Mononucleosis is a type of immune system disease. This disease is viral and is transmitted by contact. It occurs most often in childhood and adolescence, and therefore is also called "student fever". How to detect the disease at an early stage and start treatment of mononucleosis in children in time so that the disease does not lead to undesirable consequences? Let's talk about typical symptoms and general recommendations for treatment.
Mononucleosis in a child: symptoms of the disease
This is a pretty serious disease. which is easily explained - it can be detected only when passing special tests. And so the disease is quite similar to a typical flu. Symptoms are the same - headache, loss of appetite, high fever and sore throat. But there is still a difference, and therefore you need to carefully monitor the condition of the baby. The main symptom of the disease can be called an increase in lymph nodes, especially under the jaw. The most serious sign of mononucleosis is an enlarged spleen and liver. The child may begin to snore at night, which is the result of swelling of the adenoid tissue of the nasopharynx. True specialisthe will make an accurate diagnosis already at the initial examination, and if there is any doubt, he will advise you to take some tests. This will help to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
How the disease progresses
The disease does not go away quickly. Basically, the incubation period lasts about 50 days, in some cases less, but it depends on the immunity of the patient. True, otitis media, pneumonia or tonsillitis can become a residual consequence of the disease. Mononucleosis in a child has its own characteristics - even after recovery, the baby may feel weak and unwell for a long time. Therefore, all types of vaccinations are completely contraindicated for him within a year after the disease.
And how to treat this insidious disease?
Mononucleosis in a child, whose symptoms are similar to those of colds, does not require special treatment. The following recommendations should be followed: adhere to bed rest and diet, take vitamin preparations and, if necessary, antipyretic drugs.
That is, the treatment of mononucleosis in a child is exactly the same as with SARS and influenza. Remember to ventilate the patient's room and do wet cleaning daily. But these are just general recommendations. There should be no self-medication. In addition, acute mononucleosis may develop, the symptoms of which require urgent medical attention. Then you will be prescribed antibiotics and antiviral drugs. But once again we recall that to determine the treatment regimenonly a doctor can.
Remember, if a doctor has diagnosed mononucleosis in a child whose symptoms are similar to a cold and require similar treatment, you should never warm up. So, no mustard plasters, foot baths and inhalations! This may aggravate the patient's condition.
So, mononucleosis in a child whose symptoms you now know is not such a terrible disease if the correct diagnosis is made in time and timely treatment is started.