Epstein-Barr virus, benign lymphoblastosis, mononucleosis - what is this disease and why does it have several names? This acute infectious disease is accompanied by a lesion of the oropharynx and lymph nodes. Her clinical manifestations were first described by NF Filatov. This is a complex disease, in the pathological process of which the spleen and liver are also involved.
Symptoms of mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is transmitted in an acute period from a sick person. Usually, infection occurs by airborne droplets during close contacts. That's why mononucleosis is also called a kissing disease. In general, it affects people with weak immunity or who have suffered severe stress and are subjected to strong mental and physical stress. Also, the virus is transmitted through blood transfusions.
It is very important to know not only what this mononucleosis disease is, but also what its symptoms are. This will help to recognize it in the first stage and avoid complications. Mononucleosis is characterized by:
- a strong increase in temperature;
- increased tonsils, liver and spleen;
- severe pain in the throat;
- changes in blood composition.
From the first days, the patient also has mild ailment, headaches and muscle pains. In the latent course of the disease, mononucleosis is manifested by painful sensations in the joints and slight changes in the pharynx and angular maxillary or posterior cervical lymph nodes. A little later there is soreness on swallowing, abundant mucous discharge and a sharp difficulty in breathing. Some patients also have:
- easy stuffiness of the nose;
- Persecution in the throat ;
- massive friable overlays of white and yellow on the tonsils.
When the infection touches the lympho-intestinal tract, pigmentation spots and a rash appear on the skin. Usually, after 3-5 days, all skin rashes completely disappear.
Consequences of mononucleosis
Complications of mononucleosis are rare, but very dangerous. Hematological consequences include reduced platelet count and increased destruction of erythrocytes. In some, the content of granulocytes decreases.
The consequences of a mononucleosis disease also include:
- lesions of the facial nerve;
- multiple lesions of nerves;
- psychosis;
- interstitial pneumonia.
There is also the danger of the appearance of a variety of neurological complications, beginning with encephalitis and ending with paralysis of the cranial nerves. Many do not know what is dangerous for mononucleosis, and do not go to the doctor. Is it dangerous. The complications of this ailment include a rupture of the spleen and obstruction of the respiratory tract. This can lead to death.
Treatment of mononucleosis
To relieve headache and reduce temperature with mononucleosis, it is recommended to take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. To improve the difficulty of nasal breathing, it is best to use vasoconstrictive drugs Ephedrine or Galazoline. You should also gargle:
- with a soda solution;
- a warm solution of furacilin;
- salt water.
To prevent or reduce allergic reactions, patients are assigned desensitizing agents, for example, Interferon.
Immunity after illness mononucleosis is strongly weakened, therefore it is better to avoid physical activity and heavy sports. It is useful to practice physical exercise and often walk in the fresh air. The patients should be under the supervision of an infectious disease specialist for 6 months and carry out blood tests. For more rapid recovery after a disease of mononucleosis, which was increased liver and spleen , it is recommended to follow a diet (table number 5).