Mumps, also called epidemic parotitis, refers to a viral disease due to the mumps virus. Its hallmark sign is the enlargement of the neck area related to the inflammation of the parotid gland. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for mumps.
Causes
Mumps has various causes. According to Medical News Today, it results from an infection by the mumps virus and it can be passed through respiratory secretions from one person to another. From direct contact, the virus goes to the salivary glands, reproduces, and leads to the swelling of the parotid gland. As per the publication, mumps can be transmitted via coughing or sneezing, using someone’s cutlery and plates, sharing food and drinks, kissing, and direct contact to an infected person’s articles or belongings.
Signs and Symptoms
Mumps presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, mumps symptoms include swelling of the salivary glands, pain, headache, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue and pain while chewing or swallowing. As per the publication, the term mumps was derived from the lumps or bums within the person’s cheeks secondary to inflammation of the parotid gland. It is added that one has to see his doctor if mumps is suspected, since its symptoms are similar to that of tonsillitis and blocked salivary gland.
Home Remedies
Mumps is usually managed symptomatically; in other words, the management depends on the symptoms and no anti-viral medications are given as treatment. Along with symptomatic management, home remedies can also be done to control mumps and its symptoms.
Supportive Management
Fever, pain, and testicular swelling (in boys) are some of the symptoms of mumps. In this regard, they are managed individually. According to Mayo Clinic, bed rest helps relieve fever while the use of a warm or cold compress relieves the pain related to swollen glands. Then, boys can wear an athletic supporter and use cold compress to relieve pain due to tender testicles.
Potatoes and Pepper
Potatoes and pepper are two remedies for mumps. According to Home Remedy Hacks, potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and protein, which give the person energy and the ability to grow and repair tissues. Then, pepper has anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve inflammation of the parotid gland. To add, they both have antioxidant and analgesic properties. To prepare, as per the publication, the person boils one to two potatoes and mashes them with a fork. Next, a small amount of pepper powder is sprinkled on the potatoes.
Fenugreek Seeds
Another remedy for mumps is fenugreek seed. According to Home Cure, the seed has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, along with other medicinal properties, which make it a utility for several viral infections like mumps. To prepare, as per the publication, the fenugreek seeds are dried and powdered and made into a paste, which is applied over the affected part to relieve pain. As per the publication, the powder can also be mixed in water and consumed several times to achieve the best outcome possible.
Ginger
Ginger is another remedy for mumps. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, ginger has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which help eliminate the causative agent, relieve pain, and reduce swelling. To prepare, as per the publication, a fresh ginger root is dried in the sun and is ground into a powder. Then, it is mixed with water to form a paste, which is applied to the cheeks and under the jaw line. The paste is allowed to dry on its own before it is cleaned with a wet washcloth. The remedy is done thrice to quadruple times a day to hasten the result.
Mumps is a contagious viral disease and it presents signs and symptoms that may interfere with the person’s activities of daily living. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult from a doctor for proper assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
