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Mumps - Treatment

Alternative Names

Epidemic parotitis

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Ice or heat packs applied to the neck area and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to children with a viral illness because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

You can also relieve symptoms with:

Extra fluids
Soft foods
Warm salt water gargles

Expectations (prognosis):

Patients usually do well, even if other organs are involved. After the illness, the patient has a life-long immunity to the mumps.

Complications:

Infection of other organs may occur, including orchitis.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child has mumps and:

Eye redness
Persistent drowsiness
Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain
Severe headache
Testicle pain or a testicle lump

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if convulsions occur.

Head and neck glands

Reviewed last on: 7/15/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Mason WH. Mumps. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 245.

Gnann GW Jr. Mumps. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 392.

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