Mumps, better known by the people under the name "mumps", is an acute infectious disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the parotid salivary gland. As a rule, such a disease is encountered in childhood, but in adults, such an infection can cause very dangerous complications. That is why everyone should know what the first symptoms of mumps are and what to do when they occur.
Mumps and its causes
As already mentioned, mumps is an infectious disease of viral origin. And before considering the main symptoms of mumps, it is worth learning more about the transmission of viral particles.
It is immediately worth noting that the only source of the pathogen can only be a sick person. Viral particles are excreted along with saliva, so the transmission path is exclusively airborne. But infection through household items and toys is extremely rare.
Mumps: symptoms of the disease
The incubation period can last from 12 to 26 days. The disease usually begins acutely with an increase in body temperature. The child complains of constant weakness and aches. As the disease progresses, the parotid salivary gland begins to increase in size - soon it can be easily noticed. Often, after a few days, the infection passes to another gland. Almost any jaw movement, including talking and chewing, is accompanied by discomfort and pain.
Due to inflammation, the glands cannot produce saliva, so sick children often complain of dry mouth. And since it also has antibacterial properties and is involved in digestion, some concomitant disorders may appear. For example, stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders are also symptoms of mumps. In any case, the child must be urgently shown to the doctor, since in the absence of timely assistance, the disease can give a lot of very dangerous complications.
Mumps: complications of the disease
Of course, a viral infection can spread very quickly throughout the body, causing an inflammatory process in completely different organs. For example, pancreatitis can be attributed to complications, and such damage to the pancreas, in turn, can lead to the development of diabetes in the future.
In boys, mumps can cause testicular inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling and redness of the scrotum. Unfortunately, in most cases, such a complication of mumps leads to infertility in the future. The dangerous effects of mumps include meningitis.
Mumps: treatment methods
First you need to call a doctor and tell him about what symptoms of mumps have already manifested. As a rule, treatment takes place at home - the child is prescribed antiviral and antipyretic drugs. Used drugs to strengthen the immune system. At the time of treatment, the baby is shown a bed rest and a sparing diet consisting of soups, mashed potatoes and food that does not require long chewing.
Only in the most severe cases, especially in the presence of certain complications, hospitalization is required. As for preventive measures, fortunately, today there are vaccinations that will protect the child from such a disease.