Mumps treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Mumps treatment
Recommended health tests for Mumps
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Mumps
Mumps, a viral infection primarily affecting the salivary glands near your ears, can lead to noticeable swelling in the affected area—giving the classic puffy-cheek appearance. Although mumps incidence has dramatically decreased due to widespread vaccination, outbreaks can still occur, particularly in areas where vaccine coverage is incomplete. Understanding mumps and exploring natural treatments alongside preventive measures is essential, especially as this condition primarily impacts children but can affect adults as well.
Causes
The mumps virus is the sole cause of this condition, spreading through respiratory secretions (such as saliva) from someone who is infected. Sharing utensils or close contact can readily transmit the virus. Once prevalent, the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has significantly reduced its spread, yet unvaccinated populations remain at risk.
Signs and symptoms
- Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of the face (parotitis) - Fever - Headache - Muscle aches - Weakness and fatigue - Loss of appetite - Pain while chewing or swallowing Symptoms typically appear about 16 to 18 days after exposure to the virus but can range from two weeks to 25 days.
Diagnosing Mumps
Diagnosis usually starts with a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare provider. Confirmation often requires a sample of saliva or blood to test for the mumps virus or antibodies. In some cases, imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI might be used to assess the extent of salivary gland swelling and rule out other conditions.
Prevention and natural treatment
Preventing mumps is predominantly achieved through vaccination, which is part of the MMR vaccine series administered in childhood. Natural immunity from previous infection also contributes to mumps prevention, although this is far less common in the modern era due to vaccination efforts. For those infected, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, as there are no specific antiviral medications for mumps. Natural treatment strategies include: - Adequate hydration, avoiding acidic beverages that may cause more salivary gland pain. - Soft, bland foods to ease chewing and swallowing. - Warm or cold packs to reduce gland swelling and discomfort. - Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage fever and pain, following appropriate dosing for age and health condition. - Rest to aid the body's immune response. Supplementary natural therapies such as vitamin C and zinc might support immune function, though it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding supplements, particularly for children or those with underlying health conditions.
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