Mumps

Mumps is a condition characterized by painful swelling and inflammation of the parotid Glands. It can occur at any age but is more frequent above 2 years of age. Initial symptoms are high grade fever and a swelling below the ears, along the jawline, obliterating the angle of the jaw. The swelling is very painful, and the child has difficulty in opening the mouth. The swelling is hot and tender to touch. There is high grade fever. It generally starts from one side which subsides in a few days. The next side is then involved. The whole process takes about a week. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, with anti inflammatory and pain killers.   

According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla specialist in Karachi in rare cases some complications may occur. This includes swelling and inflammation of the testis in boys, orchitis or swelling of the ovaries in girls. Orchitis if not treated may led to sterility in boys. Another dangerous complication is pancreatitis, which maybe life threatening. However, these are rare. Prevention is most important and vaccination with MMR vaccine at 15 months of age prevents mumps giving life long immunity.

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