Mumps

Description

Although mumps is most commonly a childhood disease, affecting children between the ages of 3 and 10, adults are also susceptible. A case of the mumps is easily recognized by the telltale swelling of the cheeks just above the jaw. This swelling gradually subsides over the course of the illness.

Also known as epidemic parotitis, mumps is a contagious illness caused by a mild viral infection that is transmitted via droplets of saliva that are exhaled, sneezed, or coughed by an infected person. An infected person becomes contagious one day before the appearance of symptoms, and remains so for up to two weeks. Once someone has the mumps, he or she develops a natural immunity to the virus and cannot become infected again.

Signs and Symptoms

• Swollen, tender salivary glands that make the cheeks appear puffy
• Fever
• Weakness and fatigue
• Lower abdominal pain (caused by swelling of the pancreas, or of the ovaries in women)
• Swollen testicles in men

Conventional Medical Treatment

While there is no specific treatment for mumps, you should visit your doctor if you suspect that you or your child have the illness. Complications can sometimes arise, including orchitis (swelling of the testes) or neurological problems, such as encephalitis (inflamation of the brain). Recommended treatments for mumps include bed rest until fever subsides, and isolation to prevent spreading the disease. Your physician also may suggest an analgesic, such as acetaminophen.

There is a mumps vaccine available for children age one and older, and most states require that children be immunized before they begin school.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

Adhere to a diet of soft foods until glandular swelling decreases; this minimizes the pain of chewing. Keep the body hydrated with pure water and fresh juices. Avoid acidic foods, such as pickles and citrus fruits/ juices; they are likely to cause discomfort.

The following daily supplements are recommended. These are adult dosages. For children between 12 and 17, reduce the dose to three-quarters of the recommended amount. For children ages 6 to 12, use one-half of the recommended amount. For a child under 6, use one-quarter of the recommended amount.

• vitamin C (500 mg every 2 hours until improvement is noticed, up to 3000 to 10,000 mg daily)-destroys the virus; use sodium ascorbate form for children
• a prodophilus formula (as directed on label)-replaces friendly bacteria
• zinc (1 15-mg lozenge every 4 to 6 hours; do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily)-aids healing; do not chew, but allow to dissolve
• free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label)-repairs and heals tissue
• vitamin B complex (as directed on label)-necessary for healing
• potassium (99 mg)-restores electrolytes

(Consult your healthcare practitioner regarding duration of treatment.)

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend raisin water for speeding recovery, or they may suggest a sandalwood or mustard pack to reduce glandular swelling.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture can be used to help reduce the inflamation of swollen glands. It also can alleviate earache (the practitioner will typically focus on Triple Warmer 17).

Chinese Herbal TherapyTCM practitioners may recommend that dandelion be taken internally or mixed with a little aloe vera and applied topically to swollen glands to lessen inflammation. For children, a child's dose of Hex and Evodia Formula may be prescribed.