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Dr
Chris Steele
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Mumps
What
is mumps?
Mumps in children is usually a mild infectious disease, classically
producing swellings at the side of the face. These swellings are
due to enlargement and inflammation of the glands that produce saliva.
The affected glands lie just below and just in front of the ears.
They are called the parotid glands.
There
is no rash with mumps.
After
a long incubation period of 3 weeks these symptoms appear:
- Child
may feel unwell for a day or two
- Swelling
of the face develops - on one or both sides
- The
swollen glands are often painful
- Swallowing
may be uncomfortable
- Dry
mouth: The inflamed glands produce less saliva
- Headache
and fever.
Complications
Orchitis
in boys. This is inflammation of the testes. It is a painful condition,
often affecting only one testis which becomes swollen and tender.
Even if both testes are affected, sterility (inability to have children
on reaching adulthood) is exceptionally rare.
Other
uncommon side effects of mumps are:
- Deafness
- Pancreatitis
- causing upper abdominal pain
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain)
- Masitis
(inflammation of the breasts)
- Oophotitis
(inflammation of the ovaries)
Who
gets mumps?
Any person who has not had mumps before or who has not been vaccinated.
What
causes mumps?
It is caused by a virus that enters the body through the mouth or
nose. Droplets spread from an infected person is the normal mode
of transmission. Patients are infectious until the swollen glands
decrease in size.
Can
mumps be prevented?
Although the complications of mumps are rare, they are so serious,
e.g. meningitis and encephalitis, that avoidance of this disease
is extremely necessary. A single injection of the MMR vaccine between
12 - 18 months gives protection against mumps.
As
the Health Education Authority Adverts say 'Give your child something
you never had - the MMR vaccine.'
How should you treat mumps?
At home:
- Control
fever (see fever control article)
- Give
soups and liquidised foods
- A
hot water bottle in a towel held against the swollen glands can
ease the pain
- Contact
your G.P. to confirm diagnosis
There
is no cure for mumps. Your doctor may advise paracetamol for any
pain that is present, be it in the swollen glands, tummy or testes.
Call your G.P. if there is any headache with neck stiffness, or
if you are worried.
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