Mumps was once a common and contagious childhood illness. Thanks to the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine -- introduced in 1967 -- the disease is now quite rare among American children and adults. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, only about 1,600 mumps cases are reported each year. Nevertheless, you could still get mumps if you haven't had the disease or been vaccinated. The mumps virus doesn't respond to antibiotics -- the illness just has to run its course. However, you can reduce its effects with diet and over-the-counter medications.
Causes
Unless you're protected through immunization, you can easily catch mumps from someone who has an active infection. The mumps virus infects the parotid glands -- salivary glands that are located just below your ears. The contagious germs thrive in tiny saliva droplets, which travel to the environment through coughs and sneezes. An infected person can also transfer germs to surfaces and objects just by touching them.
Symptoms
Puffy, painful "chipmunk cheeks" are characteristic of a mumps infection. You may also have a headache, muscle aches, a fever, a loss of appetite and fatigue.
Diet Treatments
When you have mumps, you may not want to eat due to the pain associated with salivation and chewing. Eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, broths and liquid soups will provide nourishment while your symptoms are active. Avoid citrus fruits, juices, tomatoes and other acidic foods and beverages, as these tend to overstimulate the salivary glands, causing more discomfort. Drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Nutritional supplements such as fish oil capsules may help to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic, may also strengthen your immune system. Chamomile and other herbal teas are natural remedies that might ease the symptoms, but don't give these to children.
Medications
Unless you have complications from the mumps, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe medications other than over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- NSAIDs. Ibuprofen, commonly sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin, is an NSAID. One word of caution: Don't give your child aspirin -- it can cause a dangerous disease called Reye's syndrome.
Prevention
If you've never had mumps or the MMR vaccination, don't wait until you've been exposed to the virus before seeking preventative treatment. Ask your doctor about getting the vaccine now. Otherwise, avoid being around individuals with the active disease. If you have to be around someone with mumps, encourage them to cough and sneeze into a tissue. Frequent hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizer are also beneficial.
Complications
Mumps can cause serious complications, especially in adults. These include orchitis, or swollen, inflamed testicles; pancreatitis, an infection of the pancreas; encephalitis, a brain infection; meningitis, an infection of the membranes and fluid of the spinal chord and brain; oophoritis, or infected ovaries; mastitis, a breast infection; miscarriage; and hearing loss.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Mumps: Definition; May 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Fast Facts About Mumps; March 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Mumps; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Transmission of Mumps; October 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Mumps: Treatments and Drugs; May 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Mumps: Complications; May 2010
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