Mumps - Parotitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
Common-

It is the inflammation of one or both salivary glands, called parotid glands, located at the angle of the jaw.

It is caused by a virus from the Paramyxovirus genera, which is transmitted through droplets of saliva that are released when speaking, coughing or sneezing.

It manifests as a painful swelling of the gland that causes deformation of the face.

Diagnosis is obtained by means of a clinical history and a full physical examination, as well as clinical and serology blood tests.

It usually lasts a week, receeding without any specific treatment. Symptom treatment will suffice.

Bibliographic references
  1. Mary A Albrecht. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of mumps UpToDate, Septiembre 2016
  2. Dayan GH. Mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations: are available mumps vaccines effective enough to prevent outbreaks? Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47:1458.
  3. Jan E Drutz, MD. Measles, mumps, and rubella immunization in infants, children, and adolescents. UpToDate. Septiembre 2016
  4. McLean HQ. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep 2013; 62:1.
  5. Steven A. Rubin. Parotiditis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 231e
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
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Symptoms

    Inner cheek is reddened and filled with pus


    Fever / Feel very hot


    Face swollen on one side


    Swollen face erases posterior border of the jaw


    Increased pain when drinking acidic fluids

Symptoms to watch out for

Vomiting
If it is accompanied by seizures
Headache
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Neck stiffness
Hearing loss
Pregnancy
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)

Self-care

Isolate the infant for 5 days after the onset of symptoms to prevent transmission to others.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply warm compresses 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
Maintain hydration of half a gallon per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.