Treatment for Mumps

Treatment for mumps cannot be done with antibiotics. A mumps infection (in most cases) can simply be left to run its course. Most children and adults recover from an uncomplicated case of mumps within 2-3 weeks.

Usually, all that is required in the treatment for mumps is to use paracetamol, and to rinse the infected person’s mouth thoroughly. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
 
Please let your doctor know if you or your child has mumps. Your doctor may notify the health authorities in order to keep track of childhood immunization programs and mumps outbreaks.

Isolate yourself or your child to prevent spreading the disease to others.

Make sure to regularly monitor the sufferer's progress. This includes checking for the onset of any complications before they become serious.  The infected child or adult’s temperature should be monitored, and a record kept of the readings, dates, and times.  If the temperature climbs above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), then seek medical advice.

It is safe to include non-aspirin fever medications in the treatment for mumps, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to bring down a fever.  This will also help to relieve the pain caused by swollen parotid glands.

WARNING!!!
DO NOT USE ASPIRIN.  Unless instructed by your child's doctor, don't give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness since the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye Syndrome – a serious and potentially deadly encephalitis-like illness.  Instead, acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used safely.

It is also a good idea to soothe swollen parotid glands with either warm or cold packs.

A bland diet that does not require a lot of chewing and drinking plenty of fluids are also very beneficial for mumps sufferers.Tart or acidic fruit juices (like orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lemonade) should be avoided.  Water, decaffeinated soft drinks, and tea are better beverages for mumps sufferers.

If the mumps causes pain and swelling of the testicles, consult your doctor immediately.  Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications as a treatment for mumps to deal with the pain and swelling.
 
If your child has mumps, he or she doesn't need to stay in bed, but may play quietly.  Let your doctor advice the most appropriate time for your child to return to school.

Mumps can affect the brain and its membranes.  If the mumps sufferer has a stiff neck, convulsions (seizures), extreme drowsiness, severe headache, or changes of consciousness, then consult your doctor immediately. Also, abdominal pain can indicate complications in the pancreas in either sex, or complications in the ovaries in females.  If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical advice.

Listening to your doctor can ensure an effective treatment for mumps.