Infectious mononucleosis commonly occurs in children and adolescents. In rare cases, this pathology worries adults. The disease proceeds with characteristic symptoms of angina, lymphadenopathy and enlargement of the liver and spleen.
With normal immunity, after a month or a little more, the symptoms of the disease disappear without a trace and the patient returns to his usual life.
What it is?
Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infectious disease, accompanied by damage to the lymph nodes, mouth and pharynx, an increase in the size of the liver and spleen, as well as characteristic changes in the hemogram (blood test).
The causative agent of the disease is a virus from the herpes virus family (one of the forms of Epstein-Barr virus infection), which settles in other cells and causes them to actively multiply.
The virus is practically unviable in the external environment and quickly dies under the influence of high and low temperatures, sunlight or antiseptics.
- A person becomes a source of infection in the midst of an illness or at the stage of recovery. There is a hidden carrier of the virus.
The disease is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets. The virus actively accumulates in saliva, so a contact transmission route is possible with kissing, through personal items, during intercourse. Cases of transmission of infection during childbirth and during blood transfusion have been recorded.
The susceptibility of people to the virus is very high, but due to immune protection, mild severity of the disease prevails. In the presence of immunodeficiencies, generalization of the infection and the development of severe consequences are observed.
The disease mainly occurs in children - usually adolescents aged 12-15 years old develop it. Less commonly, the infection affects young children.
Infectious mononucleosis practically does not occur in adults, with the exception of persons suffering from severe immunodeficiency, for example, with HIV infection or after taking cytostatics.
Outbreaks of infection increase in the autumn-winter period. Close household contacts, the use of shared toys, dishes, and hygiene items contribute to the spread of the virus.
The incubation period of infectious mononucleosis (the time from the moment the virus enters the first signs of the disease) ranges from several days to one and a half months. At the same time, the first symptoms of infectious mononucleosis in children develop gradually: weakness, low-grade fever, nasal congestion and discomfort in the mouth appear.
In the acute period of the disease, the symptoms are aggravated:
- Temperature rise to febrile values.
- Sore throat that is worse when eating and swallowing saliva. Because of this symptom, the disease is often confused with angina.
- Severe headaches.
- Signs of intoxication of the body: aching muscles and joints, weakness, loss of appetite.
- Swollen lymph nodes. The patient can find enlarged lymph nodes in almost all areas accessible for inspection. This is most often noticeable on the submandibular, cervical and occipital lymph nodes.
- An increase in the size of the liver and spleen. In this case, the patient may develop icteric syndrome: the urine darkens, the sclera of the eyes turn yellow, less often a rash appears all over the body associated with liver dysfunction.
The acute period lasts for several weeks. The temperature can rise for another month, after which a period of recovery begins. The patient's well-being gradually improves, the lymph nodes return to normal size, and the temperature curve stabilizes.
Important! A feature of the course of infectious mononucleosis in adults is the predominance of symptoms associated with liver damage (jaundice, dyspeptic disorders, etc.). The size of the lymph nodes increases slightly, in contrast to children.
The clinical signs of infectious mononucleosis are quite easy to confuse with angina, diphtheria, lymphogranulomatosis and some other diseases. The most typical sign is a specific change in the composition of the blood. With this disease, atypical mononuclear cells and an increase in the number of leukocytes and monocytes are found in the blood.
These atypical cells appear immediately or at 2-3 weeks of illness. During the recovery period, a small amount can also be found in the blood.
Important! Adults with infectious mononucleosis are often advised to additionally test for HIV infection, since similar blood changes and symptoms are observed during the initial manifestations of HIV infection.
Treatment of infectious mononucleosis, drugs
Treatment of infectious mononucleosis in children takes place at home, however, as in adults (with some exceptions). Patients with severe liver disorders may be admitted to a hospital.
No specific therapy has been developed for this virus, so parents are very worried about how to treat infectious mononucleosis in children. For therapy, various groups of drugs are used, aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the disease:
- Local rinsing with antiseptic solutions and herbal decoctions.
- Antihistamines.
- Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen). In children, it is not recommended to use aspirin to bring down the temperature because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Antibiotic therapy is indicated only in the case of a secondary infection.
