Mumps and goiter are not the same! here's how to tell the difference.

The terms goiter and mumps are often used when the neck is swollen. However, are these two terms the same and can be used for every condition of swelling in the neck? In fact, many people mistakenly refer to swelling in the neck area as goiter or mumps. These two terms may sound similar at first glance, but there is actually a fundamental difference between goiter and mumps.

What is the difference between goiter and mumps?

Mumps and mumps are two different diseases. Goiter (goiter) is a disorder of the thyroid gland. This gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple.

In the body, the thyroid gland functions to produce hormones which play an important role in regulating metabolic processes and the growth of body tissues. If there is a disturbance in the thyroid gland, this condition can affect the work of other organs such as the heart, digestive system and nervous system.

The American Thyroid Association explains that the disorders that cause goiter can be hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid gland activity) or hyperthyroidism (increased or overactive thyroid gland activity). Various factors can cause thyroid disorders such as lack of iodine intake, cigarette consumption, cancer, and pregnancy hormones.

Meanwhile, mumps is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Paramyxovirus infection attacks the parotid glands which produce saliva so this disease is also known as parotitis.

This virus can be transmitted through droplets or droplets of saliva when a person coughs, sneezes or talks.

The parotid gland is of course different from the thyroid gland. The parotid is located on the neck, but below the two jaws.

So, the basic difference between goiter and mumps is that they both attack different tissues or glands. Therefore, the location of the swelling, the symptoms, and how to treat it are different.

How to distinguish goiter and mumps

Goiter and mumps both cause symptoms in the form of swelling in the neck area. Even so, the swelling in the neck caused by these two diseases can be clearly distinguished.

In mumps, the swollen part of the neck is the top below the cheek. Meanwhile, when you experience a problem in the thyroid gland, swelling is seen in the lower part of the neck.

The swelling caused by a goiter is more like a lump and feels hard. However, swelling from a goiter is usually painless.

In contrast to mumps, the swollen neck feels soft and warm accompanied by pain that makes it difficult for you to speak or has pain when swallowing.

In addition, there are other symptomatic differences between goiter and mumps that must be considered.

Goiter signs and symptoms

Other symptoms that differ from goiter and goiter depend on the thyroid disorder that caused it, whether it is hypothyroid or hyperthyroidism.

In hypothyroidism, symptoms can include:

• Limp
• Weight gain with decreased appetite
• Can not stand the cold
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Continuous drowsiness
• Constipation (difficulty defecating)
• Emotions are unstable and often forget
• Decreased sight and hearing function

In hyperthyroid conditions, the symptoms are the opposite of hypothyroidism, namely:

• Weight loss
• Not heat resistant
• Anxious feelings
• Often feel nervous
• Tremor (involuntary vibration of limbs, usually most clearly seen in the hands)
• Hyperactive

Signs and symptoms of mumps

Swelling of the neck due to mumps is usually painful due to inflammation caused by a viral infection.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, other symptoms of mumps that can differentiate this disease from goiter are:

• Fever
• Limp
• Headache
• Ear pain that gets worse when chewing or talking
• Swelling at the corner of the jaw

Differences in the treatment of goiter and mumps

The symptoms of mumps will usually disappear completely and recover within one week. Medical treatment is still needed, but only to help relieve symptoms.

Mumps medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually given to treat fever and relieve pain in a swollen neck.

In goiter, treatment must be adjusted according to the conditions that caused it. To find out whether a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid condition is found, further tests are needed to determine the hormone levels produced by the thyroid gland.

Another difference between goiter and mumps is that it cannot heal on its own. Goiter requires medical treatment, from taking medication to surgery.

Medical treatment can vary depending on the size of the neck lump and the severity of the symptoms. For hypothyroidism, the doctor will give you the drug levothyroxine. Medications such as propylthiouracil or methimazole are given if hyperthyroidism is causing a goiter.

In addition, you are also advised to meet iodine intake through consumption of seafood and salt.

Is a swollen neck sure to indicate a goiter or mumps?

Not all conditions that cause a swollen neck are goiter or mumps. Mumps and mumps are just two of the diseases that cause similar symptoms.

There are many other conditions that can cause swelling or lumps in the neck area, some examples are swollen lymph nodes, cysts, tumors, or abscesses (pus buildup).

To get a definite diagnosis, consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor will help you manage your condition with certain medications and self-care recommendations. This includes recognizing the difference between goiter and mumps with greater certainty.

The sooner the disease is detected, the better the chances of a cure.