What is Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the glands that produce saliva. The virus also causes headaches, face pain, fever, muscle aches, and sore throat. Sometimes, mumps can cause swelling and pain of the testicles in adolescent and adult men. While more common in children, anyone who has not been vaccinated or who has not had mumps before can get the disease. Treatment includes pain relievers, ice packs to relieve swelling, and rest. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin, which is associated with a rare but serious illness called Reyes syndrome. Because the disease can spread quickly, the CDC recommends that anyone with mumps be isolated for 5 days after swelling begins. Most people recover fully from the mumps and are immune from it for the rest of their lives. 

Symptoms of Mumps are-

Fever,Joint aches,Enlarged or swollen glands,Headache,Nausea or vomiting,Difficulty swallowing,Unable to blink or close eyelid,Swelling,Decreased appetite,Fatigue,Lump or bulge,Sore throat,Testicular pain,Testicles shrinkage

Treatment

There is no medical treatment for mumps. Self-care helps ease symptoms.

Self Care

Self-care for mumps includes: 

1.Rest 

2.Pain relievers 

3.Heat or ice packs 

4.Gargling with warm salt water 

5.Plenty of fluids 

6.Soft foods

When to See Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of mumps. Get immediate medical help if you or a child has seizures; stiff neck; severe headache; extreme sleepiness; abdominal pain; vomiting; or pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles.

Diagnosed By

Your doctor can diagnose the mumps by taking your medical history and doing a physical exam. Your doctor also may take an oral swab and do a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.