Mumps

Description

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus. It usually affects the glands on each side of the face. These glands, called the parotid glands, that produce saliva. Inflammation of the glands may be sensitive or painful.

Mumps is not common in the united States because of vaccines. But outbreaks occur. People who are not vaccinated are at high risk of infection. Vaccinated people who get mumps usually have milder symptoms and fewer complications.

There is no specific medicine for mumps. The treatment relieves pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mumps are displayed around 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.

The first symptoms can be similar to symptoms of the flu, such as:

  • Fever.
  • The pain of a headache.
  • Muscle aches or pain.
  • Not wanting to eat.
  • Fatigue.

Swelling of the salivary glands, which usually starts within a few days. Symptoms may include:

  • The swelling of one or both glands on the sides of the face.
  • Pain or tenderness around the swelling.
  • Less often, the swelling of the glands under the floor of the mouth.

When to see a doctor

Consult your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of mumps. Mumps is spread very easily for about five days after the swelling begins. If you think you have mumps, let the clinic know before you go. The staff of the clinic likely going to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Other conditions can have similar symptoms, so it is important to get a diagnosis quickly.

If you believe that your child has mumps, call your health care provider if your child develops:

  • Fever of 103 F (39 C) or higher.
  • Trouble eating or drinking.
  • Confusion or disorientation.
  • Stomach pain.
  • The pain and swelling of the testicles.

In the meantime:

  • Rest as much as possible.
  • The use of analgesics that may be purchased without medical prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
  • The use of a cold or warm cloth on the salivary glands are swollen..

Causes

The mumps are caused by a type of germ called a virus. When someone has the mumps, the virus is found in saliva. Cough or sneeze can release small droplets with the virus in the air.

You can catch the virus by inhaling small droplets. Or you can catch the virus by touching a surface where these droplets have landed and then touching your face. You can also pick up the virus through direct contact, such as kissing, or sharing a bottle of water.

Outbreaks in the united States is most often the place where you live or work in close contact. These may include the campus of the college, summer camps and schools.

Complications

Complications of mumps are more likely among people who are not vaccinated. It can happen even if a person does not have inflammation of the salivary glands.

Complications occur when the virus comes to other tissues in the body. Complications can include:

  • Inflammation of the testicles. This complication, also called orchitis, causes severe pain. It is more common with an infection of mumps after puberty. A swollen testicle can lead to a decrease in the size of the testes and a decrease in fertility.
  • Swelling in the ovaries. This complication, also caused oophoritis, cause pain, upset stomach, vomiting, and fever. This complication is more likely after the age of puberty. The condition does not appear to affect fertility.
  • Encephalitis . Encephalitis is inflammation, called inflammation in the brain that can damage tissues. This complication can cause changes in consciousness, seizures, and loss of muscle control.
  • Meningitis. Meningitis is the inflammation, or inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is possible that the cause of headache, fever and neck stiffness. Meningitis-related mumps rarely cause long-term problems.
  • The hearing loss. This complication can occur suddenly or over time. The audience usually gets better after the disease.
  • The Pancreatitis. Mumps can cause damage in the pancreas, called pancreatitis, inflammation. Symptoms can include pain or tenderness near the stomach, upset stomach, vomiting, and fever.
  • Spontaneous abortion. Get mumps during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of a pregnancy end, called a spontaneous abortion.

Prevention

The majority of people who have had the vaccine against mumps, called fully vaccinated, are protected against mumps infections. People who are not vaccinated are more likely to contract mumps.

For some people, the protection of the vaccine may go down over time. When they are fully vaccinated people have mumps, usually have milder symptoms and fewer complications.

The MMR vaccine

The mumps vaccine is part of the recommendation of childhood vaccines. It's usually given as a combination of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The schedule is:

  • The first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
  • The second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years before school entry.

Another version of the vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), which includes the vaccine against the virus that causes the chicken pox virus called varicella-zoster. But that vaccine, called the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) is not used for the first dose in the standard vaccination schedule for children.

Extensive studies in several countries have shown that there is no link between the MMR vaccine or the measles-mumps-rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccines and autism. The original study that suggested this connection in 1998, is based on scientific errors. This study was removed from the scientific records in 2010.

Extensive reports of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Academy of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the conclusion that there is no scientifically demonstrated the relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism.

The people that need the MMR vaccine

If you have not had two doses, or you are not sure, talk to your health care provider. You may need two doses of the vaccine or a booster. This is especially important if you are in a high risk, or in an outbreak. The following people may need a proof of vaccination or more doses:

  • College students.
  • The people in the army.
  • International travelers.
  • The care of the health of workers.

People who do not need the MMR vaccine

If you're not sure if you are vaccinated, a blood test can show if you have antibodies against the mumps. If you have antibodies against the virus, your immune system would fight a mumps infection and you don't need another vaccine.

People born before 1957 were probably exposed to the virus. What is more likely is immune to mumps.

The mumps vaccine is made from a weak but still infectious mumps virus. A typical immune system can handle this weak virus easily. But people with an immune system that does not respond quickly or strongly to the vaccine typically do not receive this vaccine. But there are some exceptions if the benefits outweigh the risks. In addition, this type of vaccine is not recommended for people who are pregnant.

Side effects of the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The majority of people have no side effects.

If they occur, the mild side effects may include:

  • Pain at the injection site.
  • Fever.
  • Skin rash at the site of the injection.
  • Swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck.

In rare cases, some people may have symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints, seizures, short-term drop of blood platelets, or a rash.

Serious allergic reactions are rare. People who have a severe allergic reaction to the first dose does not give a second dose. Also, the people do not receive the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine.

Mumps

Diagnosis

A care provider can diagnose mumps based on the typical symptoms and known exposure to mumps. The tests used to detect the virus and diagnose mumps are:

  • A test of a sample of the mouth.
  • A blood test that can show a reaction of the immune system to the virus.
  • A test of a urine sample, but this is less common.

Treatment

There is No specific treatment for mumps. Most people recover within 3 to 10 days.

Steps you can take to help the recovery and decrease the symptoms include:

  • Rest.
  • The analgesics that may be purchased without medical prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
  • A cold or warm cloth for swollen salivary glands.
  • A cold compress or an ice pack for the swelling of the testicles.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.

It is important to isolate you or your child during the illness to prevent the spread of the infection. Avoid contact with other people until, at least, five days after the onset of inflammation of the salivary glands.

Preparing for your appointment

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you or your child has had, and for how long.
  • Try to remember if you or your child has been exposed to someone with signs and symptoms of mumps within the last few weeks.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you or your child need.
  • Make a note of the key medical information, including other conditions diagnosed.
  • Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the most likely cause of these signs and symptoms?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend?
  • When are the symptoms improve?
  • There are home remedies or self-care measures that may help to relieve the symptoms?
  • Am I or is my child contagious? For how long?
  • What steps should we take to reduce the risk of infecting other people?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

If you believe that you or your child has mumps, contact your health care provider.

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What symptoms have you had? When do you start?
  • When did you first notice the swelling in his face?
  • Has had pain? Where?
  • Do you know if they have been exposed to mumps?
  • Do you know your current state of vaccination?
  • Someone in your house that you had the symptoms?
  • What medications, vitamins, herbal remedies or dietary supplements that you take regularly?
Symptoms and treatment of Mumps