Mumps In Children: Cause, Symptoms

Mumps in children can be a painful disease. It’s an extremely contagious illness that can tire your kid. The swelling on the sides of the jaw can readily identify mumps. Since this disease is highly uncommon, however, it is best to understand all of its elements. This can assist you to prepare and, where appropriate, seek medical attention.

 

What is mumps in children?

Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease, which infects the pair of the salivary gland in front of the ears. These are referred to as the parotid glands. Mumps symptoms include throat and jaw inflammation. Mumps generally happens in childhood, but at any age, they can happen. Cases of mumps occur much less often in the U.S. since the mumps vaccine was used.

 

Causes of mumps in a children:

Mumps is mainly transmitted from the mouth, nose, and throat through liquids. The disease can spread when an infected kid is speaking, sneezing, or coughing. The virus can survive on objects such as door handles, cutlery, and toys that can then be transferred to another kid. The duration of the virus ‘ incubation is two to three weeks and the disease itself can last a week. It generally extends to schools and daycare centers very rapidly.

Signs And Symptoms

Mumps symptoms usually occur 2-3 weeks after infection with the patient. Nearly 20% of individuals with the disease, however, have no symptoms at all.

Initially there will be flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Body aches
• Headache
• Appetite loss and/or nausea
• General tiredness
• Fever (low grade)

The classic mump symptoms will grow over the next few days. The primary symptom is one of three sets of salivary glands, painful and swollen parotid glands, which causes the person’s cheeks to puff out. The swelling does not usually happen in one go -it occurs in waves.

Other symptoms may include:

• Pain in the facial sides where it’s swollen.
• When swallowing, the pain was encountered.
• Swallowing troubles.
• Fever (up to Fahrenheit 103 degrees).
• Dry Mouth
• Joint pain.

 

How Mumps Spreads

Mumps is triggered by an airborne virus which can spread from the respiratory tract of an infected person to the salivary glands of another person. This involves sneezing, coughing, and even speaking! This virus is extremely contagious and spreads from kid to kid rapidly, particularly in settings such as schools or daycare centers.

Diagnosis of mumps in children:

A doctor will assess the glands of your child and ask for the history leading up to the swelling, including the other mump-related symptoms. To verify the infection, he/she will ask you to have blood tests, urine tests, or cerebrospinal fluid tests. The tests your physician may prescribe are:

• Serological or antibody testing:

This test monitors the existence of IgG and IgM antibodies specifically generated when infected with mumps.

• Viral genetic testing or RT-PCR:

This genetic test is the best diagnostic choice if your kid has a weak immune system and is unable to generate antibodies.

 

Complications:

Mumps is associated with a lot of hazards. Although these are uncommon, it is best to be conscious that you will be able to take appropriate action. The complications in kids connected with mumps are:

• Encephalitis:

This can happen when the mumps virus moves to the brain and creates an infection there. Life-threatening may be the condition. Your kid may suddenly experience severe headaches, lose consciousness, or even have seizures. You need to immediately rush your child to the emergency room.

• Meningitis:

This is membrane inflammation covering the brain and spinal cord. Most kids recover from this completely.

• Pancreatitis:

This is the pancreatic inflammation that could lead to the formation of cysts, tissue harm, and some gland bleeding. Nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain accompany the disease.

• Orchitis:

This disease happens after puberty in men. It is characterized by one or both testicles swelling.

•  Hearing loss:

The virus will influence the cochlea that is an essential component of the ear in very rare instances. Such a condition may lead to hearing loss and may be permanent at times.

Mumps can also cause reproductive organs to become inflamed. Do not hesitate to rush your kid to the emergency room if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Treatment of mumps in children

Treatment will rely on the symptoms, age, and overall health of your child. It will also rely on the severity of the situation. This disease is not treated with antibiotics. The treatment goal is to assist alleviate symptoms.

Treatment may include the following:

• Bed rest

• Intake plenty of fluids

• Take Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort

Talk to your child’s health care provider about the hazards, advantages, and possible side effects of all medications. Don’t offer ibuprofen to a kid under the age of 6 months, unless your health care provider advises you. Don’t give aspirin to kids. Aspirin can trigger a severe health condition called Reye syndrome.

Preventions:

Mump protection is included in a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). MMR offers most individuals with immunity. Children who have had mumps are immune to life.

The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses. The first dose is given between the ages of 12 months and 15 months. A second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age. The second dose must be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

To assist avoid mumps from spreading to others:

• Keep your kid away from school or daycare until symptoms are gone.
• Wash your hands well before and after taking care of your kid.
• Make sure other members of the family often wash their hands, particularly before eating.
• When sneezing or coughing, your kid should cover his or her mouth and nose.
• Clean with disinfectant hard surfaces, toys, and doorknobs.
• Make sure that your childcare facility promotes hand-washing.

If you suspect your child may have mumps, consult a pediatric expert for a more thorough diagnosis. Ensure that prescriptions are followed by the dosage of medicine. Contact the parents of other children who may have come into contact with your child during the days leading to the diagnosis of mumps as the virus is contagious. When diagnosed, act quickly to ensure effective therapy.

It can be frightening for the parent to have a kid with mumps, but it is essential to trust your doctors and not panic. When diagnosed and treated early, the chances of a kid recovering from mumps are very high.

 

Also Read: Cause Of Rubella (German Measles) In Kids