Mumps: Symptoms, Antibiotics, and Follow-Up Care

Q: Mumps: Symptoms, Antibiotics, and Follow-Up Care

Hello： Commonly, it is mumps. <br>You may start with antibiotics for about a week, and if there is no improvement, the clinical physician will decide whether to change the medication or refer for further examination. <br>Wishing you safety and health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Jue-Y

Mumps issues?

I went to see an otolaryngologist because I had swelling under my ear.
The doctor said it might be mumps, but I don't have any symptoms of mumps, such as fever; I only feel pain when eating.
The doctor advised me to take antibiotics and see how it goes.
If it is confirmed to be mumps, how long should I take the antibiotics? The doctor only prescribed a three-day course of antibiotics.
After finishing them, do I need to get more medication? If I feel better, do I still need to return for a follow-up appointment to get more antibiotics? Thank you for your help.

Jing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/22

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: Commonly, it is mumps.
You may start with antibiotics for about a week, and if there is no improvement, the clinical physician will decide whether to change the medication or refer for further examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/10/22

More Info

Mumps, or parotitis, is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located near the jaw. Symptoms of mumps can vary, but they typically include swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. However, not everyone with mumps will exhibit all these symptoms, and some may experience mild symptoms or none at all.

In your case, it seems that you have swelling under your ear, which could indicate a possible infection of the salivary glands, but you are not experiencing the classic symptoms of mumps, such as fever. The doctor has prescribed antibiotics, which are typically used to treat bacterial infections rather than viral infections like mumps. This suggests that your doctor may be concerned about a secondary bacterial infection, possibly due to the swelling or pain you are experiencing when eating.

Regarding the duration of antibiotic treatment, it is common for doctors to prescribe antibiotics for a short course, often around 5 to 7 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the specific antibiotic used. In your case, the doctor has prescribed a 3-day course. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better before finishing the medication. This helps ensure that the infection is fully cleared and reduces the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

After completing the prescribed antibiotics, if you still have symptoms or if the swelling persists, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to reassess your condition to determine if further treatment is necessary or if additional tests are needed to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. If the initial antibiotic treatment was effective and your symptoms have resolved, you may not need to return for additional antibiotics, but it is always best to consult your doctor for personalized advice.

In summary, while antibiotics can be effective for treating bacterial infections, they are not effective against viral infections like mumps. If your symptoms persist or worsen after completing the antibiotics, it is essential to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additionally, maintaining good hydration, resting, and managing pain with over-the-counter medications can help alleviate discomfort during your recovery. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations tailored to your situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Mumps Treatment: Hardening Symptoms Explained

Hello, doctor. My boyfriend has recently been diagnosed with parotitis. I would like to ask: 1. Is viral parotitis the same as bacterial parotitis? 2. He is currently in the mid-stage of treatment and has been taking medication for four days. His cheeks have reduced in swelling, ...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: 1. Viral mumps and bacterial mumps are not the same. 2. If there is hardening shortly after infection, it is often a normal phenomenon following inflammation. However, if it persists for more than a week without improvement or continues to enlarge, it is advisable to retur...

Understanding Mumps and Salivary Gland Tumors in Children

About two weeks ago, my 10-year-old daughter told me that she had a lump below her left ear. At that time, it wasn't painful, and we didn't think much of it. A day or two later, she mentioned that the lump had grown larger and was painful to the touch. We took her to a ...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, there are many types of neck and ear-related swellings, including parotitis, lymphadenopathy, and parotid tumors. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist if symptoms persist. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi Chao-Yun, Head of the Department of O...

Understanding Mumps: Care Tips for Your Child During Infection

A 5-year-old girl has received the mumps vaccination, but why did she still contract the disease? How should she be cared for during the illness, and what should be noted? Thank you.

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Hello. The vaccine is for the prevention of viral mumps. If one contracts the disease again, it may be due to other causes, such as a bacterial infection. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used for treatment.

Understanding Sialadenitis: Pain Management and Dietary Tips

I went to the hospital and the doctor said I have parotitis. I want to ask, what should I do if pain relievers are not effective? Are there any foods I should avoid?

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If mumps is caused by a virus, it typically follows a specific course of illness. If symptoms persist despite medication, you should consult your physician for a thorough evaluation to rule out any other issues.