What are the symptoms of mumps

Symptoms of mumps mainly include swollen parotid glands, fever and general discomfort. You need to be alert and seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition. The disease is caused by a viral infection. In addition to the above typical manifestations, it may affect other glands and systems, especially children who need special attention.

1. Parotid gland swelling and pain

Parotid swelling is the most characteristic symptom of mumps, which usually occurs on one side of the parotid gland and may later spread to both sides. Parotid swelling is accompanied by obvious pain when touched, manifested as obvious swelling of the cheek on the affected side. The pain will worsen when chewing and biting. Some patients also have slight swelling of the submandibular gland and sublingual gland. In this case, you should seek medical attention immediately and confirm the diagnosis through serological testing or virus isolation technology.

2. Systemic symptoms

In the early stages of infection, patients may experience fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and general discomfort. The body temperature is usually between 37.5°C and 39°C, accompanied by cough or throat discomfort. These symptoms are often mistaken for the common cold. It is recommended that if symptoms occur and are accompanied by parotid swelling, go to a regular hospital for further examination.

3. Signs of complications

In some cases, mumps may cause complications, such as meningitis, which manifests as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness, orchitis, especially in adolescent boys, which manifests as testicular swelling and pain, and oophoritis or pancreatitis, which manifests as severe abdominal pain. Complications can have serious consequences, so immediate medical attention is needed if special symptoms appear.

How to deal with mumps

1. Avoid contact with viruses

Wash your hands frequently, ventilate indoor spaces, and avoid close contact with epidemic patients, especially in schools or crowded areas.

2. Medication to control symptoms

Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever, but antiviral drugs are ineffective for this disease. The key is to treat the symptoms and rest.

3. Vaccination

Vaccination with the MMR vaccine, a measles-mumps-rubella combined vaccine, is an effective way of prevention. The vaccine protection rate is high for those of appropriate age and can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Although mumps is mainly mild, if not treated in time, it may increase the risk of complications. Please be alert to discomfort symptoms such as parotid swelling, fever, and headache. Children and adolescents in special groups should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and follow the doctor's advice. Vaccination and daily protective measures can effectively reduce the incidence.