Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is mononucleosis?
- How common is glandular fever?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of mononucleosis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes mononucleosis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for mononucleosis?
- Diagnosis
- What are the tests for glandular fever?
- Treatment
- What are my treatment options for mononucleosis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for mononucleosis?
Definition
What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis (mononucleosis) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This virus belongs to the herpes virus group. The infection can cause fever, sore throat, and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck. Therefore, mononucleosis is often referred to as glandular fever.
Viruses that cause mononucleosis can be transmitted easily through saliva. Modes of transmission include kissing, droplets released when a person sneezes or coughs, and sharing eating and drinking utensils with an infected person.
The most serious complication of mononucleosis is swelling of the spleen. However, usually the condition is not dangerous and will go away on its own.
How common is glandular fever?
Mononucleosis is a disease that is more common in adolescents aged 15 to 17 years. Likewise with young adults, but EBV infection can actually be experienced by people of any age.
You can prevent glandular fever by reducing the existing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of mononucleosis?
Symptoms of this disease are often similar to flu. As a result, the signs and symptoms of glandular fever are difficult to recognize at first.
Even so, some of the common signs and symptoms of mononucleosis are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Enlargement of tongsillitis
- Muscle pain or muscle stiffness
- A rash appears
- Weak, lethargic and powerless
- Swollen lymph nodes, most commonly in the neck and armpits
Most people who have mononucleosis experience mild symptoms. However, there may be some signs or symptoms not listed above.
If you have any concerns about a particular symptom, please see your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, try consulting a doctor. Especially if the symptoms have not subsided in more than 4 weeks and have prevented you from doing normal activities.
Always consult with your doctor to find the best solution for your current condition.
Cause
What causes mononucleosis?
The cause of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). According to the CDC, EBV is a member of the herpes virus family and is one of the most common viruses infecting humans worldwide.
Another disease caused by the herpes virus is skin herpes that affects the mouth, genitals or shingles (shingles).
The EBV virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the saliva from the mouth of an infected person and cannot be transmitted through blood contact.
You can catch the virus that causes glandular fever through coughing or sneezing, kissing, or sharing food or drink with someone who has glandular fever.
It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks for symptoms to appear after you have been infected.
In adolescents and adults, this infection causes symptoms that can be observed in 35 to 50 percent of cases. In children, Eipstein-Barr virus infection usually causes no symptoms so they often go unrecognized.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for mononucleosis?
At this time, there is not enough clear information to determine which factors increase the risk of developing mononucleosis.
If you don't have risk factors, that doesn't mean you can't get mononucleosis. This condition indicates you have a greater chance of getting infected with glandular fever.
Groups susceptible to exposure to viruses that cause mononucleosis are:
- Teens and adults aged 15 to 30 years
- Medical officer
- Caregiver
- People who use drugs that suppress the immune system
Diagnosis
What are the tests for glandular fever?
The doctor will check your medical history and pay attention to the condition of parts of the body such as the neck, throat, and stomach.
In a physical exam, your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms, for example how long these signs have been going on.
The doctor will also look for signs such as swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen, and consider how these signs relate to the symptoms being experienced.
The doctor may order blood and throat tests to confirm the examination and the possibility of other diseases.
Some of the other tests that doctors can do to diagnose mononucleosis are:
- Antibody test
If additional confirmation is required, a monospot test may be performed to check for antibodies in the blood for the Epstein-Barr virus.
This screening test produces results within one day, but may not detect infection within the first week of the disease.
Different antibody tests take longer to yield, but can detect the disease even within the first week of symptoms.
- White blood cell count
Your doctor can use other blood tests to look for an increased number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) or lymphocytes that look abnormal.
This blood test will not confirm glandular fever, but may suggest the disease as a possibility.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for mononucleosis?
The goal of mononucleosis treatment is to relieve symptoms of the disease. Your doctor can prescribe a steroid medication (prednisone) if your symptoms are getting worse.
Some things you can do to relieve symptoms of mononucleosis are:
- Drink lots of water
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat
- Enough rest
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief and fever
You should also avoid exercise if you have swelling of the spleen to prevent the risk of splenic rupture.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for mononucleosis?
Lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with glandular fever include:
- Rest and drink enough water to maintain fluid balance in the body.
- Ask your doctor about all the drugs you take, either with or without a prescription.
- Tell your doctor if you have pain in your stomach or shoulders.
- Try to avoid kissing or using the same utensils as an infected person.
- Wash your hands frequently
- Do not exercise until you are completely cured
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
Healthy people who have had a history of this disease can carry and pass the infection on a regular basis. Even so, don't worry, mononucleosis is a disease that can be prevented.
A person who has been infected with EBV will form antibodies to fight this infection. People usually get this disease only once in life. However, in general mononucleosis is rare in Indonesia.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
