MUMPS, Parotitis, Swelling of Parotid Gland

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. The parotid salivary glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful.

MUMPS, Parotitis - Signs and Symptoms

Cases of mumps may start with a fever of up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius), as well as a headache and loss of appetite. The well-known hallmark of mumps is swelling and pain in the parotid glands. The glands usually become increasingly swollen and painful over a period of 1 to 3 days. The pain gets worse when the child swallows, talks, chews, or drinks acidic juices (like orange juice).

In rare cases, mumps will attack other groups of salivary glands instead of the parotids. If this happens, swelling may be noticed under the tongue, under the jaw, or all the way down to the front of the chest.

Mumps can lead to inflammation and swelling of the brain and other organs, although this is not common. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) are both rare complications of mumps. Symptoms appear in the first week after the parotid glands begin to swell and may include: high fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions, and other signs of brain involvement.

Mumps in adolescent and adult males may also result in the development of orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles. Usually one testicle becomes swollen and painful about 7 to 10 days after the parotids swell. This is accompanied by a high fever, shaking chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that can sometimes be mistaken for appendicitis if the right testicle is affected. After 3 to 7 days, testicular pain and swelling subside, usually at about the same time that the fever passes. In some cases, both testicles are involved. Even with involvement of both testicles, sterility is only a rare complication of orchitis.

Homepathic Treatment & Medicines for MUMPS, Parotitis

#Belladonna. [Bell]
This is unquestionably the most important remedy, corresponding to vascular engorgement, fever and nervous irritability so common in this disease. The glands are swollen, hot and sensitive to pressure, worse on the right side. The pains are flying and lancinating and extend to the ear. It is useful when the swelling suddenly subsides, and is followed by throbbing headache and delirium.

#Rhus toxicodendron. [Rhus-t]
Rhus corresponds to dark red swellings, with tendency to erysipelatous inflammation and typhoid conditions. There is much aching in the limbs, the patient is restless and the symptoms are worse at night. It is our best remedy in secondary parotitis. The left side is more apt to be affected. Lachesis corresponds to left-sided mumps, with purplish swellings and aggravation after sleep.

#Mercurius.
This is one of our best remedies in mumps, as if has a specific action on the salivary glands. There is slight fever and it is useful in the later stages. The special symptoms are tenderness, salivation, offensive breath and threatening suppuration. Pilocarpine muriate 3x is what Burnett terms his "big shot in mumps." It seems to affect especially the parotid gland.

#Pulsatilla. [Puls]
Especially useful in orchitic and mammary complications. The tongue is thickly coated, the mouth is dry and the pain is worse evenings and after lying down. For metastasis to the ovaries Pulsatilla may be the remedy. Conium is indicated by excessive hardness of the swelling. Clematis and Aurum may be useful in orchitic complications.