Definition

This disease is said to be infectious. It is characterized by a swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid gland situated in front of and below the ear. Sometimes it is confined to one side, and then again both sides may be involved.

Symptoms

The period of incubation is said to be from two to three weeks. Rarely any symptoms show previous to the attack. It starts with a slight fever, and soreness at the angle of the jaw just below the ear. There are exceptions, however, where the temperature runs to 103° and 104° F. Such cases are accompanied by gastric or intestinal fermentation, and the patient becomes more or less infected from decomposition in the bowels. Sometimes the disease will start on one side, and then in a few days develop on the other side. There is seldom very much pain. A feeling of pain and discomfort will often follow the suggestion of acid. This is supposed to be a characteristic of this disease. Sometimes the ear becomes involved, considerable inflammation will be set up, and the hearing may be impaired afterwards. The swelling usually lasts from six to ten days. Sometimes, when patients do not take the proper care of themselves, they do not get rid of the swelling in fourteen days. While mumps is a mild disease, and no particular anxiety is felt when it becomes established in a family, there is danger of complications that may be far-reaching, such as orchitis. This disease is very painful when it starts up as a complication, and it is supposed to leave a patient sterile where both testes are affected; hence in male children it is well to see that they do not catch cold, and that they are kept from being exposed to bad air.

On rare occasions the disease is accompanied by a very high grade of fever and great prostration. Even typhoid symptoms may develop. I have never met with such cases in my practice, and I do not believe it is necessary for these complications to arise, for I think they are due to sensuality and imprudent feeding.

In girl patients there may be vaginitis, and the breasts may become enlarged and tender. Inflammation of the ovaries is said to be very rare.

Treatment

The patient should be kept quiet and comfortably warm. Exposure should be prevented, and no medicine or food is to be given. If necessary, use an enema to wash out the bowels. In fact, if the patient from the beginning shows more or less gastro-intestinal derangement, this should be looked after by using an enema every day until cleared out. As soon as the swelling has subsided the patient may be fed as directed in scarlet fever.