Mumps are a virus infection of the salivary glands called parotid glands. Mumps is an acute and highly contagious viral illness that usually occurs in childhood. This disease occurs more frequently in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. It spreads from one child to another in schools. Babies are immune to this disease. Once infected, the patient can feel the swelling on the parotid glands present just below and in front of the ears. The swelling will last usually for about 7 to 9 days. Most persons have mumps only once in their lives, but one person in ten may have a second attack.
Symptoms may include:
- Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis)
- Mild sickness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Muscle aches and chills
- Loss of appetite
Common Causes of Mumps
- The infection usually spreads through saliva
- Paramyxovirus
- Droplets from Coughs and Sneezes
- Lack of immunization
- This infection may pass through patient's:
- Utensils and food
There's no specific treatment for mumps. Like most other viral illnesses, doctors advise patients to allow mumps to run its course, as antibiotics have no effect on a virus. In case there are no complications, you can probably recover from mumps completely, within two weeks or so. Fortunately, there are many simple natural home remedies that can you use in order to get relief from its symptoms. Given below are some of the most common natural home remedies for mumps:
1.Turmeric, Milk
Turmeric is a miracle and contains antiseptic properties that fight infection. Add a teaspoon of Turmeric to a glass of hot Milk Drink this mixture before going to bed. Drinking milk and turmeric improves the immune system of the body and make it more effective in fighting infections.
2.Radish seeds, Goat Milk
The Radish seeds are considered beneficial in the treatment of mumps. A paste of Radish seeds and Goat Milk should be prepared and applied over the swollen parts. As the paste dries, the swelling will be reduced and the pain will also subside.
3.Fuller’s earth, Rose water
Fuller’s earth has also been found to be highly beneficial in the treatment of mumps. Dissolve 4-5 tbsp of Fuller's earth (Multani mitti) in 4 tbsp of Rose water or plain water to make a thin paste. It should be smeared over the swollen parts for relied from the pain and swelling. When the paste dries, wash with cold water.
4.Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is a well known remedy for inflamed and painful part of the body in the indigenous system of medicine. De-thorn and peel off a fresh piece of Aloe Vera leaf and rub the gel on the affected area to relieve from swelling and pain.
5.Dried Ginger Paste
Dried Ginger (Sonth) has also been found to be useful in the treatment of mumps. Make a paste of dried Ginger powder and lukewarm water and apply over the swollen parts. It is helpful in reducing the swelling and relieving pain.
6.Aloe Vera Gel, Turmeric, Indian Barberry
Aloe Vera pulp and gel are excellent remedies for many health problems, including the mumps. Make a thick paste from Aloe Vera pulp a little Turmeric (haldi) powder and the root bark extracts (Rasaunt) of Indian barberry apply it on to the swollen area around the ears. This should reduce not just the swelling, but also the pain in the area.
7.Chebulic Myrobalan Paste
Chebulic Myrobalan (hareer) is one of the most effective remedies for mumps. Make a thick paste from this herb by rubbing in water and apply over the swollen area. This offers great relief.
8.Asparagus seeds, Fenugreek seeds
Asparagus seeds and Fenugreek seeds are also an effective and valuable remedy for mumps. Take asparagus powder and fenugreek powder in same quantity. Add water till it forms a thick paste and apply this to the cheeks and under the jaw line to reduce swelling and to ease the pain.
9.Margosa leaves, Turmeric
The leaves of Margosa (Neem) work wonders for treating mumps. The powders of Margosa leaves and Turmeric should be combined in equal amount and made into a paste and applied externally over the affected parts. This will offer great relief from mumps.
10.Soda bicarbonate
Apply a solution of water and a pinch of soda bicarbonate on the swollen areas. Leave it to dry for a few minutes before wiping off. Repeat this at least thrice a day to reduce swelling.
11.Sacred Fig tree Leaves
The leaves of Sacred Fig (Peepal) tree are another effective home remedy for mumps. The leaves should be smeared with Ghee and warmed over a fire. They should then be bandaged over the inflamed part, with beneficial results.
12.Warm or Cold Compress
Using a warm or cold compress is an excellent way to reduce swelling caused by mumps. Rubbing an ice pack should also help numb the area for a while, which reduces the pain naturally. Or Apply warm, damp cloths to painful and swollen areas of the face and neck. It is also necessary to apply hot and cold fomentations every two hours during the day for about 10 minutes and should consist of three hot applications followed by one cold one. This will help relieve discomfort and swelling.
13.Get Plenty of Rest
Get plenty of rest and relaxation, until the fever goes away. This includes taking naps as needed and not doing anything too strenuous. The more bed rest you can manage, the better your energy level; too much strenuous activity can cause a relapse and slow your recovery.
Other Tips for Mumps
- Stay away from aspirin and aspirin-containing products for children under 18 years of age. Aspirin is suspected in causing Reye's syndrome in children with a fever who take aspirin. Take some over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to ease symptoms and to alleviate the discomfort caused by mumps. However, children should not be given medication that is recommended for adults.
- Practice a sort of self-quarantine by not going to work and by keeping children away from school until fever and swelling are gone, usually around 7 to 10 days from the first sign of symptoms
- One of the most important suggestions for mumps patients is to isolate themselves for a while, so that the illness is not passed on to the other members of the family or others. Someone with mumps is most contagious within the first five days after the onset of signs and symptoms.
- The warm water enema should be used daily during this period. A warm water enema should be administered daily during this period for cleansing the bowels. The mouth should be properly cleansed with an antiseptic wash.
Diet for Mumps
- Avoid sour foods, such as citrus fruits or juices and curd, which stimulate saliva production. Instead, prefer fluids such as water and the juices of other fruits such as sweet lime, apple, pineapple, grapes, and carrots should be given. Rich sources of Vitamin C, like leafy green veggies, mangoes and cantaloupe
- Stay hydrated; dehydration could result in needing additional medical help because it could easily and quickly worsen your condition. Drink plenty of clear fluids and consume soup, broth and even a sports drink high in electrolytes, especially if the disease is accompanied by any vomiting.
- Eat healthy natural foods, preferably soft in texture as they'll be easier to chew with the sore jaws that accompany the mumps. Instead, try broth-based soups or Soft and semi-solid foods like runny or cooked oatmeal, rice porridge and creamy potatoes and mashed potatoes for nourishment.
- Cold-water fish, beans and tofu are good sources of protein when suffering from mumps, whereas fattier red meats are not.
- When the child can swallow food comfortably and the swelling has subsided, an all-fruit diet should be adopted for a day or two. Thereafter, he may be allowed to gradually embark upon a well- balanced diet of natural foods, with more emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
When to see a doctor
If you suspect that you or your child has mumps, see your doctor. Let your doctor's office know before you go in that you suspect mumps so that you won't have to wait so long in the waiting room, possibly infecting others. Mumps has become an uncommon illness, so it's possible that the signs and symptoms are caused by another condition. Swollen salivary glands and a fever could be an indication of inflamed tonsils (tonsillitis) or a blocked salivary gland. Other viruses can infect the parotid glands, causing a mumps-like illness. If your child has mumps, watch for complications. Call your doctor if your child develops:
- Fever of 103 F (39 C) or greater
- Trouble eating or drinking
- Confusion or disorientation
- Abdominal pain
- In boys, pain and swelling of the testicles
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