Mononucleosis is an acute viral disease that affects the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems. Its causative agent is the Epstein virus, which belongs to the herpes group. The disease is serious, hard to bear.
How does infection occur? What are the symptoms of mononucleosis? How is the diagnosis carried out? What is needed for treatment? We will talk about this and much more in our article.
Infection
The spreader of this disease is an infected person. From it, other he althy people can also "pick up" the infection by airborne droplets or contact. You can get mononucleosis by kissing a sick person, using their towel, drinking from their bottle.
Children usually become infected by sharing toys. Also, the virus is transmitted during blood transfusion (blood transfusion), from mother to child during pregnancy. However, it should be noted that children have an innate immunity to thisherpesvirus, so during the first year of life they are immune to it.
People are easily infected with this virus, but the disease is usually mild. Therefore, the symptoms of mononucleosis are often subtle, similar to the signs of many other ailments. The peak incidence occurs in adolescence (14-18 years).
But people over 40 rarely get infected with it. It should also be noted that the peak incidence occurs in spring and autumn. In addition, every 7 years a powerful epidemic surge is recorded. So far, scientists do not know why this is happening.
Danger of disease
In simple terms, the virus, entering the bloodstream, immediately begins to attack B-lymphocytes - cells of the immune system. Once in the mucous membrane, it remains there forever.
This herpesvirus cannot be completely destroyed, like other pathogenic microorganisms of this group. There is currently no effective vaccine against this virus. The main problem in its creation is the difference in the composition of proteins at different stages of its existence.
Once an infected person remains a carrier of Epstein-Barr viruses for the rest of his life. But their activity can be blocked, so it is important not to neglect the treatment.
It should also be noted that viruses, once inside immune cells, lead to their transformation. As they reproduce, they produce antibodies to themselves as well as toinfections.
Over time, the intensity of their distribution increases. Soon, parasitic cells fill the lymph nodes and spleen, which provokes their enlargement.
It should be noted that antibodies are extremely aggressive compounds. Under certain conditions, they can begin to mistake body cells for foreign agents, leading to the formation of diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and diabetes.
Disease development
The first symptoms of mononucleosis may not appear immediately. The incubation period lasts from 5 days to 1.5 months. A prodromal stage is also possible. It occupies a temporary niche between the incubation period and the disease itself. During its course, the manifestation of some symptoms that are not specific may be observed.
The gradual development of the disease is characterized by the following features:
- Subfebrile body temperature. For a long time, it rises within 37.1-38.0 °C.
- Disease, causeless weakness and increased fatigue.
- Catarrhal changes in the upper respiratory tract. Manifested in nasal congestion, hyperemia of the oropharyngeal mucosa (overflow of blood vessels) and enlargement of the tonsils.
More severe symptoms of mononucleosis appear later. By the end of the first week, the following signs appear:
- The rapid rise in temperature. She can reach veryhigh performance, up to 40 °C.
- Severe sore throat that worsens when swallowing and yawning.
- Increased chills and sweating.
- Body ache.
- Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
- General toxic effects.
- Enlargement and disruption of the liver and spleen (hepatolienal syndrome).
- Nasal congestion and shortness of breath, nasal voice.
- Yellowish coating on tonsils (similar to diphtheria).
- A hemorrhagic rash appears on the mucous membrane of the soft palate. It tends to have a loose, grainy character.
Temperatures fluctuate over time, and fever can last from a couple of days to several months.
Quite often, a sore throat develops (ulcerative necrotic, membranous, catarrhal or follicular), icteric syndrome appears, accompanied by a decrease in appetite and nausea. Patients may experience dark urine and icterus of the sclera.
In especially severe cases, an exanthema is formed - a skin rash of a viral nature of a papular-spotted type. It passes quickly and leaves no residue.
The acute form of the disease lasts about 2-3 weeks. Then comes the period of reconvalescence. At this time, immunity is restored, the pathogen is excreted from the body. Functions impaired during illness are restored.
But this period will not come if you do not pay attention to the symptoms of mononucleosis in time and start treatment. Otherwise, remission will not occur. Vice versa,the disease will worsen and lead to complications.
Symptoms of mononucleosis in children
This topic needs to be considered separately. In babies, the disease manifests itself with symptoms similar to those listed above. The child has:
- Slow fever.
