5 Best Ways to Prevent Your Face from Being Swollen in Mumps Disease

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus, which is a part of the paramyxovirus family. It primarily affects children aged 2 to 12 who have not been vaccinated against the disease. Nonetheless, adolescents and adults can also contract mumps, even if they have been vaccinated. Continue reading to discover more about the mumps virus symptoms and treatment.

Causes of Mumps Disease

The mumps virus, a type of paramyxovirus, is responsible for causing mumps. It spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person’s nose, throat or mouth. The virus can be transmitted by:

• Sharing items contaminated with infected saliva, such as cups, toys and utensils
  
• Coughing, sneezing or talking
• Engaging in activities involving close contact, such as dancing, playing sports or kissing

Certain individuals are more susceptible to contracting mumps, including:

• Those with a weakened immune system
  
• Those who are not vaccinated against the mumps virus
• International travellers
• People living in close quarters, such as on college campuses

Mumps Disease Symptoms

The initial symptoms of mumps are often mild, and many people may not experience any symptoms, remaining unaware that they are infected. Symptoms typically do not appear immediately; the incubation period ranges from 7 to 25 days. Early mild symptoms of mumps may include:

• Headache
  
• Fever
• Muscle ache
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

A few days after these initial symptoms, painful swelling of the parotid glands may occur. These salivary glands are located between the ears and jaw, and their swelling, known as parotitis, can affect one or both sides of the face.

In rare cases, mumps can affect other organs, such as the pancreas, brain, testicles or ovaries. This is more likely to occur in adolescents and adults. If your child develops any of the following severe symptoms, contact their healthcare provider immediately:

• Stiff neck
  
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stomach pain
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures

5 Best Ways to Relieve Swelling in the Face Caused by Mumps Disease

To alleviate the painful swelling of the parotid glands, which is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of mumps disease, consider the following top five methods:

• Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, preferably with lemon added to stimulate saliva production and keep the glands clear.
  
• Gently massage the affected gland to promote circulation and reduce swelling.
  
• Apply warm compresses to the affected gland to soothe discomfort and encourage drainage.
  
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  
• Suck on sour lemons or sugar-free lemon candy to stimulate saliva flow, which can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
  

How is Mumps Disease Treated?

There is no specific mumps virus treatment. However, the treatment for mumps focuses on managing symptoms and promoting comfort. The illness typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks. Here are some steps to help alleviate symptoms and support recovery:

• Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  
• Gargle with warm salt water as this can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
• Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods to minimize discomfort while eating.
• Avoid acidic foods as they can stimulate saliva production and worsen symptoms.
• Apply ice or heat packs to swollen glands to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Sucking on ice pops can provide relief for a sore throat.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain. However, avoid giving aspirin to children with mumps, as it can lead to Reye's syndrome, a severe condition that affects the liver and the brain.

How to Prevent Mumps Disease?

Mumps is highly preventable due to the efficacy of the mumps vaccine. Notably, the mumps vaccine is commonly administered as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children typically receive two doses of the MMR vaccine according to the childhood immunization schedule. The initial dose of the MMR vaccine is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age. A booster dose of the vaccine is administered between the ages of 4 and 6 years. By ensuring that children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine according to the recommended schedule, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of mumps infection and its associated complications.

Conclusion

Mumps, an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus, primarily affects children but can also impact adolescents and adults, even if they have been vaccinated. While mumps symptoms can be mild initially, they can progress to painful swelling of the parotid glands and, in rare cases, affect other organs. Managing symptoms is crucial, and various methods can help alleviate discomfort, including staying hydrated, gentle massage, warm compresses, saltwater rinses, and sour lemon stimulation to promote saliva flow. Treatment mainly focuses on symptom relief, as the disease typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks. Prevention is key, with the highly effective mumps vaccine forming a crucial part of childhood immunization schedules. Ensuring children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine according to the recommended schedule significantly reduces the risk of mumps infection and its complications.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is mumps contagious?
   
   Answer:- Indeed, mumps is highly contagious. Individuals infected with mumps can transmit the virus from a couple of days before the glands swell to around five days after the onset of swelling.
   
   
2. How is mumps diagnosed?
   
   Answer:- Diagnosing mumps typically involves a consultation with a doctor, who will inquire about symptoms and conduct a physical examination. The telltale sign of swollen salivary glands often aids in diagnosing mumps. Additionally, the doctor may opt for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the diagnosis.
   
   
3. Can mumps be prevented?
   
   Answer:- Absolutely, mumps is highly preventable, primarily due to the effectiveness of the mumps vaccine.
   
   
4. How safe is the MMR vaccine?
   
   Answer:- The MMR vaccine is both safe and highly effective. It guards against mumps in approximately 90% of individuals. Most children who receive the vaccine do not encounter any adverse effects. In the rare instances when side effects do occur, they are typically mild, such as a rash, slight pain at the injection site, or a low-grade fever.
   
   
5. How long does mumps last?
   
   Answer:- In most cases, children recover fully from mumps within a few weeks. Once symptoms have improved, and approximately a week has passed since the onset of swelling, children can usually return to school.