How to Treat the Mumps

Mumps is caused by a virus, and it primarily infects the parotid salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva. Less commonly, the virus can affect the pancreas and, in males, the testicles.

Things You'll Need

• Aspirins
• Heating Pads
• Homeopathic Medication
• Ibuprofen
• Ice Packs
• Ice packs
• Heating pads

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Instructions

• 1

  Use warm or cold packs on swollen parotid glands to ease pain - whichever you prefer.

• 2

  Drink plenty of fluids but avoid acidic juices like orange or grapefruit - they can worsen the pain.

• 3

  Eat soft foods that are easy to chew.

• 4

  Monitor fevers. Mumps can cause high fevers in some people.

• 5

  Use fever reducers/pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin.

• 6

  Avoid giving aspirin to children under age 18 (because of the risk of Reye's syndrome).

• 7

  Rest as much as possible. Children should be kept home from school until the swelling goes away (indicating that they are no longer contagious), their appetites return and they are again strong and alert.

• 8

  Try homeopathic medications for relief of symptoms. Belladonna is good for throbbing headaches and swollen glands that are hot to the touch. Mercurius is good for right-sided swelling. Pilocarpinum is a good overall remedy. Use as directed on the bottle.