Causes and risk factors
The incubation period is 6-18 days. Mumps is caused due to paramyxovirus infection. The infection spreads respiratory route i.e. through droplets in air while coughing or sneezing. It can also spread through saliva of the infected person.
Clinical presentation:
The patient complaints of swelling under the ear, on the sides of the cheeks. Unilateral or bilateral affection can be seen. Fever, body ache, headache, nausea and vomiting are other symptoms seen. The patient comes up with complaints of pain in ear, difficulty in swallowing and opening the mouth. Mumps can lead to various complications like meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and myelitis Neuritis and Orchitis. Mumps in childhood can lead to complications of fertility in reproductive age. During pregnancy it is known to cause miscarriages and other complications during pregnancy.
Investigations
The diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and physical examination carried out by the doctor. Certain tests which can be done are the routine blood test, serum amylase levels and blood cultures are done to find out the causative organism.
Treatment
Treatment comprises of administration of medications like analgesics and antibiotics. Certain measures like avoiding eating bitter and acid food and drinking of plenty of water is advised. Rest and oral hygiene maintenance is must.
Other modes of treatment
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
