Diagnosing Mumps in Children
In order to make a
mumps diagnosis in children, the doctor will ask a number of questions about a child's medical history and perform a physical exam, looking for signs or symptoms of mumps. Diagnosing the disease in children can often be done just based on the symptoms and findings on the physical exam. If the doctor is unsure, he or she may order tests that look for antibodies against the
mumps virus or for the virus itself.
Treating Mumps in Children
There is currently no
treatment for mumps that can kill the mumps virus. Because mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics or other medications for mumps are not effective. Therefore, treatment for mumps in children focuses on providing relief from symptoms as the body fights the virus. This is called supportive care.
Most children recover from mumps without any long-term problems. In rare cases, long-term problems can result, including deafness.
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