Lifestyle and home remedies

Rest is the best treatment. There's little your doctor can do to speed recovery.

But you can take some steps to ease pain and discomfort and keep others from becoming infected. Try to:

• Isolate yourself or your child to prevent spreading the disease to others. Someone with mumps may be contagious up to five days after the onset of signs and symptoms.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to ease symptoms.
• Use a warm or cold compress to ease the pain of swollen glands.
• Wear an athletic supporter and use cold compresses to ease the pain of tender testicles.
• Avoid foods that require lots of chewing. Try broth-based soups or soft foods, such as mashed potatoes or oatmeal.
• Avoid sour foods, such as citrus fruits or juices, which stimulate saliva production.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

If your child has mumps, watch for complications. Call your doctor if your child develops:

• Fever of 103 F (39 C) or greater
• Trouble eating or drinking
• Confusion or disorientation
• Abdominal pain
• In boys, pain and swelling of the testicles