Mumps in children is a viral disease that was widespread before the advent of vaccines. It is a contagious disease that is easily transmitted from one child to another.
It appears as swelling and pain in the salivary glands below the ear and on both sides of the face. Although it is mild and heals spontaneously, it can cause complications, so it must be monitored and treated appropriately.
What is Mumps in Children
Mumps is a viral infection that affects a child's salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland located below the ear. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain on both sides of the face and neck.
Mumps typically affects children between the ages of 5 and 25, but it can occur at any age if the child has not received the appropriate vaccination.
What are the symptoms of mumps in children
The symptoms of mumps in children usually appear after an incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks and are similar to those of the flu and include:
- Headache and fatigue.
- Fever.
- Ear and jaw pain.
- Pain and difficulty swallowing.
- General fatigue.
- Loss of appetite and dry mouth.
- Swelling and pain in the salivary glands on both sides of the face and below the ear.
Causes of Mumps in Children
Mumps is transmitted from the respiratory tract to the parotid glands through:
- Exposure to droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person.
- Prolonged contact with an infected person.
- Sharing food and drinks with an infected person.
- The child not receiving the triple viral vaccine.
Possible Complications of Mumps in Children
Complications of mumps in children are rare but can cause:
- Pancreatitis.
- Ovarian inflammation in girls.
- Orchitis in boys.
- Viral meningitis.
How is a child diagnosed with mumps
Diagnosing mumps in children depends on the symptoms. The doctor notices swelling of the salivary glands, facial and jaw pain, along with a high fever and fatigue.
The doctor may suffice with a physical examination and the child's medical history, or request blood tests without detecting antibodies or a throat swab to confirm the presence of the virus.
What is the treatment for mumps in children
Treatment for mumps in children depends on alleviating symptoms and supporting the body's immunity, but it is preferable to follow the following guidelines:
- Get the child complete rest.
- Isolate the infected child.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
- Take painkillers and antipyretics.
- Apply cold or warm compresses to the swelling.
Preventing mumps in children
You can prevent your child from contracting mumps by:
- Washing hands.
- Do not share food or drinks.
- Providing good ventilation in crowded places.
- Giving your child the MMR vaccine.
- Avoid contact with people who have the disease.
Is mumps contagious
Yes, mumps is a contagious disease in children because it is caused by a virus that is transmitted from one infected person to another. An infected child is usually contagious from two days before the swelling of the salivary glands appears until five days after it appears.
When does the swelling of the parotid glands disappear in children
The symptoms of mumps in children begin to gradually improve about a week after the swelling of the salivary glands appears, and the disease completely disappears within 10-14 days.
Summary of Mumps in Children
Mumps in children is a contagious viral disease that affects the salivary glands and causes swelling and pain in the face, along with fatigue and a high temperature.
Most cases are mild and improve with home care, but rare complications can also occur. The most effective method of prevention remains vaccinating the child with the triple viral vaccine.