10 Obnoxious Effects Of Mumps

February 14, 2022

The mumps virus, Rubulavirus, is contagious, particularly among people who are nonimmune to it. When affected by mumps, a person might not know he or she has the illness at first, as some symptoms do not show up immediately. It is spread primarily by saliva and direct contact with others already contaminated with the virus, and the most visible clue is swollen glands. It is an illness that has to be waited out over about two weeks, but symptoms can be relieved.

10. Loss Of Appetite

Boy not wanting to eat

One of the minor symptoms showing up before patients even realize they are infected is a loss of appetite. It usually occurs during the phase of aches, weakness, and fatigue. Patients can also have pain with chewing and difficult swallowing, which could exasperate the problem. Drinking liquids and eating soft foods like ice cream, smoothies, gelatin, cream soup and mashed potatoes might be easy to stomach and maintain nutrient and vitamin levels.

9. Fever

Sick Woman caught Cold and fever

Having a fever in some stage of the mumps illness is common. Usually, fevers present themselves in illness as the body’s means of fighting back. The most highly recommended treatment is rest and encouraging oneself or patient to drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated. A pain medication specific to treating fevers can be taken as directed and then it is a matter of allowing the fever to subside on its own.

8. Headache

Woman with a migrane headache

Headaches are common annoyances in sickness and in general health. They are brought on by numerous factors, including stress, sinusitis, and other issues. When headaches occur with mumps, they are usually joined by other symptoms, like fever and stomach aches. It can be eased with a general pain medication, plenty of fluids, rest, avoidance of too much screen time, and rest in a quiet room. A warm or cool pack placed on the forehead can help, depending on the presence of a fever.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue woman

General feelings of tiredness is a common effect of mumps and can be either annoying for those who are usually active or welcoming if those suffering other symptoms do not feel like doing much anyways. Mumps is a condition which needs to run its course, and the fatigue will subside as time goes on and simultaneous symptoms ease. It is best to rest, and if the case is an uncomplicated one, recovery will take about two weeks. After that, the virus is no longer considered contagious.

6. Swelling Of The Testicles

The testicles

Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, when caused by mumps, usually affects only one side. As the most common complications among cases of mumps in males, orchitis can occur during or after the swelling of the salivary glands. The condition is sometimes joined by high fevers, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rare cases of bilateral orchitis and atrophy of the gonads occur less frequent than unilateral orchitis. Even less often is sterility an outcome of mumps-related orchitis.

5. Oophoritis And Mastitis

Inflammation of the uterus

Females who contract mumps can be at risk of developing further complications, including oophoritis and mastitis. Oophoritis involves inflammation of the ovaries while mastitis is an infection occurring in the breast tissue. Oophoritis, which affects about five percent of the female population, is accompanied by pain and tenderness in the pelvic region. Approximately thirty-one percent of female mumps cases get mastitis, including pain, swelling, and redness. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy who develop mumps risk miscarriage.

4. Deafness

Deafness - young man with poor hearing

A major complication as a result of mumps is loss of hearing. The nerves of the inner ear can be damaged from infection causing deafness. This is a rare occurrence. For every 100,000 people who contract mumps, about 0.5 to five lose their hearing. The problem is typically permanent and can occur in one or both ears. Mumps is said to be a common cause of childhood deafness of one ear and a method of prevention is immunization.

3. Meningoencephalitis

Mri of sinusitis

Meningoencephalitis, as the name suggests, is an infection affecting both the brain (encephalitis) and meninges (meningitis). Both present signs of inflammation and the main symptom of meningoencephalitis is swelling of the brain tissue and meninges, which is a protective barrier of the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by a viral infection, and a fairly common cause of mumps, but only in rare cases is it serious enough to cause death or neurological complications.

2. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis illustration

Mumps can lead to a short-term case of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. If symptoms of abdomen pain in the upper region occurs, along with nausea and vomiting, it could be a red flag indicating pancreatitis. Some children who develop acute pancreatitis from mumps usually end up with permanent immunity. Pancreatitis affects about one in thirty cases of mumps patients. Nausea is quickly cleared up and fluids and pain medications help treat the condition.

1. Swollen Glands

Sore throat woman

Following the first three to five days of infection, with symptoms of fever, headache, and malaise, the viral infection hits the glands and causes noticeable swelling. This is an active contagious stage. Usually the salivary glands, found on both sides of the mouth, are not palpable, but because of their enlarged state, there is pain, pressure, and tenderness. This can last for ten days so eating is made easier with soft and non-acidic foods.

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