Signs of mumps complications

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Cao Thi Thanh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. Dr. Thanh has worked for 25 years in the treatment of neonatal pediatric diseases.

Mumps is a benign disease and can heal on its own in 7-10 days, but if not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to dangerous complications affecting quality of life.

After being exposed to mumps for about 14-24 days, the patient feels uncomfortable, anorexia, fever, sometimes chills, sore throat and pain in the corner of the jaw. After that, the parotid gland swells gradually in about 3 days and then gradually decreases in about 1 week. The parotid gland may be swollen on one or both sides. If there is swelling on both sides, the 2 glands may not be swollen at the same time, the 2nd gland starts to swell when the 1st gland has subsided.
Mumps can have complications such as: inflammation of the testicles and epididymis usually occurs 7-10 days after the parotid gland inflammation but can also appear before or at the same time. The testicles are swollen, painful, and the epididymis is stretched like a rope. The inflammation and fever will last for 3-7 days, after which about 50% of cases the testicles will atrophy.

Mumps had a benign course, symptoms resolved within about 10 days and left no sequelae. But for older patients, the intensity of systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, etc. increases, complications are more common and often have bad consequences.
Inflammation and fever persist after 3-7 days, then about 1⁄2 cases testicle atrophy and can lead to a decrease in sperm count and lead to infertility.
In fact, not all cases have complications of orchitis. If there are complications of orchitis that is treated promptly and properly, the disease will also be cured and will not cause miscarriage sequelae. Although there is a complication of testicular atrophy, it is unlikely that both sides have atrophy, so it is still possible to have children.
In severe cases complications, untreated or improperly treated orchitis causes atrophy of both testicles and leads to infertility.
Because mumps has no specific treatment, but mainly rest, if there is a complication of orchitis (swollen, painful testicles as mentioned above), it is necessary to go to the doctor and treat immediately to prevent infertility due to atrophy. testicular. The current method of prevention is vaccination.