Can parotitis be treated with heat application to reduce swelling?

Mumps can generally be relieved through warm compresses to reduce swelling. Warm compresses help improve local blood circulation and alleviate inflammation-induced swelling. Patients may use a towel or hot water bag at a comfortable temperature, gently applying it to the parotid area for 5–10 minutes, several times daily. However, care should be taken to avoid excessively high temperatures to prevent skin burns. Although warm compresses can assist in reducing swelling associated with mumps, they serve only as an adjunctive treatment. If the condition is severe or symptoms continue to worsen, patients should seek medical attention promptly and take appropriate medications under medical guidance, such as antiviral drugs (e.g., ribavirin, acyclovir) or antibiotics for bacterial infections (e.g., amoxicillin capsules, cefixime dispersible tablets). During treatment, patients should also adjust their diet by avoiding spicy, raw, cold, greasy, or other irritating foods to prevent aggravation of symptoms. Additionally, engaging in mild physical activities such as walking may help promote lymphatic circulation and speed up recovery.