- Characteristic swelling of the glands.
- Angina due to inflammation of the pharyngeal and palatine tonsils (tonsillitis).
- Fatigue and physical discomfort.
- Rhinitis, head and stomach pains.
- Difficulty swallowing, bleeding gums.
- Pain in the joints.
Typically, the symptoms of mononucleosis in children are observed within a few weeks. However, in rare cases, the illness can last for months.
Due to severe fatigue and chronic fatigue, the child needs a long sleep. It is important to make a reservation that the disease can proceed both in a typical and in an atypical form, which is characterized by a characteristic degree of severity.
Symptoms of mononucleosis in young children are most pronounced. The disease is more difficult for them. Babies have a hard time with mononucleosis. In them, it may be accompanied by the development of such consequences:
- Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia).
- Changes in the central nervous system.
- Enlarged spleen and liver.
But children don't have very high fevers, rashes and sore throats.
If treatment is started on time, the disease can be eliminated in 3-4 weeks. But the composition of the blood can continue to change inwithin half a year. That is why it is important that the child continues to be under the supervision of doctors.
Diagnosis
It is necessary if symptoms of mononucleosis are suspected. Treatment and prevention in children and adults takes place exclusively under the supervision of a specialist. Before prescribing procedures and therapy, you need to make a diagnosis.
After a visual examination and questioning, the doctor may prescribe a blood cell test.
If a person is really sick with mononucleosis, then the analysis will show moderate leukocytosis with a predominance of monocytes and lymphocytes. Neutropenia is also detected - a reduced level of neutrophilic granulocytes.
With this disease, atypical mononuclear cells appear in the blood, which are large cells of various shapes with a wide basophilic cytoplasm. Often their number is more than 80% of all white blood elements.
It happens that during the study, if it is carried out in the first days after the probable infection, mononuclear cells are absent. However, this does not exclude the diagnosis. Because these cells are formed within 2-3 weeks.
Virological diagnosis of mononucleosis is not carried out, due to the irrationality and laboriousness of the process.
Also, very often, to confirm the diagnosis, they resort to a serological diagnostic method - they detect antibodies to the VCA antigens of the virus.
After the symptoms of mononucleosis disappear (the photo of the pathogen that provokes them is presented above), they live in the blood for a long timespecific immunoglobulins G. A recovered person will need to undergo tests aimed at excluding the possibility of having an HIV infection (in this disease, mononuclear cells are also present in the blood).
Komarovsky's opinion
Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky is a pediatrician of the highest category, whose words are listened to by many parents whose child has undergone some kind of disease. Many useful things can be learned by studying his works on mononucleosis in children. Komarovsky talks about the symptoms and treatment in detail. The doctor notes that children under the age of 2 years rarely get sick with it. If they become infected with this infection, they carry it easily. Much more often, mononucleosis affects children older than 3 years.
You should be wary if the child begins to tire quickly, breathe through his mouth and snore heavily. This is due to inflamed tonsils and swelling of the adenoid tissue. Also, the child may lose their appetite.
Also, all of the above symptoms of mononucleosis in children are observed. Komarovsky claims that after the onset of remission, the child is prohibited from vaccinating for the next 6-12 months. Parents need to limit their child's contact with people. It is contraindicated to stay in the sun. Another important task is to maximally restore immunity in a sick baby, for which the child's body needs improved nutrition.
Consequences
Much has been said above about the symptoms and treatment of mononucleosis in children and adults. It is worth listing the possiblecomplications, which, fortunately, are rare. These include:
- Rupture of the enlarged spleen. It is fraught with massive internal bleeding. Symptoms: sudden pain in the side, dizziness, pallor, darkening of the eyes, fainting.
- Accession of a bacterial infection. At the peak of the disease, the body is exposed to viruses. If they get on the mucous membranes, they can lead to bronchitis, sinusitis and tonsillitis. Symptoms: a new wave of fever, deterioration of he alth, increased pain in the throat.
- Difficulty breathing. Enlarged tonsils, which are so large that they close together, lead to this. The same is fraught with an increase in lymph nodes.
- Hepatitis. Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by liver damage. Perhaps even the formation of jaundice.
