What Is Mumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is mumps? It is a viral infection that primarily affects your salivary glands, the sides of your cheeks, and the base of your neck and ears. The disease usually takes around a week or two to show any visible symptoms. It spreads through the air from one person to the other via coughing or sneezing.

A weakening immune system becomes one of the major reasons for mumps to attack the body. Paramyxovirus is what causes mumps along with measles and other respiratory inflammations. But, a vaccine in the adolescence against MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) keeps your immune system strong.  However, there are some more tips and remedies that can soothe the condition and provide relief from further complications. So once the disease is detected, it is time for right management. And this is where Ayurveda steps in with some natural remedies.

What Are The Symptoms Of Mumps In Adults?

The following symptoms of mumps can be seen in both adults and kids. However, the intensity may vary.

• Puffed up cheeks
• High fever
• Difficulty in swallowing food
• Difficulty chewing
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Muscle ache
• Discomforts in the salivary glands

How To Treat Mumps?

1. What is mumps? It’s a viral infection that creates discomforts in your parotid and salivary glands. This is why complete bed rest in the first few days is strictly advised. Proper rest will help combat fever.

2. After you see your glands swelling, try and make a less public contact.

3. Ensure utmost hygiene.

4. Things that are regularly touched must be cleaned and sanitized properly.

5. There’s no particular treatment for mumps. But, a cold or warm compress to relieve the parotid gland swelling and tenderness proves helpful.

6. Dry ginger powder can be mixed with water to apply onto the swollen areas.

7. You can also use aloe vera gel to safely alleviate pain from the affected areas.

8. Grind some fenugreek and asparagus seeds to form a thick paste and apply to the affected areas. This will help reduce the related pains.

9. Make use of neem leaves and turmeric powder mixed with some water to form a paste and relive the symptoms of mumps upon regular application.

10. Stay hydrated and eat well. Drink ginger herbal tea, pomegranate juice, have no processed foods and anything that can activate the salivary glands. Drink sufficient fluids and avoid refrigerated or spicy edibles.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.