How to treat mumps in children

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. Children need prompt treatment, including symptomatic treatment, supportive therapy, and prevention of complications. The following is a guide to help your child recover from the disease, starting with antiviral treatment, symptom relief, and home care.

1 Antiviral therapy and medical treatment

There is currently no specific antiviral drug for mumps, and treatment is mainly aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Depending on the child's condition, the doctor may prescribe antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain symptoms. If complications such as meningitis and orchitis occur, hospitalization is required for targeted treatment, such as anti-inflammatory treatment such as glucocorticoids or supportive treatment. If the condition worsens, seek medical attention immediately and be treated by a professional doctor.

2. Life care to relieve symptoms

Proper home care can help relieve your child's discomfort.

Let your child rest in bed more and avoid excessive activity to reduce pain in the parotid area;

Reduce the intake of acidic and irritating foods, and choose soft and easily digestible liquid foods, such as rice paste and porridge, which can reduce the swelling and pain when chewing;

For the swollen and painful parotid gland, warm wet compresses can be used to relieve local discomfort, but overheating and burns should be avoided.

3. Prevention of cross infection and symptomatic care

Mumps is highly contagious. Children should be isolated immediately after they develop symptoms until they are no longer contagious, usually five days after the swelling of the parotid glands subsides. Parents and caregivers should wear masks when in contact with sick children, and strengthen ventilation to avoid cross infection. Do not take children to public places such as schools or parks to avoid infecting other children.

Most cases of mumps will recover on their own, but if you have symptoms of suspected complications such as persistent high fever, severe headache, coma, or severe testicular pain, you must go to the hospital immediately for further diagnosis and treatment to prevent the condition from worsening. Note that mumps vaccination is an important means of preventing this disease. It is recommended to vaccinate your child on time to reduce the risk of infection.