What are the symptoms of chronic mumps

The symptoms of chronic mumps are mainly recurrent swelling and pain of the parotid gland, accompanied by dry mouth and discomfort when chewing. When symptoms occur, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to make a clear diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Chronic mumps is the result of long-term inflammatory stimulation of the parotid gland, which may be related to infection, weakened glandular secretion function, duct obstruction and other reasons. Timely treatment and care can effectively relieve symptoms.

1Recurrent swelling and pain in the parotid gland

The most typical symptom of chronic mumps is periodic swelling and soreness in the parotid area, which usually occurs when chewing, eating or drinking. This swelling may be caused by the blockage of the duct or poor secretion, resulting in the accumulation of parotid secretions. Some patients will experience tenderness when swelling. This symptom often disappears gradually, but it is easy to recur. If it is not treated for a long time, it may cause hardening of the parotid tissue.

2Dry mouth and abnormal saliva secretion

Chronic mumps may lead to impaired gland function, reduced saliva secretion, and patients often feel dry mouth. This symptom not only affects daily diet, but also easily breeds oral bacteria, increasing the risk of caries and oral infections. Some patients may notice that saliva flow is reduced when chewing, and gland inflammation is further aggravated.

3 Purulent discharge and manifestations of infection

Some patients with severe chronic mumps may have purulent secretions at the opening of the parotid duct, accompanied by local swelling, fever and other infection symptoms. This usually indicates that the inflammation has spread or there is a bacterial infection, and anti-inflammatory treatment is required immediately to prevent further deterioration of symptoms.

Treatment

1. Antibiotic treatment

For infectious inflammation, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin can be used under the guidance of a doctor to control bacterial infection. At the same time, patients also need to ensure adequate drinking of water to dilute saliva and help the gland ducts to be unobstructed.

2. Local hot compress and massage

Warm compresses and gentle massage of the parotid area can help relieve swelling and promote the discharge of glandular secretions, but the technique needs to be moderate to avoid excessive stimulation that may worsen inflammation.

3. Parotid gland irrigation or surgical treatment

For patients with blocked ducts, doctors may recommend parotid duct flushing to remove stones or secretions in the duct. If the condition recurs and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery may be needed to remove part of the diseased gland.

Improve daily habits: chew sugar-free gum or sour foods such as lemon slices to promote saliva secretion; avoid stimulation from tobacco and alcohol, maintain oral hygiene, and check regularly.

When the parotid glands swell repeatedly, the mouth becomes dry, or there is purulent secretion, one should be alert to the possibility of chronic parotitis and seek medical attention as soon as possible to identify the cause and treatment plan. Actively cooperating with treatment and adjusting lifestyle can effectively control the disease and improve long-term prognosis.