Mumps is caused by inflammation of the salivary glands, causing swelling in the cheeks and neck. In addition to the swelling, sufferers usually experience pain, especially when chewing or swallowing.
Children are more susceptible to this disease, but adults can still be infected. In this article, you'll learn about the symptoms, transmission, complications, and treatment of mumps.
What is mumps?
Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus that attacks the parotid gland, one of the body's main salivary glands. When the virus infects the body, it multiplies and triggers inflammation and swelling of the gland.
Viruses easily spread through droplets from the mouth or nose when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes, especially in crowded environments.
One of the hallmark symptoms of mumps is swelling in the cheeks and near the ears. Children aged 5-9 are most commonly affected by mumps. Although cases are more common in children, mumps infection can also occur in unvaccinated adults.
Symptoms of Mumps
Mumps usually shows symptoms within two to three weeks of infection. Symptoms of mumps that sufferers may experience include:
- The area from the cheeks to the bottom of the ears or chin appears enlarged due to swelling.
- Painful sensation when chewing and swallowing.
- Fever.
- Mouth feels dry.
- Dizzy.
- Pain sensation in the joints and stomach area.
- Fatigue and loss of appetite.
If you experience some of the above symptoms, it is best to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least one week to prevent transmission.
How is mumps transmitted?
Mumps spreads very quickly, especially in those who are in certain conditions such as below:
- Have not received the MMR vaccine.
- Aged 2-12 years.
- Having weak immune system.
- Have a history of travel to locations with many cases of mumps.
There are several common ways mumps spread that you need to be aware of, such as:
- Contact with droplets or splashes of fluid from the respiratory tract of sufferers when they talk, cough, or sneeze.
- Making direct contact, for example kissing the sufferer.
- Touching an object that has been contaminated with the virus, then touching your nose or mouth without washing your hands.
- Using glasses, spoons, or other eating utensils used by the sufferer.
Mumps Complications to Watch Out For
Although rare, mumps still carries the risk of complications, especially if not treated properly. These complications can affect several organs, including:
- Orchitis: inflammation of the testicles.
- Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges, the thin layers that protect the brain and spinal cord.
- Oophoritis: inflammation of the ovaries.
- Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.
- Mastitis: inflammation of the breast tissue.
- Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain tissue.
How to Treat Mumps
In people with a good immune system, mumps tends to get better without special treatment within one to two weeks.
There are several ways to reduce mumps symptoms, including:
- Enough rest.
- Increase your water intake.
- The swollen area can be compressed with warm or cold water to reduce pain.
- Eat soft foods so they are easy to chew.
- Use medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain, at the dose recommended by your doctor.
Consult a doctor immediately
Mumps is a highly contagious disease, but it is preventable, especially through vaccination. Avoid activities that risk transmitting the disease and maintain good health. If your child hasn't received the MMR vaccine, complete their immunizations as soon as possible.
If you experience the mumps symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor immediately. Early examination is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment and medication, especially in the early stages of infection.
The article was written by Dr. Dianwaty, Sp.PD, MM (Internist Specialist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).