- With severe swelling of the pharynx and tonsils, use short courses of glucocorticosteroids.
Physical activity should be limited for the entire period of the illness (1-2 months) - there is a danger of rupture of the spleen.
In parallel, the patient is prescribed a gentle chemical and thermal diet rich in vitamins and trace elements. Exclude fatty, fried and smoked foods so as not to overload the liver.
How long does infectious mononucleosis take?
Acute manifestations of the disease last for several weeks, during this period the patient receives symptomatic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Additionally, detoxification therapy is carried out, the use of immunomodulators is possible. At the stage of convalescence, the patient continues to adhere to a diet, limits physical activity and, if necessary, undergoes local treatment of the pharynx.
Full recovery occurs only after a month and a half. An infectious disease doctor is engaged in the treatment of such patients.
Forecast
Most patients have a good prognosis. The disease proceeds in mild and worn out forms and is easily amenable to symptomatic treatment.
Problems occur in patients with low immunity, in which the virus begins to multiply actively, which leads to the spread of infection.
There are no preventive measures against infectious mononucleosis, with the exception of a general strengthening of the body's immune system through a balanced diet, hardening and physical activity. In addition, you should avoid crowded places, ventilate the room and isolate such patients, especially from children.
Effects
The most common complication of the disease is the addition of a secondary bacterial infection. In patients with weakened immunity against the background of infectious mononucleosis, bronchitis, pneumonia and inflammation of other organs can develop.
Failure to adhere to bed rest can rupture the spleen. In rare cases, severe hepatitis and bleeding develop due to disorders of the blood coagulation system (the platelet count drops sharply).
Such complications are more typical for patients with a weakened immune system and severe concomitant diseases. In most cases, the symptoms disappear without a trace, but the virus remains in the body even after treatment of infectious mononucleosis throughout life, and can reappear with a decrease in immunity.
Content
Infectious mononucleosis (Filatov's disease) is a disease that is caused by the Epstein-Barr herpes virus. A high incidence is observed among girls aged 14-16 and boys aged 16-18. By adulthood, adults develop immunity, so the severe course of mononucleosis is rare, as are its complications.
Causes of complications of mononucleosis
Unlike children, adults have less tonsil hyperplasia, redness of the throat, and swollen lymph nodes. In patients over 35, the course takes an atypical form: pharyngitis does not develop, lymphadenopathy is absent, atypical mononuclear cells are not detected in the blood.
Chronic mononucleosis in adults is more dangerous, because it is long-term and asymptomatic, causing serious consequences.
Possible causes of complications of the disease:
- Lack of adequate treatment. This happens if Filatov's illness is confused with a cold.
- Severe forms of mononucleosis. With such a viral infection, intoxication is strongly expressed, it persists for 8 days.
Possible consequences of mononucleosis
The typical course of Filatov's disease is predictable. The acute stage lasts 7–20 days, after which the patient's condition should improve. Catarrhal symptoms disappear, lymph nodes decrease, and analyzes are normalized.
Complications can develop 1–2 weeks after the onset of a viral infection. The most dangerous is the enlargement of the spleen. Oncological complications can develop if mononucleosis occurs against the background of hepatitis, HIV, malaria. The consequences can be suspected by the following signs:
- paresis of the limbs;
- repeated fever;
- breathing problems;
- pain in the retrosternal and retroperitoneal space.
Ruptured spleen
This is a rare complication that occurs in 0.1–0.5% of cases. Without a timely operation, it is fatal. It develops as a result of increased growth of spleen tissues. They do not stand up, due to which the organ ruptures. This leads to intra-abdominal bleeding and death. characteristic symptoms of a ruptured spleen:
- pallor of the face;
- dizziness;
- sudden abdominal pain;
- fainting;
- darkening in the eyes.
The defeat of the meninges
Meningitis is the main consequence of Filatov's disease on the part of the meninges. Their inflammation is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, seizures, headache, and coordination disorders. Without treatment, it leads to cerebral edema, coma, death. After the course of treatment, the patient may still suffer from neurological disorders. With mononucleosis, the nervous system is involved in inflammation in 1–2% of cases.
