Mumps: Causes, Complication and Diagnosis
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands. It spreads through respiratory droplets, saliva, or mucus released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, making close contact a significant risk factor for transmission.
One of the most recognisable symptoms of mumps is the development of painfully swollen cheeks, often described as a "hamster-like" or "chipmunk cheeks" appearance. However, this hallmark symptom typically appears later in the illness, following initial signs such as fever, headache, and other flu-like symptoms.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Mumps?
Mumps symptoms usually appear 2-3 weeks after coming into contact with the virus and can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. While mumps is more common in children, mumps in adults can sometimes lead to more severe complications. Common Mumps Symptoms including:
- Swollen salivary glands: Noticeable swelling on one or both sides of the face, often referred to as "chipmunk cheeks."
- Fever: A moderate to high fever is common.
- Headache: A general and persistent headache.
- Muscle pain: Discomfort or aches in the muscles.
- Tiredness: Feeling fatigued or low on energy.
- Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
- Pain while eating or drinking: Difficulty or discomfort while chewing or swallowing.
Symptoms of Mumps in Adults Female:
In females, mumps in adults may also lead to:
- Oophoritis, a painful swelling of the ovaries, which can cause lower abdominal pain.
- General flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headaches, similar to those seen in children.
Although rare, mumps in adults can sometimes cause complications such as hearing loss or even meningitis. It’s essential to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
When to see a doctor?
If you or your kid shows mumps symptoms, visit a doctor. You'll receive an accurate evaluation from the doctor. Severe symptoms include
- Back pain
- Severe drowsiness
- High fever
- Swollen or painful testicles
- Neck stiffness
- Abdominal pain
What are the Causes of Mumps?
The highly contagious mumps virus, which mostly affects the salivary glands, is the cause of mumps. Both adults and children are susceptible to the sickness, which spreads readily, particularly in close contact situations. Preventing the spread of mumps can be achieved by being aware of its causes. Here are the most common mumps causes:
- Person-to-person transmission: The mumps virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, or sharing items like utensils and cups contaminated with saliva.
- Respiratory droplets: When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets containing the virus can infect others nearby.
- Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can lead to infection.
- Crowded environments: Places like schools, offices, or public gatherings increase the chances of the virus spreading.
What Causes Mumps in Adults?
- Adults may contract mumps due to exposure to the mumps virus if they have not been vaccinated or their immunity from childhood vaccination has reduced over time.
- Close contact with infected individuals, especially in workplaces or homes, is a common cause of mumps in adults.
What are the Complications of Mumps?
Mumps-related complications are uncommon but dangerous if neglected. The parotid glands are mostly impacted by mumps. The brain and reproductive organs are two more body parts where it may induce inflammation.
Most mumps problems include swelling and inflammation in specific body parts, including:
- Brain Inflammation : Mumps and other viral diseases can cause the brain to become inflamed (encephalitis). Neurological issues and potential death can result from encephalitis.
- Membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord : Meningitis is a disorder in which the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord become infected by the mumps virus when it enters the blood circulation and attacks the central nervous system.
- Pancreas : Upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting are some observed in pancreatitis, due to the mumps infection.
Other complications of mumps include:
- Hearing loss: : One or both ears may experience hearing loss. Though uncommon, hearing loss can occasionally be irreversible.
- Heart problems : Rarely, heart conditions such as irregular pulse and heart muscle illnesses have been linked to mumps.
- Miscarriage: : Having mumps during pregnancy, especially in the beginning, might
How Mumps is Diagnosed?
Mumps is diagnosed based on the symptoms and confirmed through laboratory tests. Doctors start by checking for visible signs, like swollen salivary glands, and ask if the patient has been in contact with someone infected. Lab tests are then used to confirm the presence of the mumps virus, especially in mild or unusual cases. Let us see how Mumps is diagnosed:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will look for typical symptoms like swollen parotid glands and ask about recent exposure to infected individuals.
- Blood tests: These detect antibodies (IgM and IgG) to confirm infection with the mumps virus.
- Saliva or throat swab: Samples may be taken to test for the presence of the virus.
- Urine tests: In some cases, the virus can be detected in the urine.
- Imaging tests (rarely needed): An ultrasound might be done to confirm complications like orchitis or oophoritis.
What is the Treatment for Mumps?
There is no specific antiviral mumps treatment, as mumps is caused by a virus. The focus of treatment is to manage symptoms and help the body recover. Most people, including children, recover within a few weeks with proper care and rest. Here are the treatment options for Mumps:
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest is important to help the body fight off the infection and recover.