- Meningitis. This complication is one of the rarest. Symptoms of damage to the membranes of the brain are persistent headache, convulsions and vomiting.
In addition, hematological complications are possible with mononucleosis. The most common are thrombocytopenia and anemia.
Drugs for treatment
Talking about the causes and symptoms of mononucleosis, it is impossible not to discuss how the treatment is carried out for this disease. Of course, the doctor prescribes therapy. Self-medication is not recommended, as this can further harm he alth. Doctors typically prescribe the following medications:
- Ergoferon. It is a homeopathic remedy that has an immunomodulatory andanti-inflammatory action. It activates nonspecific immunity, which helps fight the virus. Effective against many respiratory, intestinal, bacterial and herpes infections.
- "Isoprinosine". A synthetic derivative of purine, which has an antiviral and immunostimulating effect. It also prevents a decrease in the activity of lymphocyte cells, stimulates T-lymphocytes, and destroys viruses.
- "Flavozid". A syrup made from flavonoids. Suppresses the replication of RNA and DNA viruses, protects the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, increases the level of sIgA and lactoferrin. Even a single use of it leads to the synthesis of interferon, lasting about 6 days.
- "Echinacea compositum C". Combined homeopathic remedy that effectively eliminates the symptoms of mononucleosis in adults. Its composition is a combination of four nosodes, thanks to which it is possible to strengthen the immune system and eliminate hidden foci of the disease as quickly as possible.
- "Amizon". An effective drug that has an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. It also has interferonogenic properties, helps to increase the concentration of endogenous interferon in the blood plasma. In addition, this remedy significantly increases the body's resistance to various viral infections.
- "Anaferon". The drug has antiviral activity. Increases the overall resistance of the body.
These are the main drugs used to treat the symptoms of mononucleosis in adults. In addition to taking medication, a person will have to avoid contactwith other people for at least 10-15 days. Bed rest may also be prescribed. It is important at this time not to carry out heavy physical work and not to play sports.
How to treat children
In order to avoid complications and consequences, the symptoms of mononucleosis in children, as in adults, must be paid attention immediately and promptly begin treatment. The child is shown detoxification therapy and taking drugs that have a tonic and desensitizing effect.
Also, the symptoms are removed by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, for example) and antipyretics.
Inflammation and sore throat can be eliminated by drugs such as Bioparox and Hexoral. It is best to opt for drugs that do not contain ethanol. "Iodinol", "Furacilin", chamomile infusion will suit the child.
If complications arise, the pediatrician prescribes drugs such as Ganciclovir, Acyclovir and Viferon.
Antibiotics are rarely taken. They do not help fight infection, but they do cause side effects. Their reception is indicated for complications. In particular, with meningitis, otitis, pneumonia and tonsillitis. But even in this case, it is better to opt for new generation drugs from the class of cephalosporins and macrolides.
Fortifying Therapy
During an illness, it is important not only to take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, but also to follow some recommendations that help strengthen immunity and maintainhe alth. Required:
- Take bifidobacteria. They contribute to the suppression of the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Drink vitamins or whole complexes. You don't even need to talk about their benefits - without these substances, the body cannot function normally.
- Drink plenty of fluids (clear water, weak green or herbal tea).
- Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever.
- Rinse the oropharynx with antiseptics with a small amount of lidocaine, a local anesthetic.
- Use folk remedies - decoctions of mint, chamomile, rose hips, dill.
- Drink linden tea with lemon balm and lemon, which not only soothes, but also helps to cope with nervous system disorders and intoxication.
- Use infusions based on ginger root or calamus decoction for edema.
- Relieve pain with a decoction of dandelions.
Adequate rest and regular walks in the fresh air are also required.
Of course, all patients need a diet. Much has been said above about what kind of disease it is - mononucleosis, and about the symptoms that are observed with it.. With this ailment, it is very difficult to swallow. In addition, mononucleosis can cause liver damage.
It is important to eat foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates. It is necessary to actively eat fish, lean meat, vegetable soups, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products. But fatty, spicy, s alty and heavy foods should be abandoned. Also“harsh” foods are contraindicated - garlic, coffee, onions, horseradish, vinegar, marinades.
Following these recommendations and performing treatment, the symptoms of mononucleosis and the disease itself can be eliminated without problems.
