Mumps
Description
Mumps is a common, systemic, acute, self-limiting viral infection usually causing painful enlargement of the parotid and other salivary glands. The virus which causes mumps enters the mouth and nose, where it incubates for two to four weeks before identifiable symptoms occur.
Mumps is especially common in winter and early spring. It affects primarily children between the ages of 5 to 15; 85% of all cases occur before the age of 15.
Once a person has had the disease, immunity is conferred, making it unlikely the individual will be reinfected.
If other organs become involved in the infection, complications can occur. These include: orchitis, although it is extremely uncommon for sterility to result, meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis; other diseases may also result.
A vaccination is available for mumps but there is no specific cure. Treatment is toward the symptoms. This may include a Mechanical Soft Diet to lessen chewing pain, analgesics, barbiturates, and cold or heat compresses, whichever is more comforting.
Although the individual may be tired, bed rest is not ordinarily necessary.
Causes
Primary Factors
For 25-30% of all cases, there is no clinically apparent cause of mumps. In other cases, a paramyxoviral infection (RNA virus) is evident.
Predisposing Factors
Spread by direct or indirect contact with aerosols contaminated with infected saliva.
Signs & Symptoms
Prodrome
Chills
Headache
Earache
Anorexia
Low to moderate one day fever which occurs before the salivary glands become involved
Definitive onset
Pain upon chewing or swallowing, especially acidic liquids such as fruit juices; this is often the earliest distinguishing feature of mumps
Swelling of parotid glands (both are usually involved) from tissue edema
Sensitivity to pressure over the jaw
Increased fever
Skin over the glands become tense and shiny
Swollen sex glands
Swelling of other organs such as breast, liver, brain
Loss of hearing which may indicate encephalitis
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Antioxidants &
Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Vitamin C | 500 - 2,000 mg | 500 - 2,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 100 - 400 IU | 100 - 400 IU |
| Zinc | 10 - 20 mg | 10 - 20 mg |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
The pain from mumps may make it difficult to chew.
Hence the Mechanical Soft Diet is prescribed. Dehydration from fever is minimized by increasing the fluid intake.
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Belladonna tinct.
2. Mercurius Vivus
3. Rhus Toxicodendron
4. Pulsatilla nigricans (only for testis) 30C
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Ferr. Phos. | initial symptoms: fever, pain, vomiting; |
| Kali Mur. | marked swelling, thick, white-coated tongue; |
| Nat. Mur. | excessive saliva, painful testicles; |
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Chickweed
Mullein
Nettle
Witch hazel
Yarrow
"Swollen Glands" or "Glandular Fever"
Echinacea
Pokeroot
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
References:
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Coriander Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Niaouli Essence, | Tea Tree Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Earache
Edema
Fever
Headaches
Meningitis
Orchitis
Pancreatitis
References
Beeson, P.B. & Mc Dermott, W. eds. 1975. Textbook of Medicine. 14th ed. Saunders Pub. Co., Philadelphia. 1892 pp.
Berkow, R. 1977. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories Pub., Rahway, New Jersey. 2165 pp.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Chasroff, I.J. & J.W. Ellis. 1983. Family Medical Guide. William Morrow and Company Inc., Pub. 594 pp.
Chicago Dietetic Association and the South Suburban Dietetic Association of Cook and Will counties. 1981. Manual of Clinical Dietetics. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadephia.
Hamilton, H.K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. Pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Jaffe, M.I. & A.R. Rabson. Lymphocyte Subsets in Measles: Depressed Helper/Inducer Reversed by Treatment with Ascorbic Acid. Journal Of Clinical Investigation, 72. 1983.
Kelley DS et al., Effects of dietary arachidonic acid on human immune response. Lipids, 1997 Apr, 32:4, 449-56.
Nockels, C.F. Protective Effectives of Supplemental Vitamin E Against Infection. Federation Proceedings, 38. 1979.
Nelson GJ et al., A human dietary arachidonic acid supplementation study conducted in a metabolic research unit: rationale and design. Lipids, 1997 Apr, 32:4, 415-20.
Nutrition and Cataracts. Nutrition Reviews, 32. 1984.
Wyngaarden, J.B. & L.H. Smith. 1985. Cecil's Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 2341 pp.
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