Treatment Mumps is usually self-limiting, and no specific antiviral treatments exist for it, so treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Non-medicinal ways to manage the disease include bed rest, using ice or heat packs on the neck and scrotum, consuming more fluids, eating soft food, and gargling with warm salt water.[8][10] Anti-fever medications may be used during the febrile period,[13] excluding aspirin when given to children, which may cause Reye syndrome.[8] Analgesics may also be provided to control pain from mumps inflammatory conditions.[13] For seizures, anticonvulsants may be used. In severe neurological cases, ventilators may be used to support breathing.[11]
Intramuscular mumps immunoglobulin may be of benefit when administered early in some cases, but it has not shown benefit in outbreaks. Although not recommended, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may reduce the rates of some complications.[10] Antibiotics may be used as a precaution in cases in which bacterial infection cannot be ruled out as well as to prevent secondary bacterial infection.[10][12] Autoimmune-based disorders connected to mumps are treatable with intravenous immunoglobulin.[13]
Various types of treatment for mumps orchitis have been be used, but no specific treatment is recommended due to each method's limitations. These measures are primarily based around relieving testicular pain and reducing intratesticular pressure to reduce the likelihood of testicular atrophy.[10][12] Interferon-α2α interferes with viral replication, so it has been postulated to be useful in preventing testicular damage and infertility.[10] Interferon alfa-2b may reduce the duration of symptoms and incidence of complications.[12][13] In cases of hydrocele formation, excess fluid can be removed.[10]
