MUMPS
Introduction:
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the parotid glands (the largest of the three major salivary glands, located in the cheeks). The disease usually strikes children and adolescents. It is generally self-limited, which means that the virus usually clears up completely after running its course without long-term complications. A person develops lifelong protection against mumps after having the disease.
Signs and Symptoms:
The following signs and symptoms often accompany mumps:
What Causes It?:
Mumps is caused by a virus (paramyxovirus ) spread through infected saliva. Most symptoms are the result of direct infection of the salivary glands, testes, pancreas, eyes, ovaries, or kidneys. The nervous system may be involved as well.
Treatment Options:
Prevention
Vaccination is the key to preventing mumps. The live mumps virus is about 95% effective in preventing the disease. The vaccine is available alone or in the combination vaccine of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and usually lasts at least 20 years with very few side effects. It is generally given at 15 months of age, but may be given to adolescents and adults as well. Women should not be vaccinated during pregnancy, and people with severe fever or allergies to eggs will need to discuss vaccination with their health care provider.
Treatment Plan
If you have mumps, you should be kept out of school or work for 7 - 10 days after symptoms begin, as you are considered highly contagious during that period. You should eat soft foods, avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus or tomato products, and take pain relievers as needed. A male with swollen testicles should rest in bed until symptoms subside. Pain may be relieved with ice packs, or by supporting the scrotum with cotton or gauze, or an athletic supporter.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the parotid glands (the largest of the three major salivary glands, located in the cheeks). The disease usually strikes children and adolescents. It is generally self-limited, which means that the virus usually clears up completely after running its course without long-term complications. A person develops lifelong protection against mumps after having the disease.
Signs and Symptoms:
The following signs and symptoms often accompany mumps:
- Swelling of the salivary glands in the face and jaw line
- Fever, chills, headache, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of discomfort
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles
- In female it is oopheritis or inflammation of ovaries.
- Involvement of brain causes meningitis
What Causes It?:
Mumps is caused by a virus (paramyxovirus ) spread through infected saliva. Most symptoms are the result of direct infection of the salivary glands, testes, pancreas, eyes, ovaries, or kidneys. The nervous system may be involved as well.
Treatment Options:
Prevention
Vaccination is the key to preventing mumps. The live mumps virus is about 95% effective in preventing the disease. The vaccine is available alone or in the combination vaccine of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and usually lasts at least 20 years with very few side effects. It is generally given at 15 months of age, but may be given to adolescents and adults as well. Women should not be vaccinated during pregnancy, and people with severe fever or allergies to eggs will need to discuss vaccination with their health care provider.
Treatment Plan
If you have mumps, you should be kept out of school or work for 7 - 10 days after symptoms begin, as you are considered highly contagious during that period. You should eat soft foods, avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus or tomato products, and take pain relievers as needed. A male with swollen testicles should rest in bed until symptoms subside. Pain may be relieved with ice packs, or by supporting the scrotum with cotton or gauze, or an athletic supporter.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
- Avoid citrus and other acidic foods, such as eggs and dairy products (such as cheese and sour cream), meats, grains (such as rice, wheat, and oats), nuts, and chocolate.
- Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
- Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
- Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
- A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoon of oil 1 - 2 times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
- Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) daily, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
- Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 - 200 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects.
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
- Chebulic myroblan is one of the most effective remedies for mumps. A paste made of this herb by rubbing it in water, if applied on the swelling can relieve the pain and swelling.
- Ginger: dry ginger is made into paste by rubbing it with water. When this paste is applied to the swelling over the cheek it reduces it in few days.
- Smear the leaves of peepal leaves with clarified butter and warm them over fire. Place these leaves over the swelled area and bandage it properly.
- Peel one side of the herb Indian aloe. Warm the peeled side and sprinkle some turmeric powder over it, along with the extract of Indian barbery. Place it over the inflamed area and bandage it properly.
- The seeds of asparagus and fenugreek are beneficial in treating mumps. Take equal proportions of asparagus and fenugreek seeds and grind them. Adding some water, make a paste out of it. Apply this paste over the swellings to get relief.
- Mash the leaves of margosa(Neem) and add some turmeric powder and water, to form a paste. Apply this paste over the affected area. It would prove effective in treating mumps.
