Mononucleosis is a viral disease that is accompanied by fever, inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, manifestations of tonsillitis, peculiar changes in the blood and lesions of various organs.
The disease does not pose an epidemic threat. The virus quickly dies in the external environment. But it is present in the saliva. A child pulling in the mouth of various objects can become infected, especially if he is in a group of children in which there is a carrier of infection. This is why outbreaks of mononucleosis sometimes occur in kindergartens.
Classification
The disease is classified depending on the severity of specific manifestations of infectious mononucleosis:
- Typical
Flows with classic manifestations of the disease.
- Asymptomatic
There are no signs and the fact of infection is determined only by the results of the test.
- Erased
The main signs of infection are minimally expressed or similar to the symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Visceral
The disease is manifested mainly by damage to internal organs, the main signs are lesions of the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, urinary and other systems.
The course of mononucleosis can be acute and last up to 3 months, protracted – up to 6 months, chronic – more than 6 months.
Causes of mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is a rapidly spreading disease of a viral nature. It is transmitted from person to person. In the environment, the herpesvirus does not live long, so it does not spread through objects. A carrier of Epstein-Barr virus does not necessarily have to have the disease in acute form – the presence of the pathogen in the body is enough.
Transmission is possible in several ways:
- through saliva (during kissing);
- through blood (after a transfusion);
- sexually;
- vertically (during childbirth).
Children have a habit of pulling toys into their mouths or licking them. The spread of mononucleosis in this way at an early age is very likely, and babies can be asymptomatic. According to statistics, 90% of adults have DNA from the virus.
Symptoms of mononucleosis
In the typical course of mononucleosis, most patients present with the classic symptoms:
- high temperature up to 39.5-40.5 ° C (usually it is maximum in the afternoon or early evening);
- appearance of monocytes in the blood (by the end of the first week of the disease);
- enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the neck (especially the posterior group);
- increase in the size of the liver and spleen;
- reddening of the pharynx to a bright red color (other signs of sore throat – inflammation of the tonsils and purulent plaque – may also appear).
Secondary manifestations of mononucleosis:
- rash on hard palate or body;
- generalized weakness;
- swelling of the face and eyelids;
- sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose;
- diarrhea (not always).
Sometimes the signs of mononucleosis do not appear abruptly. The temperature gradually rises, general weakness increases, minor catarrhal manifestations appear. At the peak of the infection, fever is maximally expressed, lymph nodes are enlarged, the area around them swollen and friable.
Treatment of mononucleosis disease
Specific treatment of mononucleosis has not been developed.
To help the patient, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. In mild cases, it is carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a pediatrician or therapist, in more complex cases – after hospitalization in an infectious disease department.
- Non-medication
During the peak of manifestations of infection, the patient should observe bed rest, take large amounts of fluids and adhere to a mechanically and chemically sparing diet. With a decrease in the severity of fever, inflammation of the oropharynx and general malaise, the activity can be expanded. During the first 1-1.5 months, to reduce the risk of splenic rupture, it is recommended to limit physical activity, do not lift heavy weights and refuse to engage in contact sports.
- Medication
Antipyretics are prescribed to support the patient during fever. Symptomatic therapy may include means for gargling the throat, antiseptics to reduce inflammation of the oropharynx, anesthetics and analgesics, vasoconstrictor drops for the nose.
If a bacterial infection is attached, antibiotics are prescribed. In severe cases, glucocorticoids and immunoglobulins are used.
- Surgical
Surgical care may be needed if complications of mononucleosis develop, such as suppuration of lymph nodes or rupture of the spleen.
- Folk remedies
Means of folk medicine can be used for the treatment of mononucleosis in agreement with the doctor as an addition to the main therapy.
Prevention
Prevention of mononucleosis requires:
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- eat properly;
- avoid bad habits;
- see a doctor in time.
These measures will help prevent the development of mononucleosis or mitigate its course.
Conclusion
Mononucleosis is a viral disease that, despite its non-life-threatening nature, can significantly worsen the patient’s quality of life. It is important to recognize its symptoms and start treatment in time to avoid complications such as ruptured spleen or inflamed lymph nodes. Although there is no specific treatment for mononucleosis, symptomatic therapy, adherence to bed rest and limiting physical activity during the period of illness help to speed up recovery. It is also important to remember preventive measures, such as personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, to reduce the risk of infection.