Respiratory diseases
The respiratory system and ENT organs are the first to suffer from mononucleosis. Against the background of this viral disease, serious consequences can arise on their part:
- Upper airway obstruction. It develops as a result of their overlap with hypertrophied tonsils. Causes snoring, noisy breathing, efforts during inhalation and exhalation.
- Sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. This group includes otitis media - inflammation of one of the ear sections. These pathologies are formed in the acute period of Filatov's disease due to the ingress of bacteria on the mucous membranes.
Violations from other organs
The Epstein-Barr virus has a negative effect on almost all internal organs. On their part, the following consequences may arise:
- Hepatitis. It is manifested by yellowness of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera. Causes an increase in the level of bilirubin and transaminases in the liver.
- Myocarditis. It can develop 2 weeks after the onset of Filatov's illness. It is an inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Interstitial nephritis. This is an inflammation of the intermediate tissue, which later covers all structures of the kidney.
Rare complications of infectious mononucleosis
The consequences of mononucleosis are a rare occurrence, but among them pathologies can be distinguished that occur in exceptional cases. Such complications include the following pathologies:
- Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia. Associated with an inadequate response of the immune system. Thrombocytopenia is dangerous because it can cause a stroke. Anemia provokes anemic coma, urolithiasis, pressure reduction.
- Overstretching of the lienal capsule leading to rupture of the spleen. This is dangerous by the development of intra-abdominal bleeding.
- Interstitial bilateral lung infiltration. May lead to atelectasis, pneumosclerosis, respiratory failure.
- Autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus. In severe cases, they can cause disability.
Video
Content
The viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is called mononucleosis. Young children are prone to this pathology. By 5-7 years, antibodies to mononucleosis are found in 45-50% of patients. This suggests that there was an infection, but the immune system coped with the infection. Adults get sick less often, extremely rarely - over the age of 35.
Causes
The Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. It enters the adult's body through the respiratory system and affects the mucous membranes of the pharynx.
You can catch an infection from someone who is already sick or from a virus carrier.
Main risk factors:
- Close contact with the sick. This is especially true for kissing.
- Sneezing and coughing of a sick person near a healthy person.
- Transfusion of infected blood.
- Use of common household items with the patient.
- Internal organ transplant from a virus carrier.
Symptoms
The incubation period of infection lasts 7-10 days. The first signs of mononucleosis in adults appear in the prodromal period. This is the time from incubation to the immediate onset of the disease. Prodromal symptoms include weakness, nausea, and sore throat. Acute and chronic mononucleosis in adults have a different clinical picture:
|
The nature of the course of the disease |
Symptoms |
|
|
|
Chronic |
|
Diagnostics
During the collection of anamnesis, the doctor specifies the severity of the development of the disease, the order of onset of symptoms. After a physical examination, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:
|
Study |
What shows with mononucleosis |
|
General blood analysis |
|
|
Blood chemistry |
|
|
Determination of Epstein-Barr membrane and capsid virus antigens in blood |
|
|
Serological examination of blood for HIV infection |
The presence of mononuclear cells in the blood can also be observed in HIV. For this reason, a patient with mononucleosis is subjected to a threefold analysis for the immunodeficiency virus: in the acute period, after 3 and 6 months. |
|
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) |
Epstein-Barr virus DNA is detected in the oropharyngeal wash. |
|
Buccal scraping of the mucous membrane inside the cheeks |
Detects the DNA of the Epstein-Barr virus. |
|
Abdominal ultrasound |
|
Treatment of mononucleosis in adults
Treatment objectives for mononucleosis: relieve symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of bacterial complications.
When the characteristic signs of this infection appear in adults, you should consult a therapist, family doctor or infectious disease specialist.
With severe fever, bed rest is indicated. In case of liver dysfunction, diet No. 5 is prescribed according to Pevzner. Mononucleosis of mild to moderate severity is treated on an outpatient basis. Indications for hospitalization of adult patients:
- accession of complications;
- severe intoxication;
- the threat of asphyxia due to enlarged tonsils;
- high temperature of 39.5-40 degrees and above.
