What are the symptoms of mumps in children?

The main symptoms of mumps in children include the following: 1. Fever: In the early stages of mumps, children often develop a fever, which may be of moderate severity, accompanied by chills, reduced appetite, general malaise, headache, and muscle pain. 2. Swelling of the parotid glands: Swelling of the parotid glands is a prominent characteristic of mumps. It typically begins as a swelling centered on one earlobe, spreading forward, backward, and downward, with unclear borders and mild tenderness. The swelling may first appear on one side and later involve the other side, or it may occur on only one side. Swelling is most noticeable 1 to 3 days after the onset of illness and becomes more painful during eating or consumption of acidic foods. 3. Localized pain: As the parotid gland swells, children may experience localized pain, particularly when opening the mouth, chewing, or eating acidic foods, during which the pain may worsen. 4. Other associated symptoms: Some children may also experience redness and swelling of the parotid duct opening, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms. If a child develops the above symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for professional diagnosis and treatment.