What are the symptoms of mumps in children?

If a child is found to have swollen parotid glands, fever, and difficulty chewing, you should be alert to whether he or she has mumps and seek medical treatment for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Mumps is common in children and is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus infection. It is contagious and has a potential risk of complications.

Parotid swelling is one of the most typical symptoms of mumps, usually manifested as swelling and pain in the parotid area under the ear, sometimes one side will swell first and then spread to the other side, and the swelling will be more sensitive when touched. Fever and general discomfort are usually accompanied by parotid swelling, and the body temperature is mostly between 38℃ and 40℃. At the same time, cold-like symptoms such as fatigue and headache may occur. Children often find it difficult to chew when eating, especially acidic or hard foods will aggravate the pain. Some children may also experience sore throat, pain behind the ear, etc. If the condition worsens, it may also cause complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis or myocarditis, and special attention should be paid to high-risk symptoms.

Parotid swelling is one of the most typical symptoms of mumps, usually manifested as swelling and pain in the parotid area under the ear, sometimes one side will swell first and then spread to the other side, and the swelling will be more sensitive when touched. Fever and general discomfort are usually accompanied by parotid swelling, and the body temperature is mostly between 38℃ and 40℃. At the same time, cold-like symptoms such as fatigue and headache may occur. Children often find it difficult to chew when eating, especially acidic or hard foods will aggravate the pain. Some children may also experience sore throat, pain behind the ear, etc. If the condition worsens, it may also cause complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis or myocarditis, and special attention should be paid to high-risk symptoms.

For children with mumps, the key is early detection, early treatment, and prevention of complications. Parents should prevent children from contacting other infected people and pay attention to reasonable isolation. Let the child drink plenty of water, supplement nutritious and easily digestible food, and apply a hot and wet towel to the swollen area to relieve discomfort. But be careful to avoid using acidic foods and drinks to relieve pain. If accompanied by high fever, severe headache or other serious symptoms, please go to the hospital in time. The doctor may recommend antipyretics (such as acetaminophen), antiviral drugs or symptomatic treatment for complications. The most effective means of prevention is immunization. Timely vaccination with mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine) can greatly reduce the risk of infection.