Parotitis is a disease caused by a viral infection that causes swelling of the parotid glands on the face. Parotitis is commonly known as mumps.
Parotitis or mumps occurs due to infection of the paramyxovirus virus that attacks the salivary glands in the mouth (the parotid gland), causing swelling and pain in the gland. This type of virus is generally transmitted through saliva splashes from sneezing or coughing sufferers. In addition, direct contact with objects that have been contaminated with viruses can also transmit this disease.
In general, parotitis or mumps can attack all ages. However, this condition is more common in children aged 5-14 years, and rarely occurs in infants under 1 year.
What are the symptoms of parotitis?
Parotitis usually appears with the initial symptoms of fever around 39.4 degrees Celsius. After that, there will be swelling of the salivary glands for the next few days. The swelling will occur gradually and pain followed by salivary glands for 1-3 days. Pain in the parotid gland will usually get worse when you swallow, talk, chew, or consume acidic foods and drinks. Other organs, such as the nervous system, digestion, and urinary tract can also be attacked by viruses that cause parotitis.
Besides fever, other symptoms of parotitis that can occur are:
- Fatigue
- Sick body
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth feels dry
- Pain in the abdomen
Symptoms of parotitis usually disappear completely within 4-8 days. However, medical treatment must still be done to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Are there complications due to parotitis?
Although rare and generally can heal itself, this disease can cause complications. Complications are more common in people with adolescent and adult parotitis. Some complications that can occur due to parotitis are:
- Orchitis, which is inflammation of the testes.
- Meningitis, which is inflammation of the protective membrane of the spinal cord and brain.
- Encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
- Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.
- Hearing disorders.
- Miscarriage in pregnant women.
What are the treatments for parotitis?
There is no specific cure for mumps or parotitis. Generally, parotitis can resolve on its own in less than two weeks, so the treatment of this disease is only focused on relieving the symptoms and complaints that occur. To relieve pain and fever, you can take pain relievers and reduce fever, such as paracetamol. Aspirin, which is a fever-lowering drug, should not be given to children who are experiencing parotitis, because it can cause Reye's syndrome which can result in liver failure and death.
Apart from giving paracetamol, you can also do the following things to speed up the recovery process:
- Enough rest.
- Drink plenty of water, to prevent dehydration from fever.
- Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Replace with soft-textured foods, such as oatmeal or porridge.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks, because it can stimulate pain in the parotid gland.
- Compress with warm water or cold water that is swollen due to parotitis, to help relieve pain.
In patients who experience testicular swelling due to parotitis, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment. Usually the doctor will give pain medication with a stronger dose to relieve the symptoms.
How to prevent parotitis?
Parotitis often attacks children who have not yet carried out the MMR vaccine. MMR vaccine is a combination of vaccines intended to protect the body from three diseases, namely mumps (parotitis / mumps), measles (measles), and German measles (rubella).
However, for adults who have a weak immune system, are allergic to gelatin or neomycin, and for pregnant women, it is not recommended to do the MMR vaccine. Consult your doctor to schedule a vaccine so that children avoid viral infections, such as parotitis.
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