Mumps is one of the most common infectious diseases in children. Parents need to know how to take proper care so that mumps in children can be resolved properly.
Mumps is caused by a viral infection from the family paramyxovirus. This virus can be spread through splashes of saliva and mucus, when someone with mumps coughs or sneezes. The use of eating utensils that have been contaminated with the virus can also transmit mumps. Children with weak or declining immune systems are more susceptible to mumps.
Symptoms of Mumps in Children
Generally, the symptoms of mumps are only seen two weeks after the child is exposed to the virus. Symptoms of this disease vary, but the typical is the occurrence of swelling of the salivary glands, either on one or both sides of the face.
Other symptoms that your child may also feel when they have mumps include:
- Fatigue
- aches
- Headache
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth feels dry
- Pain when chewing or swallowing food
- Stomach pain
Home Treatment for Children with Mumps
Mumps will generally heal by itself after the child's immune system successfully fights off the virus that causes the infection. Giving drugs only to treat symptoms, such as paracetamol to relieve symptoms of fever and pain.
Here are some other steps that can be taken to relieve the symptoms and pain experienced by children with mumps, namely:
- Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. The goal is to prevent dehydration due to fever.
- Compress the swollen gland area with a warm compress or a cold compress to relieve pain.
- Make sure your child gets enough rest.
- Give your child soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as porridge or soup.
- Avoid giving your child acidic foods or drinks, such as orange, lemon, or pineapple juice, as these can make the pain worse.
In addition to the treatment of mumps in children, which is no less important to know is its prevention, namely through the administration of the MMR vaccine (mumps, measles, rubella). Children can be given this immunization from the age of 15 months.
Although rare, mumps can cause serious problems, such as inflammation of the testicles.orchitis), inflammation of the pancreas, and inflammation of the lining of the brain. Therefore, if mumps in children does not improve with home care, immediately consult a doctor.