Drugs for treatment
Therapies for mononucleosis include topical, oral, intramuscular, or intravenous medications. It all depends on the severity of the disease. The main groups of drugs for this infection:
|
Drug group name |
What are they prescribed for? |
Examples of names |
|
Desensitizing |
Removal of puffiness and other allergic manifestations of infection. |
|
|
Antiviral, immunomodulators |
Strengthening the immune system. |
|
|
Antibacterial |
Antibiotics for mononucleosis in adults are prescribed for necrotizing processes in the pharynx in order to suppress the development of bacterial microflora. |
|
|
Glucocorticosteroids |
Removal of swelling of the tonsils. |
|
|
Antipyretic |
Decrease in temperature if it is above 38.5 degrees. |
|
|
Hepatoprotectors |
Maintaining liver function. |
|
|
Vasoconstrictor nasal drops |
Breathing relief. |
|
|
Antiseptic |
Throat treatment. |
|
Diet
You need to eat often - up to 5-6 times throughout the day, but the portions should not be large. In order not to irritate the throat, it is important to eat warm meals.
The ingredients should be crushed as much as possible. Lists of foods to diet during mononucleosis:
ethnoscience
Alternative medicine is just an adjunct to mainstream therapy. You should not completely rely on such recipes. Before using them, you must consult a doctor. Effective for mononucleosis include the following:
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 tbsp. l. lemon balm leaves, let stand for 10 minutes, drain. Drink 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day in small sips. Take until the condition improves.
- Grind the dried echinacea to make 1 tsp. raw materials. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over it, leave for half an hour. Drink a third of a glass of infusion three times a day. Take throughout the entire official treatment.
- Brew with a glass of boiling water 1 tbsp. l. calendula flowers, let it brew for about an hour. Strain before taking, drink 0.5 tbsp. up to 3 times throughout the day. Consume until the condition improves.
Effects
With an uncomplicated course, the prognosis of mononucleosis is favorable. Complications are extremely rare. This occurs when the disease is severe or there is no adequate treatment. Possible consequences of mononucleosis:
- rupture of the spleen (risk only 0.1-0.5%);
- meningitis;
- upper airway obstruction;
- sinusitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- interstitial nephritis;
- hepatitis;
- myocarditis;
- thrombocytopenia;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- hemolytic anemia.
Pregnancy risks
Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus during pregnancy is dangerous by its premature termination. In addition, the child develops intrauterine developmental disorders: malnutrition, hepatopathy, recurrent chroniosepsis. The risk of infection with mononucleosis of the fetus itself is also high. In the future, this will negatively affect the born child. He may develop:
- lymphadenopathy;
- prolonged subfebrile condition;
- hepatosplenomegaly;
- chronic fatigue syndrome.
Prevention
Specific prophylaxis against infection of the body with the Epstein-Barr virus has not been developed. Non-specific preventive measures are aimed at increasing general immunity. If a person has communicated with a patient, he must be observed within 20 days from the moment of contact. Other prevention methods:
- regular wet cleaning of premises with disinfectants;
- taking mild immunoregulators and adaptogens;
- proper nutrition;
- spending time in the fresh air;
- taking vitamins;
- hardening.
Video
Infectious mononucleosis or monocytic tonsillitis, also known as Filatov's disease and benign lymphoblastosis, is an acute disease of viral genesis that resembles sore throat in symptoms and proceeds with a predominant involvement in the inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The disease is accompanied by a characteristic change in the blood count, according to which it got its name. Infectious mononucleosis in adults and children occurs with varying frequency - most often cases of mononucleosis are recorded among young adults 20-30 years old. The disease responds well to treatment.
What is Mononucleosis?
The causative agents of the disease can be the following viral agents: Epstein-Barr virus (mainly), as well as herpes virus type 6 and cytomegalovirus. In some cases, their combination becomes the cause of the disease. The reservoir of infection and its source can be a person both with pronounced manifestations of the disease, and suffering from mononucleosis in an erased form. Less commonly, the infection is transmitted from a clinically healthy carrier of the virus.
Sick patients begin to excrete the virus into the external environment during the incubation period, starting from its second half. The release of the infectious agent continues after the onset of the primary infection for another 6-18 months. In addition, the presence of the virus is also confirmed in 15-25% of clinically healthy seropositive patients.
