Health Information
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Mumps
M umps are a very common viral infection that produces fever and swelling of the
salivary glands.
What to look for
swollen, inflamed glands
(above the angle of the jaw and occasionally under the tongue)
secondary inflammation of
the testes, or of the ovaries or pancreas (adults and teenagers)
It is very easy to
recognise when your child has the mumps. Once your child has had the mumps, the child will
never get it again, having developed what is known as natural immunity. Children are
required to be immunised against mumps before starting school if not already naturally
immune.
Mumps is only mildly
contagious and it is usually a childhood disease although adults and teenagers can
contract it as well. In adults, the swelling of the testes should be checked out by your
doctor because of a very slight risk of its causing sterility.
Causes
Mumps is caused by a virus
and is transmitted through the air in droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by direct
contact, it enters the body through the mouth or respiratory tract and then begins to
affect the gland tissues.
Traditional Treatment
Call your doctor and make
sure the child does not go to school until all the symptoms are gone.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies
- No herbs specifically treat mumps, but to reduce swelling, try cleavers
(Galium aparine) or Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). No herbs specifically treat mumps, but to reduce swelling, try cleavers
(Galium aparine) or Echinacea (Echinacea spp.).
Homoeopathy - Always
consult a Professional for appropriate dosages for children. A homoeopath may recommend Belladonna, Bryonia
or Phytolacca. Always
consult a Professional for appropriate dosages for children. A homoeopath may recommend Belladonna, Bryonia
or Phytolacca.
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Dietary Considerations
Avoid dairy products and
citrus juices and have your child eat light foods such as soups, vegetables, and fruits.
Personal Care
Keep your child
quiet; confinement to bed is not required.
An ice pack or a heating
pad applied to the swelling may relieve pain.
A tea made from apple
juice and cloves can help relieve painful swallowing.
Prevention
Because fighting the
illness strengthens the immune system, many practitioners of alternative medicine believe
it is better for an otherwise healthy child to contract mumps than to be vaccinated. But always discuss this with your child's doctor.
When to seek further
professional advice
you suspect your child
has the mumps.
your child has the mumps
and has any other symptom
any teenage or adult male
family member with the mumps has swollen testes
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Ken Hobson