- Hydration: Drinking lots of fluids helps keep the body hydrated, especially since fever and sweating can cause dehydration.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen are considered the best medicine for mumps, as they can reduce fever and alleviate pain.
- Warm or cold compress: Applying warm or cold compresses to the swollen glands can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Soft diet: For treatment for mumps in child, giving soft, cool foods and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can reduce discomfort while eating or drinking.
- Isolation: To prevent spreading the virus, it is important to stay away from others, especially for about 5 days after the swelling of the glands begins.
While there is no specific "best antibiotic for mumps," if complications like orchitis (swelling of the testicles) or meningitis occur, hospital care or additional treatments may be required.
How to Prevent Mumps?
The best way to prevent mumps is by getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). This vaccine can be given to people of any age, but it is usually given to children between 9 and 15 months, with booster doses until the age of 5. Here are the preventive measures for mumps:
- MMR Vaccination: The MMR vaccine is very effective in preventing mumps. It requires two doses for maximum protection—two doses are 85% effective (with a range of 32%-95%), while one dose is 75% effective (with a range of 49%-91%).
- Proper hygiene habits: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after sneezing, coughing, or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Steer clear of close contact with infected people: Steer clear of persons who have mumps symptoms, such as swollen cheeks, and refrain from exchanging utensils, food, or beverages.
- Keep your mouth and nose closed: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
- Isolate infected individuals: If someone is diagnosed with mumps, they should stay at home and avoid going to school or work until at least five days after the symptoms start.
Although the MMR vaccine provides strong protection, outbreaks can still happen, especially in areas with low immunisation rates. If you haven't received the vaccine yet, it's a good idea to get vaccinated, especially if you work in public environments, to help protect yourself and others from mumps.
In addition, eating the best food for mumps, like soft and cool foods, can help ease discomfort during recovery and support overall health.
Dos and Don’ts
Parents may experience anxiety and tension after getting a mumps diagnosis. Both children and adults may experience pain as a result of this medical problem. On the other hand, the illness often goes away on its own in 10 to 12 days. You simply have to let everything proceed naturally. However, early diagnosis and treatment can assist patients in reducing the symptoms and avoiding more serious problems. Muscle weakness and drowsiness might result from the mumps.
In order to prevent dehydration brought on by fever, patients will need to get enough rest and drink lots of fluids. For pain and swelling, apply a warm and cold compress on the affected part. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are non-aspirin drugs that can help you in controlling the pain brought on by the mumps.
Do’s |
Don’ts |
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Wash the hands with water and soap frequently. |
Do outside activities e.g going to job, school, etc. |
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Cover the mouth while coughing and sneezing. |
Share cups, glasses or utensils among family members. |
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Use effective over-the-counter medications. |
Take medicines without consulting the doctor. |
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Drink plenty of fluids |
Eat sour foods like citrus fruits |
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Get MMR vaccine |
Eat hard foods that need more chewing. |
By following the dos and don'ts for mumps disease it is easy to control the symptoms and avoid complications. Take care of yourself, sleep well, and rest to recover faster.
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Book an AppointmentMumps Care at Medicover Hospitals
We have the best team of pediatricians and other specialists at Medicover hospitals who treat Mumps and its severe symptoms. Our highly trained pediatricians use the most up-to-date diagnostic techniques and procedures to conduct tests, diagnose, and treat Mumps in adults and infants. Our medical experts work closely with the patients to monitor their health and treatment progress to achieve a faster and more sustained recovery.
Citations
Overview - Mumps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of mumps?
Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person.
How long do mumps last?
Symptoms typically last about 7–10 days, though some may feel unwell for up to two weeks.
Can mumps cause infertility?
Yes, in rare cases, mumps can lead to infertility, especially if it causes orchitis (testicular inflammation) in males.
Can females get mumps?
Yes, mumps affect both males and females.
Which food is good for mumps?
Soft, easy-to-swallow foods like soups, mashed vegetables, and yogurt are recommended.
Is mumps serious?
Mumps is generally mild but can cause complications like meningitis, hearing loss, or infertility in rare cases.
Is heat good for mumps?
Yes, applying warm compresses to swollen areas can help relieve pain.
Who is most at risk for mumps?
Unvaccinated individuals and those in close-contact settings are at higher risk.
Can vitamin C help with mumps?
While vitamin C supports immunity, there’s no direct evidence it cures mumps.
Can mumps cause hearing loss?
Yes, mumps can lead to hearing loss, though it’s rare and usually affects one ear.