As the main ways of penetration into the body of a viral agent, its entry is called:
- into the oral cavity when kissing with the saliva of a patient or a carrier secreting a virus, with microscopic drops of sputum and saliva from a coughing or sneezing patient;
- when using common hygiene items and cutlery;
- during blood transfusion, through untreated reusable syringes;
- during intercourse;
- from mother to child through the placenta.
Note! The risk group for mononucleosis includes family members of the sick person, as well as his colleagues or members of any group in which an outbreak of this disease was recorded.
Mononucleosis is transmitted including airborne droplets Human susceptibility to the virus that causes acute and chronic mononucleosis is high, however, much more often mild and erased forms of this disease are recorded. Its spread is mainly promoted by immunodeficiency states.
Symptoms
Today, it is customary to distinguish between the typical and atypical varieties of the course of mononucleosis.
In addition, the disease is divided into acute and chronic mononucleosis.
Note! A separate form of the course of the disease is infection with the Epstein-Barr virus in patients suffering from immunodeficiency states of various origins and people living with HIV.
- The incubation period during the development of mononucleosis varies widely - from five days to one and a half months from the moment the infectious agent in one way or another entered the human body. After that, it begins to replicate and spread through the circulatory system.
The virus also accumulates in the lymph nodes. That is why, from the very beginning, their increase is noted in patients. Most often, the occipital, posterior cervical and submandibular lymph nodes are involved in the process. As the disease progresses, they become denser, remaining mobile and painless, in some cases they acquire a slight soreness.
- With the development of the disease, a period is possible without the formation of any specific symptoms. With such a picture, the main symptom of the disease is redness of the tonsils, as well as the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature to subfebrile, headaches, malaise, weakness, nausea and nasal congestion. Of course, all these signs are not a basis for a diagnosis of mononucleosis, even a preliminary one.
- More often, the disease develops acutely, namely in the following way: the patient develops a chill, he feels severe nausea, body aches, loses his appetite, suffers from severe headaches. This condition can last from a few days or stretch over a two-week period.
- After that, the patient develops a triad of specific classic signs of the disease with mononucleosis:
- an increase in body temperature up to 38 ° C and higher without increasing sweating (such a fever can last up to 1 month);
- swelling and slight soreness in the area of \u200b\u200bthe lymph nodes;
- sore throat (soreness, hyperplastic and follicular changes in the pharynx; redness, looseness and swelling of the tonsils, on which a yellowish-gray plaque appears, which can be easily removed mechanically with a cotton swab).
Often, patients have a characteristic rash on the skin (see photo below) and on the mucous membrane of the soft palate:
The liver and spleen of the patient sometimes increase in size, in some cases, yellowness of the skin is observed. Sore throat constantly grows up to the inability to swallow even liquid food and one's own saliva, as this brings torment to the patient.
The disease is accompanied by severe sore throat, which turns eating and even swallowing saliva into anguish - After about two to three weeks, the symptoms of the disease begin to gradually subside, and recovery comes.
- However, the course of the disease can be quite long and reach a period of up to one and a half years if it develops with periods of remission and exacerbations (chronic mononucleosis).
- With full recovery, the consequences of the acute form of the disease are absent, despite the fact that the pathogen may continue to persist in the blood. In this case, the disease does not return.
Complications with mononucleosis do not develop very often. The most common of them is otitis media, possibly the development of paratonsillitis, sinusitis and pneumonia (more often in children).
In extremely rare cases, patients develop hemolytic anemia. In addition, a dangerous, but very rare complication of mononucleosis is the rupture of the spleen, which occurs due to its sharp increase.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture as a whole, as well as on the basis of the obtained results of a patient's blood test with the detection of atypical mononuclear cells in it in combination with an increased level of lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of leukocytes.
It is also worth prescribing a test for the patient to determine antibodies to the virus that caused the disease.
So, the most important factor confirming a person's infection with this disease is the detection of atypical mononuclear cells in his blood in the laboratory in an amount of more than 10%.
What to do if you suspect a disease
If you identify symptoms of mononucleosis, you need to seek help from a district therapist or directly to an infectious disease doctor.
In the course of the disease in a mild to moderate form, the treatment of infectious mononucleosis in adults can be carried out at home. Observance of bed rest will be desirable, however, the question of its necessity is decided depending on the severity of the symptoms of intoxication.
