Mumps is an acute, contagious, viral illness primarily affecting the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands. The mumps virus, a single-stranded RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, causes it. Though largely preventable via immunization, sporadic outbreaks still occur, particularly in populations with incomplete vaccination coverage. The disease is generally self-limiting but may lead to serious complications in rare cases, such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, or hearing loss.
Causes
Mumps is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets, direct contact, or fomites contaminated with infected saliva.
Caused by Mumps virus (Rubulavirus genus)
Transmitted via airborne droplets, direct contact with nasal or oral secretions
Common in non-immunized or partially vaccinated populations
Incubation period: 16–18 days (range: 12–25 days)
Peak infectivity: 1–2 days before glandular swelling until 5 days after onset
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Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms):-
Mumps often begins with non-specific prodromal symptoms followed by characteristic parotitis (painful swelling of the parotid glands).
Prodromal symptoms:
Low-grade fever
Headache
Malaise
Myalgia
Classic symptoms:
Swelling of parotid glands (unilateral or bilateral)
Pain aggravated by chewing or sour foods
Earache or jaw pain
Difficulty swallowing (odynophagia)
Possible complications:
Orchitis in post-pubertal males
Oophoritis and mastitis in females
Meningitis or encephalitis
How Homeopathy Helps in Mumps
Homeopathic medicines stimulate the body’s vital force (innate defence mechanism), enhancing the immune system’s capacity to fight the viral infection and prevent complications. Homeopathy offers individualized treatment based on symptom similarity and the holistic state of the patient. Remedies are chosen according to physical symptoms, emotional state, and susceptibility. Homeopathy aids in:
• Reducing glandular swelling and pain
• Preventing complications Mumps can sometimes lead to orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis, meningitis, or pancreatitis. By strengthening systemic balance, homeopathic medicines are aimed at lowering this risk
