Mononucleosis is a painful process that proceeds in an acute form against the background of damage to the spleen, liver and lymphatic system, as well as changes in the composition of the blood. Consider the main symptoms and treatment methods of mononucleosis in children and adults.
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Pathogens and forms of mononucleosis
As an independent disease, mononucleosis was described by the scientist N.F. Filatov in 1885 and received the official name "idiopathic inflammation of the lymph glands." Another name for the disease is glandular fever, since it occurs against the background of a pronounced increase in lymph nodes.
The causative agent of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, or type 4 herpes virus. It is able to persist in the body for a long time.
Getting on the mucous membrane of the mouth or nasopharynx, the microorganism penetrates the blood and lymphatic fluid, as a result of which a number of disorders develop.
By forms, mononucleosis is divided into the following types:
- typical, with pronounced symptoms;
- atypical, when there are no characteristic signs of the disease or are weak.
Three degrees of severity are distinguished depending on the course of the disease:
- Easy. In this case, the acute period lasts no more than 5 days, and recovery occurs within 2 weeks. Symptoms are expressed implicitly, and an increase in lymph nodes is observed only in the cervical region.
- Medium. In this situation, the disease is expressed moderately and lasts 7-8 days. Often any complications develop, which delays recovery for up to 3-4 weeks.At the same time, an increase in intraperitoneal is attached to the inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes.
- Heavy. With this form, the symptoms are severe, and the disease lasts at least 8 to 10 days. Complications in this case are inevitable, and the recovery process stretches for a month. Lymph nodes increase in groups, which can be detected not only by palpation, but also in the process of visual inspection.
And also mononucleosis is classified depending on the duration of the disease.
It happens:
- acute when some symptoms persist for up to 90 days;
- protracted, in which changes can be observed for 3 to 6 months;
- chronic, lasting for six months or longer.
On a note. Epstein-Barr viruses are viable, and once they get into the blood, they remain in it forever. For this reason, relapses of the disease are not uncommon when any symptoms reappear some time after recovery.
Mononucleosis infection routes
The main route of transmission of viral mononucleosis is considered to be airborne. Quite rarely, infection can occur in utero, from the mother to the embryo, or through sexual contact. And there is also a theory that the causative agent of the disease is able to enter the body through household items or with food.
Outbreaks of this disease occur during off-season periods. Most often, children and adolescents become infected, in adults and infants mononucleosis occurs much less frequently.
The insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that after the virus enters the bloodstream, a person remains its carrier until the end of his life. But if the patient’s immune defenses are strong enough, a second exacerbation is unlikely.
Symptoms and signs in adults and children
The duration of the incubation period and the severity of the signs of the disease depends on the state of the immune system. As a rule, after the infection enters the bloodstream, it declares itself within a month. But the incubation period can last very shortly, only a few days, or it can stretch for 50-60 days.
The following symptoms are characteristic of mononucleosis in adults and children:
- tonsils and larynx become inflamed, which is accompanied by pain, plaque and halitosis;
- the mucous membrane in the nose is affected, breathing is difficult;
- there are signs of intoxication in the form of fever and chills, headaches and general weakness;
- lymph nodes in the cervical, inguinal, axillary regions become inflamed;
- the liver and spleen increase, signs of jaundice are observed, urine darkens;
- a small reddish rash appears on the body, but there is no itching;
- dizziness and sleep disturbances, swelling on the face and eyelids are noted;
- the patient feels constant fatigue, which can persist even after recovery.
Read also: where is and how the spleen hurts
On a note. The course of the disease in patients of infancy is somewhat different. It is manifested by cough and runny nose, as well as some puffiness of the face. A rash with mononucleosis in children under one year of age occurs infrequently and disappears after a few days.
What diseases can be confused with mononucleosis
Symptoms that accompany infectious mononucleosis are also characteristic of other diseases.
When making a diagnosis, it is important to differentiate it from such disorders:
- icteric viral hepatitis;
- acute leukemia;
- diphtheria of the oral cavity and nasopharynx;
- respiratory adenovirus disease.
