Causes and Symptoms of Parotitis

Parotitis, more commonly known as the "mumps", is an acute infectious disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the parotid salivary gland. As a rule, such a disease is encountered in childhood, but in adults such an infection can cause very dangerous complications. That's why everyone should know about what are the first symptoms of mumps and what to do when they appear.

Parotitis and its causes

As already mentioned, mumps is an infectious disease of a viral origin. And before considering the main symptoms of mumps, it is worth to learn more about the ways of transmission of viral particles.

Immediately it is worth noting that the only source of the pathogen can only be a sick person. Viral particles are excreted together with saliva, so the transmission path is exclusively airborne. But infection through household items and toys is extremely rare.

Epidemic parotitis: symptoms of the disease

The incubation period can last from 12 to 26 days. The disease usually begins with an increase in body temperature. The child complains of constant weakness and aches. As the disease develops, the parotid salivary gland begins to increase in size - soon it can be easily noticed. Often after a few days, the infection passes to another gland. Virtually any jaw movement, including conversation and chewing, is accompanied by discomfort and pain.

Because of inflammation, the glands can not produce saliva, so sick children often complain of dry mouth. And since it also has antibacterial properties and participates in digestive processes, some related disorders may appear. For example, stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders are also symptoms of mumps. In any case, the child must urgently be shown to the doctor, since in the absence of timely help the disease can give a lot of very dangerous complications.

Parotitis: complications of the disease

Undoubtedly, a viral infection can spread very quickly over the body, causing an inflammatory process in completely different organs. For example, complications include pancreatitis, and a similar pancreatic lesion , in turn, can lead to the development of diabetes in the future.

In boys, mumps can cause inflammation of the testicles, which is accompanied by a swelling and reddening of the scrotum. Unfortunately, in most cases, such a complication of the mumps leads to infertility in the future. To the dangerous consequences of mumps can be attributed and meningitis.

Mumps: methods of treatment

First, you need to call a doctor and tell him about what symptoms of mumps have already manifested itself. As a rule, the treatment takes place at home - the child is prescribed antiviral and antipyretic drugs. Used and drugs to strengthen the immune system. At the time of treatment, the baby is shown bed rest and a sparing diet consisting of soups, purees and food that does not require long chewing.

Only in the most severe cases, especially in the presence of certain complications, requires hospitalization. As for preventive measures, fortunately, for today there are vaccinations that will protect the child from such a disease.