Mumps

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Head and neck glands

Epidemic parotitis

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

Warm salt water gargles, soft foods, and extra fluids may also help relieve symptoms.

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

Infection of other organs may occur, including orchitis.

Call your health care provider if you or your child has mumps and severe headache, persistent drowsiness, eye redness, or persistent vomiting or abdominal pain.

Call your health care provider if testicle pain or testicle lump occurs.

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

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.