To make an accurate diagnosis, specialists conduct a number of studies, laboratory and instrumental.
Diagnostic measures
To make an accurate diagnosis, blood samples are taken for the following mononucleosis tests:
- general, in order to detect the level of leukocytes and red blood cells;
- biochemical, to establish the level of sugar, protein and urea;
- enzyme immunoassay, to detect antibodies to the virus;
- PCR analysis to identify sources of infection by DNA.
In addition, ultrasound diagnostics are prescribed to determine the condition of internal organs.
With an atypical course of the disease, such additional measures can be prescribed:
- electroencephalogram;
- electrocardiogram;
- radiography of the lungs.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the attending physician decides what methods and medications will be used to treat mononucleosis.
How to treat mononucleosis in adults, children
In the treatment of mononucleosis, a number of medications are used, and a special diet is also prescribed. In addition, it is not forbidden to use traditional medicine, but before choosing any of them, you should consult your doctor.
Drug therapy
In the process of treating an infectious disease, drugs of the following groups are prescribed:
- antibacterial drugs to prevent complications;
- antiviral medications that promote the production of interferons that fight pathogens;
- antifungal medications necessary for the development of complications of a fungal nature;
- glucocorticoid drugs that help stop the process;
- antipyretic drugs that normalize body temperature;
- immunomodulators to enhance the body's defenses; detoxifiers that facilitate the course of the disease.
In addition to tablets and injections, topical agents are prescribed. It is recommended to gargle with antiseptic solutions to avoid the addition of secondary infections.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine methods can accelerate recovery and reduce the severity of the main symptoms of the disease.
To alleviate the condition, such means are used:
- against fever - tea with chamomile, mint, raspberries, currants and honey;
- to eliminate the symptoms of intoxication - lingonberry juice and lime decoction;
- for the destruction of viruses and microbes - tea based on echinacea;
- to remove toxins from the body - a decoction of lemon balm;
- to stimulate immunity - teas with wild rose, motherwort, mint and hawthorn.
For external use in the area of inflamed lymph nodes, compresses with decoctions are used, which include pine buds, calendula, chamomile, birch or willow leaves.
Diet for mononucleosis
With mononucleosis, it is important to reduce the load on the liver, so a special diet is prescribed for the patient.
In the preparation of the diet, the following principles must be observed:
- To give the patient a vitamin-rich food with normal calories.
- Prepare meals in liquid or mashed condition.
- Introduce lean meat and fish, dairy and sour-milk products, cereals and fruits into the diet.
- Exclude fatty, spicy, salty or sour foods, seasonings, garlic and onions.
- Give the patient a lot of liquid in the form of purified water, compotes and herbal teas.
On average, treatment of mononucleosis takes 1 to 2 weeks if there are no complications.
Forecast and consequences
If the disease proceeds without complications, the prognosis is favorable. The main thing is that after recovery the patient’s blood condition should be monitored. This must be done during the year.
The following conditions are common complications of mononucleosis:
- inflammation of the meninges;
- ruptures of the spleen;
- paresis and paralysis of the muscles of the face and limbs;
- pneumonia
- hepatitis and read signs of liver damage;
- disturbances in the work of the heart;
- anemia
- airway obstruction;
- mental disorders.
In case of complications, treatment is carried out in two directions: the elimination of symptoms of mononucleosis and the fight against manifestations of concomitant disorders.
Prevention
Specific prophylaxis, which is guaranteed to avoid infection with mononucleosis, has not been developed. But you can reduce the risk of infection by taking measures to strengthen the immune system and observing the principles of personal hygiene.
If one of the family members became infected with mononucleosis, it will be quite difficult to avoid infection with the rest, even if the premises and household items are disinfected regularly. The fact is that viruses remain in the blood of a person after recovery, and pathogens can be transmitted to others at any time if they come into contact with its carrier.
It is important to understand that although mononucleosis is not a deadly disease, you should not neglect safety measures and the recommendations of doctors during treatment. This infection can lead to a number of different life-threatening complications.
