Mumps is an acute virus disease that may involve many organ systems but commonly affect the salivary glands, chiefly the parotid gland but involvement of the central nervous system, pancreas and testes is also seen in adults. Mumps occur between the age group of 3 to 40 years. It is probably not as contagious as chicken pox and measles.
Mode of spread: Mumps is spread directly from person to person through cough or sneezing from droplets in the air and through contaminated articles. The incubation period is between 16 to 18 days.
It is communicable 2 days before the symptoms appear till the swelling of the salivary subsides or 9 days after the swelling. Mumps without swelling of salivary gland is also possible.
Mumps Symptoms In Adults
The most common symptom in adults suffering from mumps is:
- Swelling of parotid gland, they are the salivary glands located in your jaw line within the cheek and below the ears.
- Pain while opening the mouth, chewing and talking.
- Fever
- Pain in the ears
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
Complications Of Mumps In Adults
- Orchitis or inflammation of testis is common complication observed in adults suffering from mumps.1 out of 4 adult male will have this problem.
- In female it is oopheritis or inflammation of ovaries.
- Pancreatitis is also observed in some individuals.
- Involvement of brain causes meningitis.
- Deafness can be one of the complications of mumps in adults.
- Pregnant woman can abort if she is suffering from mumps.
Natural Treatment For Mumps In Adults
There is no treatment of to kill the mumps virus if the adult is suffering from the disease. Adult mumps are treated symptomatically. Supportive line of treatment with home remedies can be given.
- Chebulic myroblan is one of the most effective remedies for mumps. A paste made of this herb by rubbing it in water, if applied on the swelling can relieve the pain and swelling.
- Ginger: Dry ginger is made into paste by rubbing it with water. When this paste is applied to the swelling over the cheek it reduces it in few days.