The doctor can usually diagnose mumps based on the swollen salivary glands. If the glands are not swollen and the doctor suspects mumps based on other symptoms, he or she will perform a virus culture. A culture is done by swabbing the inside of the cheek or throat. The swab collects mucus and cells and is sent to a lab to be tested for the mumps virus. It is important to remember than many viruses other than mumps can cause swelling of the salivary glands.
There is no treatment for mumps; the disease must be allowed to run its course. Treatment focuses on treating symptoms to make the person as comfortable as possible. These treatment steps should be the following:
Drink plenty of fluids.
If the glands are swollen and causing discomfort, ice or heat packs can help ease the pain.
Non-aspirin medications such acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to bring a fever under control and help with pain from swollen glands.
Do not give your child aspirin. Children with viruses such as mumps who take aspirin can develop Reye’s Syndrome, a dangerous disease that causes liver failure, swelling of the brain, and even death.