For a period of at least six months after recovery, the patient continues to be monitored by a local therapist, an infectious disease specialist and other specialists (depending on the severity of the course of the disease). Convalescent patients during this time are categorically not recommended physical activity and psychoemotional stress.
Mononucleosis treatment
Treatment of mononucleosis in adults, especially if it is done at home, involves the use of disposable or personal cutlery and utensils, as well as avoiding close contact with family members and loved ones.
Mononucleosis should be treated in combination. The choice of drugs is due to the severity of certain symptoms of the disease.
- All patients will be shown antiviral agents such as Groprinosine, Valtrex and Acyclovir, Valtrex.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as antipyretics and relieve inflammation in pathological foci. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide (Nise) are well suited for these purposes.
Note! Taking acetylsalicylic acid for this disease is not just not indicated, but strictly prohibited!
- To relieve swelling of the tonsils, oropharynx and spleen, drugs from the class of antihistamines are prescribed: Cyterizin, Loratadin, Suprastin.
- Sometimes patients are shown the use of a specific immunoglobulin against the Epstein-Barr virus.
- If necessary (in order to relieve or prevent complications), in some cases, patients are prescribed drugs from the glucocorticoid group (Prednisolone), as well as antibiotics (except for Ampicillin drugs).
- If the patient suffers from a sensation of dryness and soreness in the throat, local treatment is recommended - treatment of the mucous membrane with Chlorhexidine, Furacillin or Gevalex.
Diet for mononucleosis plays an important role in its treatment. Patients are assigned a table number 5, excluding the use of animal fats, as well as smoked, spicy, fried and pickled foods. In addition, it is recommended to give up sweets, alcohol and coffee.
Chicken broth, yoghurts and kefir, preferably natural, with sourdough in the base, will be very useful. In addition, non-acidic juices or compotes will be useful to patients.
You can speed up the treatment of mononucleosis with the help of proper nutrition, which includes light broths To speed up the recovery of patients, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, along with drug therapy, treatment with folk remedies is indicated.
For example:
- with the help of Echinacea tincture, you can increase immunity;
- the use of a decoction of calamus or ginger prevents the accumulation of secondary bacterial infection and helps to reduce pain in the throat;
- and elderberry and dandelion will quickly soothe headaches and significantly strengthen the body weakened by the disease.
- And most importantly, in nature there is an amazing medicinal plant with pronounced antiviral properties, which can be used as etiotropic therapy!
This is Astragalus, and from it are prepared:
Infusion: chopped root in a quantity of 1 tablespoon is poured with 200 ml of freshly boiled water and kept in a thermos for 1-2 hours, after which it is cooled, filtered and taken ½ cup 3-4 times a day.
Broth: chopped root in a quantity of 6 gr. pour 200 ml of water, boil in a water bath for 15 minutes, and then insist 1-2 hours in a warm place. It is taken in the same way as the infusion.
During the recovery period and for a long time after it, patients need rest, proper nutrition, sleep and vitamin therapy (Supradin, Vitrum, Complivit).
Prevention
Alas, no specific prophylaxis has yet been developed. And the general preventive measures will be exactly the same as for other respiratory diseases. The causative agent of mononucleosis is not considered highly contagious, so there is no need to disinfect items that were in use by the patient or carrier. It is important to take measures aimed at overall strengthening the body and increasing immunity.
Prevention of infection consists in the simplest adherence to hygiene rules, the use of individual cutlery and toothbrushes, and careful monitoring of donated blood for the presence of viruses.
They called glandular fever, but in 1920 it was discovered that it was with glandular fever that monocytes mutated in a regular blood test, so the disease was renamed. In 1963, two scientists, Epstein and Barry, described a virus that is found in the blood (atypical mononuclear cells) during illness, calling it the Epstein-Barr virus of the herpesvirus family.
Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease during which the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems are affected. Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis in adults is transmitted by airborne droplets through saliva (for example, with kissing), through handshakes, sexually, when using the same household items with the patient. It is also transmitted by blood transfusion (parenteral), during childbirth and bone marrow transplantation.
