Mumps, also called mumps, is an acute viral disease characterized by inflammation of the salivary glands. Pathology in a person can develop only once, since a persistent immunity is developed for re-infection
chivalry. Most often, children get sick with mumps. If parotitis occurs in adults, it is more difficult to tolerate and threatens to develop complications.
Mumps: Causes
Infection is caused by paramyxovirus, infection often occurs by airborne droplets or through infected objects. The patient becomes contagious already two days before the onset of symptoms of the disease and poses a danger to others for another five days after the onset of signs of pathology. The incubation period (the time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms) averages 12 to 24 days.
Mumps in adults: symptoms
If the case is typical, the mumps begins acutely. The temperature rises sharply (up to40 degrees), there is weakness, pain in the ears, head, aggravated by chewing and swallowing, there is excessive salivation, pain in the earlobe, aggravated by eating acidic foods. With inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, an increase in the cheek may occur, and pain occurs when the cheek is touched. The skin over those places where the inflamed glands are located, tenses and shines. Usually, the increase in the salivary glands reaches its maximum on the third day after the onset of the disease. The swelling can last up to ten days. Sometimes parotitis in adults does not show signs that the salivary glands are affected. In this case, it is quite difficult to identify the disease.
Mumps in adults: complications
After the virus enters the blood, it begins to penetrate into various glandular organs. So, the pancreas can suffer, which entails the risk of acute pancreatitis, testicles, which is fraught with orchitis, ovaries, which can lead to ovaritis and oophoritis. If a man develops mumps orchitis, it can lead to priapism and even infertility. The virus can also enter the brain, causing viral meningoencephalitis. Hearing loss and deafness can also be noted as possible complications.
Mumps treatment
In adults, as already mentioned, the disease is more severe than in children. Usually the doctor prescribes observance for at least ten days of bed rest. Together with this, antimicrobial and antiviral agents should be taken, aimed atprevention of possible complications. The patient is shown drinking warm liquids in large quantities, for example, lingonberry or cranberry juice, tea, rosehip infusion. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, antipyretic drugs should be taken. During treatment, it is necessary to prevent overeating, reduce the consumption of pasta, cabbage, white bread, and fats. Rinse your mouth after every meal.
