Mumps is a type of viral disease that typically affects the salivary glands, although it can infect other glands like the testicles. The most common glands to become infected are the parotid glands, which sit between the jaw and ears.1 Mumps was once a common disease in children, but since a vaccine was developed in 1967, it is no longer common.1,2,3
What Causes Mumps?
Mumps is caused by a contagious virus and spread through saliva or other mucus present in the respiratory tract.4 This could happen when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or simply talks. Sharing infected items with others, such as water bottles, can also spread the disease, as can touching surfaces with unwashed hands. Mumps is contagious before gland swelling occurs and can remain contagious for five days after the symptom arises.4
Mumps Symptoms
Mumps causes swelling and tenderness in infected glands along with flu-like symptoms.1 Symptoms start
As mumps symptoms worsen, the salivary glands below the jaw or ears swell and become tender.1 Patients may also experience pain when chewing or swallowing.5 In cases where the mumps virus infects the testicles in men who have reached puberty, these glands could become inflamed as well.5 Symptoms appear within 14 to 24 days of infection and typically last for about a week to a week and a half.3,5 In some cases, individuals may not experience any symptoms or symptoms will be mild, and they may not know they have the disease.6
Mumps symptoms and complications are usually worse in adults than in children.1 Complications are rare but can include inflammation of the testicles, pancreas, ovaries, breasts, and brain. In severe cases, hearing loss can occur in one or both ears, and mumps could lead to miscarriage in expecting mothers.7
The mumps vaccine is effective in preventing the disease.5 It’s usually given to children at 15 months and lasts for about 20 years. Mumps can’t be cured through medication, but symptoms can be treated through rest, home care, herbal remedies, and hospitalization.1,3,5
References
Ginger is the most effective natural product for Mumps CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Ginger can help treat a mumps infection and relieve swelling. Grind up ginger until it becomes a paste. Apply ginger paste topically to swollen glands daily as needed.
Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral health benefits that can treat a mumps infection. Apply aloe vera gel directly to swollen glands daily as needed to reduce inflammation.
Asparagus can help to relieve salivary gland swelling cause by mumps. Grind up asparagus until it forms a paste. Apply directly over throat and leave on for one hour. Repeat twice daily as needed.
Fenugreek seeds can help reduce pain and inflammation from a mumps infection. Grind up fenugreek seeds and add a bit of water until it becomes a paste consistency. Apply the paste directly to throat to help treat swollen glands. Repeat several times daily as needed.
Banyan leaves are a traditional remedy for mumps because they help to reduce pain and swelling. Warm up one clean banyan leaf and apply it directly over throat. Secure it with a bandage and leave on for several hours. Repeat twice daily for one week.