Mumps

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Mumps (epidemic parotitis), colloquially known as mumps, is a globally distributed, highly contagious childhood disease. The disease is caused by a virus (paramyxovirus). Characteristic of mumps are painful swelling of the parotid gland. By vaccination against mumps and vaccination recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) the number of mumps cases in Germany has fallen sharply.

As mumps is caused?

Mumps is caused by paramyxovirus, whose only support is the man. The pathogen can be transmitted by droplet or contact infection, where infection occurs often on a smear infection. About one-third of people who have been infected with mumps virus illness, not visible and does not develop any symptoms. Yet, these people infect other people. The incubation period is usually 14 to 25 days.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

The typical symptoms of mumps are the beginning of fatigue, fever, sore throat and ear pain, headache and body aches. Thus, the disease is similar to a flu infection or the beginning rather innocuous cold. Within approximately one to three days, it comes to typical mumps painful swelling of the parotid gland. The swelling is present or below the ear so that swells the cheek and the upper part of the neck clearly. Chewing, biting and swallowing are often uncomfortable to painful. The oral mucosa can become inflamed and often the outcome of the parotid gland inflammation on the cheeks and inside as a dark red dot clearly visible. In 75 percent of cases there is a swelling on both sides.

A mumps disease can spread to the pancreas, which can cause infection during or after the symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Other glands, such as tears or other salivary glands may become inflamed. Very rarely affected contracting a meningitis or encephalitis. If, after puberty mumps disease, the person may become ill in rare cases, a testicle or tubal inflammation.

Diagnosis of mumps disease

Since it after the outbreak of the disease is usually relatively quick to typical facial swelling occurs, mumps is easily recognizable as such. The attending physician makes the diagnosis by means of accurate examination of the oral cavity and interviewed the victims of past medical history (anamnesis). If the disease runs its course without the typical signs of the blood of the party concerned in the formation of antibodies is examined, which give an indication of mumps disease.

Occur in the course of the disease symptoms that indicate an infection or other glandular organs, should soon be possible, a doctor should be consulted, because otherwise it could lead to dangerous complications that can lead to long-term damage.

How is mumps treated?

In the treatment of mumps treating the symptoms is important, since the disease is then typically broken out already. Concerned should ensure adequate fluid intake. There hampered by the swelling of the parotid glands, the chewing and swallowing and painful, it is recommended that food in liquid or pasty form only to eat. Soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese and other soft food is easy to swallow. A straw can also facilitate food intake. Most victims feel warm compresses on the swelling as a relief, is occasionally pleasant coolness. On oral hygiene should be particular attention because regular brushing and mouthwashes promote the healing process of inflammation. With fever and cold compresses can help antipyretic suppository. Severe pain from the swelling can be treated with painkillers.

Bed rest is not in a mumps disease is urgently needed. Concerned should take it easy, however, can take such walks in the fresh air, which stimulate the metabolism.

How is mumps?

Mumps is a typical course. The incubation period is between 14 and 23 days. Once mumps has broken out, it comes to symptoms that resemble the flu. Affected feel faint and weak and suffer from body aches and fever. In the first three days is inflammation of the parotid gland, the tissue around it swells. In most cases swells, the other side of the neck. The swelling is painful and tender to chew and swallow more difficult. After five to eight days to go back fever and swelling of the other symptoms subside.

Mumps is usually a disease progressing without complications. Occasionally, the disease may spread to the pancreas. Affected have, in the case symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. It comes in very rare cases of meningitis, then this manifests in severe headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and noise. In people who develop mumps after puberty, it can come in a few cases, to undescended testicle, a testicular or ovarian inflammation. This can lead to life-long sterility if not treated. In case of such complication urgent medical advice should be sought.

After surviving the disease, mumps usually one is immune for life. Secondary infections can occur but are relatively rare.

Can a mumps be prevented?

The best way to prevent mumps disease, is the childhood vaccination. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends a combination of vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) from 12 Month of life, as well as a review and, if necessary, a completion of the vaccination, between 15 and 23 Month of life.

Persons who are not vaccinated against mumps is recommended vaccination, especially if they work in public institutions such as schools or kindergartens.


If you have further questions about mumps, you can contact the experts of the teething-expertise.

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