Mononucleosis symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease are fever, tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils, oropharyngeal edema, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, rash in the palate, and polyadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes). During the period of illness, the liver and spleen enlarge, leukocytosis with a predominance of basophilic mononuclear cells, sometimes dyspeptic symptoms, abdominal pain, body aches, and severe sweating are noted. A yellow pigmentation of the skin is observed as a result of an increase in the serum bilirubin content.
The disease lasts about a month, and sometimes longer. In the first weeks, sore throat and an increase in lymph nodes appear, from subsequent weeks - splenomegaly, the occipital and posterior cervical lymph nodes often suffer, the palatine tonsils are coated and edematous. There is both an increase in body temperature and a sharp drop in it.
The incubation period for this disease is 5 to 1.4 months. Mononucleosis usually begins in an acute form. During this period, muscle pain appears, poor sleep, pharyngitis, headaches, myalgia and arthralgia, as well as diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness, and sometimes vomiting. A little later, there is a sore throat when swallowing saliva. The body temperature rises to 39 ... 41 degrees. Sometimes icteric syndrome develops: nausea appears, urine darkens, appetite decreases. There are frequent complications, for example, the addition of bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In most cases, the prognosis is good.
Treatment of mononucleosis in adults
If the disease is mild, it is recommended to be treated at home, drink plenty of fluids, and take antipyretic drugs to combat fever. If the disease is severe, hospitalization in the infectious diseases department follows. In this case, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics because they are not effective.
Medicinal plants will help in the treatment of mononucleosis:
- Mother-and-stepmother leaves, chamomile flowers, immortelle, birch buds, wormwood grass.
- Burdock root, chicory, cornflower flowers, chicory herb.
- Elecampane root, thistle herb, blackhead herb, rose hips.
- Maryin root, currant leaves, mint herb, nettle leaves.
Decoctions should be prepared, but first you need to consult with your doctor, since herbs have contraindications.
The so-called "kissing disease" mainly affects people under 35 (adolescents, students and those who did not get sick in childhood). What is most insidious, the doctor cannot immediately identify mononucleosis, confusing it with ARVI, angina or. Therefore, you should contact competent specialists to avoid complications. There is a high probability of catching the "disease of the young" in the autumn-winter months, you should monitor the state of immunity from the summer season.
Complications
Complications of mononucleosis are relatively rare, but they are extremely severe, sometimes even fatal. One of the causes of death of patients is a ruptured spleen. Hepatitis, cardiac complications (tachycardia, systolic murmur), psychosis, polyneuritis, facial muscle paralysis, as well as cranial nerve palsy, pneumonia, and respiratory tract diseases may develop. Severe granulocytopenia can lead to death. Hepatitis occurs with severe jaundice. Rashes on the skin all over the body, swelling of the eyelids, thrombocytopenia are possible. Lymph nodes in the throat can obstruct the airway and require surgery.
Diet for mononucleosis
Since the liver suffers from this disease, you should exclude some foods from your diet. All foods should be fortified with fats, carbohydrates and, most importantly, proteins and vitamins. You need to eat at least five times a day in small portions. Food should be high in calories.
Foods that should be given special attention are fish, compotes, mashed potatoes, meat, soup, vegetables, dairy products, fruits, bread, pasta, lemon tea, eggs. You will have to exclude from the diet pickled foods, mushrooms in any form, coffee and jam, as well as spicy foods (horseradish, garlic, spices, peppers), salt, cakes and ice cream, alcohol and cigarettes. The main thing is that a person understands how important this diet is for his health.
Ambulance for infectious mononucleosis
- To eliminate the sore throat, rinses with furacilin and iodinol are prescribed.
- Paracetamol will help reduce the temperature.
- It is necessary to strengthen the immune system, drink vitamins and herbal (homeopathic) preparations.
- If you have problems with respiratory function, you should take corticosteroids, call a doctor at home, then visit an infectious disease doctor, get tested and make sure that there are no mononuclear cells in the blood.
- Avoid contact with children until the incubation period has passed.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle and never self-medicate, trust a specialist, be vigilant, because the disease is easier to cure at the initial stage.
- Do not immediately panic, remember, the recognition of the disease, the first step to its healing, be healthy.
