What is mononucleosis and how to treat it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If your cold doesn't go away, it might be the Epstein-Barr virus.

What is mononucleosis and where does it come from

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease that is transmitted through saliva (in the vast majority of cases). Therefore, it is also called Mononucleosis. Symptoms and Causes "kissing disease."

Mononucleosis can indeed be earned by kissing. But another route of infection is no less likely: if you share utensils (cups, glasses, spoons, forks) with an already infected person, share a common piece of bread, pizza or apple, on which there are saliva particles. Small children often catch this disease in the garden - for example, when they pull into their mouths a toy that has been slobbed by another child.

Mononucleosis is not as contagious as the common cold. The disease-causing Epstein-Barr virus quickly dies in the external environment. In fact, it remains alive and active only as long as the saliva is moist. Therefore, you can only get infected with close contact.

According to American statistics Mononucleosis, by the age of 40, up to 90% of adults are ill with mononucleosis in one way or another.

However, with such a significant plus (low infectivity), the "kissing disease" has a significant drawback: it can lead to much more serious consequences than common ARVI.

How to recognize mononucleosis

Usually, mononucleosis is not a serious disease, does not give pronounced symptoms and goes away on its own. However, recovery takes a longer period of Mononucleosis than with a common cold - from two to four weeks (in rare cases - up to six months).

During this period, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness, fatigue.
• Sore throat. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as strep throat, but does not respond to antibiotic treatment.
• Fever - a rise in temperature to 37, 8 ° C or more.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
• Swollen tonsils.
• Headache.
• Skin rashes. At the same time, the rash does not have a clear location: it can occur all over the body. But most often it appears on the face and chest.
• Enlargement of the spleen and liver.
• Reduced immunity. With mononucleosis, a person easily clings to other infections - those from which in "healthy times" his body would have easily fought off.

Due to the similarity of symptoms, mononucleosis is often confused with SARS. But if your "common cold" lasts for 1-2 weeks, be sure to consult with your therapist: perhaps it is he - the Epstein-Barr virus.

Why is mononucleosis dangerous?

Complications of Mononucleosis are rare, but it is important to be aware of them in order to seek help in time.

1. Swollen tonsils

Sometimes the swelling is so great that the tonsils can block the airways. If it becomes difficult to swallow, breathing becomes faster and becomes hoarse, immediately contact a therapist or even call an ambulance - it all depends on the severity of the symptoms.

2. Ruptured spleen

An enlarged spleen is one of the most common symptoms of mononucleosis. In some cases, the swelling of the spleen may rupture, causing sudden, sharp pain in the upper left abdomen.

If you feel something like this, call an ambulance immediately: you will most likely need an urgent operation.

3. Liver problems

Mononucleosis can provoke an inflammatory process in the liver - hepatitis. This situation can be recognized by the manifested jaundice - yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. At the first signs of it, you must immediately consult a doctor.

An inflamed liver needs treatment and diet (more specifically, a therapist or gastroenterologist will tell you).

However, sometimes there are also anicteric forms of hepatitis. Therefore, it is important to diagnose mononucleosis in time and closely monitor the state of the liver.

4. Blood problems

Sometimes mononucleosis leads to the destruction of red blood cells - red blood cells that carry oxygen. In this case, the so-called hemolytic anemia occurs.

Platelets, the blood cells responsible for blood clotting, can also be affected. A decrease in their number is called thrombocytopenia.

5. Heart problems

Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) are other possible (albeit rare) complications of mononucleosis.

6. Damage to the nervous system

Also, in infrequent cases, the Epstein-Barr virus can provoke seizures, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the tissues covering it (meningitis).

How to treat mononucleosis

Taking into account possible complications, it is best of all - under the supervision of a doctor. Since the disease is caused by a virus, there is no cure for it. Mononucleosis treatment. Diagnosis and Treatment is all about relieving symptoms.

• Get more rest. Ideally, take a sick leave and lie down at home until the weakness and fever have passed.
• Drink plenty of fluids - water, compotes, fruit juices. Moisture can help reduce fever, sore throat, and prevent dehydration.
• If your throat hurts badly, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. For example, based on paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Gargle with salt water 2-3 times a day (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This will also reduce the pain.

If your symptoms persist (and even more so if they become more pronounced), be sure to tell your doctor about them. The specialist will inspect and, if necessary, prescribe for you:

• Medication - corticosteroids to reduce swelling of the tonsils.
• Antibiotics, if it turns out that a secondary bacterial infection has joined mononucleosis (this can be angina or sinusitis).
• A gentle diet and hepatoprotective drugs to improve liver health.

Strictly follow all medical appointments. And take care of yourself. Residual symptoms after suffering mononucleosis can persist for up to six months. And the same period is required for the restoration of the spleen and liver.

But there is good news as well. After you are fully recovered, you will develop lifelong immunity to the Epstein-Barr virus.