Mumps: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Have you heard of mumps? It’s a virus that can make your cheeks puffy and cause other uncomfortable symptoms. While it’s less common now thanks to vaccines, it’s still good to know what it is. This article will explain it in simple terms, covering everything from symptoms to how to treat it. Let’s get started!

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and discomfort. It is spread through saliva or respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares utensils. Mumps is more common in children but can affect people of all ages.

Why Is Mumps More Common in Children?

It mostly affects children, but adults can also get it. Here’s why:

1. Weaker Immune System in Children – Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more likely to catch infections like mumps.
2. Close Contact in Schools and Playgrounds – Kids spend a lot of time in schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds, where they easily spread germs by sharing toys, food, and drinks.
3. Lack of Vaccination – Many children who don’t get the mumps vaccine are at a higher risk of infection. Some adults who never got vaccinated as kids can also get it later in life.
4. Mumps Virus Spreads Easily – Mumps spreads through coughs, sneezes, and touching contaminated surfaces. Since children often forget to wash their hands, they catch and spread the virus more easily.
5. Adults Can Still Get Mumps – If an adult was not vaccinated or did not have it as a child, they can still get infected. Mumps in adults can be more severe and cause serious complications.
6. Weakened Immunity in Some Adults – As people age, their immunity may weaken, making them more vulnerable to infections, especially if they have health issues.

Even though it is more common in children, adults should also take precautions to avoid infection.

Symptoms of Mumps

Mumps symptoms usually appear 2 to 3 weeks after infection. Common signs include:

1. Swollen and painful cheeks: This is the most common symptom.
2. Fever: You might feel hot and sweaty.
3. Headache: Your head might hurt.
4. Muscle aches: Your body might feel sore.
5. Tiredness: You might feel very sleepy.
6. Loss of appetite: You might not feel hungry.
7. Pain when chewing or swallowing: Eating might be difficult.

In rare cases, mumps can lead to complications like meningitis, hearing loss, or inflammation of the pancreas, ovaries, or testicles.

Causes of Mumps

Mumps is caused by a virus called the mumps virus. It spreads easily from person to person through:

1. Touching contaminated surfaces: If you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth or nose, you can get infected,
2. Droplets from coughs or sneezes: When someone with mumps coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus can spread through the air.
3. Sharing drinks or utensils: Sharing things like cups or forks can also spread the virus.

Additional Causes of Mumps:

1. Kissing or close contact – It can spread through saliva, so kissing or being in close contact with an infected person increases the risk.
2. Crowded places – Being in crowded areas like schools, public transport, or gatherings makes it easier for the virus to spread.
3. Not washing hands properly – If an infected person touches objects like doorknobs, tables, or phones and you touch them without washing your hands, you may get infected.
4. Weak immune system – People with weak immune systems due to illness or poor nutrition are more likely to infected by it.
5. Lack of vaccination – People who are not vaccinated have a higher risk of getting infected.

Possible Complications of Mumps

Mumps can cause serious health problems, especially in adults. Some possible complications include:

1. Brain and Nervous System Inflammation – It can cause swelling in the brain (encephalitis) or the protective layer around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). This can lead to seizures, stroke, or, in rare cases, death.
2. Swollen Testicles (Orchitis) – In males, it can cause painful swelling in one or both testicles. This may reduce sperm production and, in rare cases, lead to infertility.
3. Swollen Breast Tissue (Mastitis) – In some cases, it can cause inflammation in the breast tissue, leading to pain and discomfort.
4. Swollen Salivary Glands (Parotitis) – It often causes swelling in the parotid glands, which are located in front of the ears. This can make the face look puffy and cause pain while eating or drinking.
5. Swollen Ovaries (Oophoritis) – In females, it can cause swelling in one or both ovaries. Though rare, this may affect fertility.
6. Inflamed Pancreas (Pancreatitis) – It can cause swelling in the pancreas, leading to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
7. Hearing Loss (Deafness) – In some cases, it can damage the inner ear and cause partial or complete hearing loss.

While complications are not common, they can be serious. The best way to prevent mumps and its complications is through vaccination and good hygiene.

How is Mumps Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose it based on symptoms and a physical exam. To confirm the infection, they may:

• Physical exam: The doctor will check for swollen salivary glands and other symptoms.
• Blood test: In some cases, a blood test might be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• Saliva test: Sometimes, a saliva sample can be used to test for the mumps virus.

Treatment for Mumps

There is no specific cure for it, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Here are some ways to manage the infection:

1. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the virus.
2. Pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain.
3. Cold or warm compresses: Apply cold or warm compresses to your swollen cheeks to relieve pain.
4. Drink plenty of fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking water, juice, or broth.
5. Eat soft foods: Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.

Most people recover fully within two weeks.

Prevention of Mumps

The best way to prevent mumps is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease.

Other preventive measures include:

• Boost Your Immune System – Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts to keep your body strong and fight infections.
• Wash Your Hands Often – Use soap and water to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after being in public places.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items – Do not share cups, spoons, forks, bottles, or towels with others, as this can spread the virus.
• Stay Away from Infected People – If someone has it, avoid close contact, including hugging or kissing, to prevent getting infected.
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose – When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your elbow to stop germs from spreading.
• Get Enough Rest – A well-rested body fights infections better, so make sure you get enough sleep every night.
• Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to keep your body strong and help flush out toxins.

These natural prevention methods can help reduce the risk, but the best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated.

When to See a Doctor:

See a doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of mumps, especially swollen cheeks, fever, and headache. Also, see a doctor if you have been exposed to someone with the infection.

Final Thoughts

Mumps is a highly contagious but preventable infection. While it usually causes mild symptoms, complications can occur. Getting vaccinated and maintaining good hygiene are the best ways to stay protected.