Mumps, or gondongan, is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and pain, usually on one or both sides of the face. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, medical intervention might be necessary to address complications like meningitis or encephalitis.
Prompt and appropriate management of mumps is crucial to minimize discomfort and prevent serious health consequences. Early intervention can reduce the duration and severity of the illness, limiting the potential for complications like hearing loss, orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), or pancreatitis. Historically, mumps was a far more significant public health concern before the widespread availability of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Vaccination has drastically reduced the incidence of mumps globally.