Mumps is caused by a virus and it affects the glands on each side of the face. These saliva making glands (parotid glands) become swollen and become tender or painful.
There are three pairs of salivary glands - parotid, sublingual and submandibular, with each gland having its own tube which leads from the gland to the mouth.
Mumps is a viral disease, and the virus is present in the infected person’s saliva. Coughing and sneezing can release the virus into the air. A healthy person can get infected by breathing in these tiny droplets. They can also get infected by touching a surface where droplets have landed and touching your face. THe virus can also be picked up from direct contact, like kissing or sharing a water bottle.
Symptoms usually show up about 2 -3 weeks after getting exposed to the virus.
Due to the immune system’s reaction to fight the virus, fever can happen during this disease
This is a common symptom of mumps and mostly happens as a side effect of fever
As the body fight against the virus, body aches and pain is a common symptom
loss of appetite can happen due to swollen of glands which can make eating feel painful
The viral infection can take a toll on the body, causing tiredness for the infected person
Swollen testicles (orchitis): this is more common with mumps infection after puberty, Swollen testicles can lead to decrease in testicle size and decline in fertility. It causes severe pain
Swollen ovaries (oophoritis): Also called oophoritis, this complication causes pain, upset stomach, vomit and fever. This complication is more likely after puberty and doesn’t seem to affect fertility
Encephalitis: this complication can cause change in consciousness, seizure and important
Meningitis: It is a swelling or inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It may cause head, fever and neck stiffness
Hearing Loss: this can happen suddenly or over time, and usually gets better after the illness
Pancreatitis: mumps can damage the pancreas from swelling (pancreatitis). Symptoms include pain or tenderness near stomach, upset stomach, vomiting and fever
Miscarriage: getting this disease during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage
Getting the vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps. The mumps vaccine is part of the recommended childhood vaccinations and is usually given as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The 1st dose is given between 12-15 months of age and the 2nd dose is given between the ages of 4-6 years before entering school.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic and personalised Ayurvedic treatment of Mumps using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Dietary Adjustments: Soft and liquid foods should be consumed. Rice water is also beneficial. Acidic, oily and pungent foods should be avoided.
External Therapy: Lepa of datura leaves can help relieve swelling and pain.
HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Ayurveda is India’s traditional system of medicine which includes the usage of herbs for rebalancing the energies in the body and improving overall health. In cases of diseases such as Mumps, specific Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on improving bone density and contributing towards better bone health. Listed below are a few recommended Ayurvedic herbs which can help in managing Mumps:
Neem leaves: this reduces itching and can be mixed with turmeric to form a paste which can be applied to the swollen area
Guduchi: its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities help in the management of mumps
Haridra: its anti-inflammatory power and potent antioxidants give relief and provide a boost to the immune system
The mumps vaccine is 86% effective after two doses and 72% effective after one dose.
The incubation period of mumps is usually 16 to 18 days, but can range from 12 to 25 days.
Doctors can diagnose mumps by swelling of the salivary glands. If glands are not swollen and the doctor suspects mumps based on other symptoms, a throat culture is taken and tested for mumps.
Ginger, aloe vera, fenugreek seeds, neem leaves as well as warm or cold compress can help taking care of mumps at home.
Most people recover from mumps within 2 weeks.
Since mumps is a viral disease, there is no cure as such. Treatment only helps in managing symptoms and providing relief to the infected person.
