Caring for Your Child with Mumps- A Guide For Parents by Child Doctor

 Mumps is a contagious viral illness that is primarily common among children, but it can affect anybody. It has become a relatively uncommon health concern in countries where vaccination has been implemented on a wider scale; however, isolated outbreaks still occur occasionally. There's no reason to panic if your child is diagnosed with mumps because the condition can be well-managed at home with the right care. In this blog, a Top Child Specialist in Delhi will share information about mumps, including how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to care for the child during recovery in the best possible way.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is caused by a virus that attacks your salivary glands, most commonly your parotid glands, just in front of the ears. When infected, these glands swell, resulting in visible puffiness in the jaw and neck areas. Many children will recover without serious complications; however, it is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent the spread.

How Mumps Spreads?

Mumps can be highly contagious, spreading through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus may also survive for a short time on surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, utensils, and cups. If another child then touches that object and rubs their mouth or nose, they can become infected. Because of this, mumps spreads so fast within schools or daycare centers.

Who is at Risk of Having Mumps?

Risk increases in children who have been in contact with an infected person and were not vaccinated. This offers excellent protection through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine; therefore, it is the most effective preventive measure. Even vaccinated individuals may occasionally contract mumps, but typically experience milder symptoms.

Mumps Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of mumps develop from 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. Other children usually present with mild symptoms, while others show more noticeable signs. These common symptoms are:

• Swelling and pain in the jaw or salivary glands

• Difficulty chewing or speaking

• Muscle aches

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

• Earache

• Fever

• Fatigue.

As these symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, always consult with your child's healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Mumps for Children

A child specialist most likely conducts a physical exam, during which other considerations, such as inquiries about the child's medical history and symptoms, are made. Saliva or urine tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of the mumps virus.

Home Treatment of Mumps

There is no antiviral treatment for mumps. Since mumps is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective in treating it. Treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms and improving your child's comfort.

Here are care recommendations:

• Bed rest to allow the body to battle the virus

• Encourage adequate intake of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain.

Important:

Never give aspirin to someone under 19 years; this may cause Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Always consult with a physician before giving any medication to children, especially those under 6 months.

Watch for Complications

It's good to keep your eye on the ball, because while complications from mumps are exceedingly rare in children, the following could occur:

• Meningitis- Infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord

• Encephalitis-  Infection of the brain

• Orchitis- Infection of the testicles, rarely affecting fertility later

• Oophoritis- Infection of the ovaries

• Pancreatitis- Infection of the pancreas

• Mastitis- Infection of breast tissue

• Hearing loss (rare).

Most children recover entirely; however, if symptoms worsen or other symptoms arise, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Preventing the Spread of Mumps

The ideal prevention is vaccination, which consists of the MMR vaccine in two doses:

• The first dose must be taken between 12 and 15 months of age.

• The second dose must be taken between 4 and 6 years.

Basic precautionary measures apart from vaccination include:

• Keep your child out of school or daycare for at least 5 days after the swelling of the glands starts.

• Everyone in the family should wash their hands often.

• Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue if sneezing or coughing.

• Frequently clean doorknobs, toys, and other surfaces with disinfectant

• Do not share cups, utensils, or towels.

• These steps go a long way in preventing the virus from transmitting to a vast audience, particularly vulnerable individuals such as infants or those with compromised immune systems.

When to Consult a Child Specialist?

• Is having symptoms that do not improve or seem to worsen

• Develop new symptoms

• Has a severe headache, vomiting, or stiff neck

• Is the first to report pain in the testicle or abdomen

• Early communication with your doctor will help rule out complications and ensure your child receives the correct care.

• Mumps is a contagious viral infection that affects an entire gland-the salivary glands.

• Droplets and contaminated objects can be potential carriers of disease.

• A preventive measure would be vaccination against the MMR virus for optimal prevention.

• Home care would be rest and rehydration, as well as over-the-counter fever reducers (taking caution).

• Although complications are fairly rare, closely monitoring your child is essential.

• Good hygiene practices and isolating your child when they are ill would help contain the spread to other family members. 

• Mumps may sound scary, but with early diagnosis and careful symptom management, along with preventive hygiene, most children recover without complications within a short period. Ensure your children are up to date with their scheduled vaccinations and reinforce basic hygiene habits, such as hand washing and cough etiquette.

If your child shows signs and symptoms of mumps, it is best to inform your pediatrician or consult Dr. Promilla Butani, a renowned and the best Child Specialist in Delhi, to receive the right advice and care. Book an appointment for further details.