelling.
period is from 16-18 days, ranging from 12-25 daysHerbal treatment for mumps:
after exposure. The period when someone is mostHere are some important herbal treatment for
infectious to others is from 1-2 days before and 5mumps:
days after the onset of swelling in the glands.Indian Aloe:
The chances of getting the disease are greater ifThe use of the herb Indian aloe is a wellknown
you have never received the mumps vaccine. Onceremedy in the indigenous system of medicine for any
you have had mumps you will develop an immunityinflamed and painful part of the body.
to it and will not get it again.Asparagus:
Mumps is spread through direct contact with saliva,The seeds of asparagus are valuable in mumps.
e.g. kissing or sharing objects contaminated withThese seeds, combined with an equal proportion of
infected saliva (e.g. cups, cutlery). The mumps virus isfenugreek (methi) seeds, should be ground together
also present in nasal and throat discharge.to the consistency of a paste. This paste can be
Other common causes of mumps includes:applied over the swellings.
Droplets from coughs & sneezesHerbs:
Lack of immunizationAn acute attack can be managed using the mixture
Symptoms of Mumps:of concentrated extracts of the herbs Rosehips,
The symptoms and signs of mumps are:Hypericum, Phytolacca, Fennel and Chamomile with
The first symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 daysthe Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. This is taken at a
after exposure. It begins with fever and pain upondose rate of 15 drops three times daily in water and
opening the mouthcontinued for 6 to 8 weeks.