Consequences of mononucleosis in adults. Mononucleosis in adults: symptoms and treatment. General characteristics and methods of infection

To diagnose complications that have developed, it may be necessary to conduct other studies, such as ultrasound or x-rays. It is important to remember that the disease is easier to treat if it is diagnosed in a timely manner.

That is why, when the first symptoms of mononucleosis appear, it is important to immediately seek help from a doctor. Only timely treatment will avoid chronic disease and complications.

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis

If the patient has infectious mononucleosis in an uncomplicated form, then all treatment procedures are carried out at home. At the same time, he needs, for the duration of his illness, to compose his diet according to the rules of diet No. 5:

• increase the consumption of fiber, lipotropic substances, pectins;
• drink more fluids;
• all dishes are steamed, boiled or baked;
• eat only warm foods;
• foods rich in cholesterol, essential oils, and oxalic acid are excluded.

Of the general measures, it is important to observe semi-bed rest and try to avoid hypothermia. It is very important to ventilate the room frequently.

Drug therapy includes:

• antiviral agents;
• means to reduce body temperature;
• steroid therapy as indicated;
• administration of immunoglobulins;
• antihistamines;
• solutions for irrigation of the pharynx.

It should be noted that specific therapy for infectious mononucleosis, that is, a vaccine, is at the development stage and is unlikely to be introduced into use in the near future.

Despite its apparent simplicity, infectious mononucleosis is a very serious disease that requires a responsible approach. So, it is very important to promptly seek help from a specialist who knows exactly the symptoms and treatment of mononucleosis in adults. Only an early start of therapeutic measures will prevent the development of complications and make it possible to cope with the disease as quickly as possible.

Content

The viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is called mononucleosis. Young children are prone to this pathology. By 5-7 years of age, antibodies to mononucleosis are detected in 45-50% of patients. This suggests that there was an infection, but the immune system coped with the infection. Adults get sick less often, extremely rarely - over the age of 35 years.

Causes

Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. It enters the adult body through the respiratory system and affects the mucous membranes of the pharynx.

You can catch the infection from someone who is already sick or a virus carrier.

Main risk factors:

• Close contact with a sick person. This is especially true for kissing.
• Sneezing and coughing of a sick person near a healthy person.
• Transfusion of infected blood.
• Sharing common household items with the patient.
• Transplantation of internal organs from a virus carrier.

Symptoms

The incubation period of infection lasts 7-10 days. The first signs of mononucleosis in adults appear during the prodromal period. This is the time from incubation to the immediate onset of the disease. Prodromal symptoms include weakness, nausea, and sore throat. Acute and chronic mononucleosis in adults have different clinical pictures:

Nature of the disease	Symptoms
	temperature rise to 38.5-39.5 degrees; redness and swelling of the tonsils, a gray coating on them; enlarged anterior and posterior cervical, submandibular, axillary, inguinal lymph nodes; increased sweating; fever; yellowness of the sclera, skin; chills; muscle aches; myalgia; migraine; enlarged spleen (on days 7-9 of illness); liver enlargement (on days 9-10).
Chronic	mild lymphadenopathy; mild hyperplasia of the tonsils; jaundice; lethargy; dyspepsia; fever lasting no more than 2 weeks.

Diagnostics

When collecting anamnesis, the doctor clarifies the severity of the disease and the order in which symptoms appear. After a physical examination, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:

Study	What does it mean for mononucleosis?
General blood analysis	moderate leukocytosis; predominance of lymphocytes and monocytes; relative neutropenia; shift of the leukocyte formula to the left; presence of atypical mononuclear cells.
Blood chemistry	moderate increase in the activity of AST and ALT; increase in the amount of bound bilirubin.
Determination of membrane and capsid Epstein-Barr virus antigens in blood	antibodies to VCA antigens of the Epstein-Barr virus; serum immunoglobulins detected during the incubation period; immunoglobulins G, detected after infection.
Serological blood test for HIV infection	The presence of mononuclear cells in the blood can also be observed with HIV. For this reason, a patient with mononucleosis is subjected to three tests for the immunodeficiency virus: in the acute period, after 3 and 6 months.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	Epstein-Barr virus DNA is detected in oropharyngeal swabs.
Buccal scraping of the mucous membrane inside the cheeks	Detects Epstein-Barr virus DNA.
Abdominal ultrasound	hepatosplenomegaly; enlargement of mesenteric lymph nodes.

Treatment of mononucleosis in adults

Treatment goals for mononucleosis: alleviating the symptoms of the disease and preventing the development of bacterial complications.

If characteristic signs of this infection appear in adults, you should consult a general practitioner, family doctor or infectious disease specialist.

For severe fever, bed rest is indicated. In case of liver dysfunction, diet No. 5 according to Pevzner is prescribed. Mild to moderate mononucleosis is treated on an outpatient basis. Indications for hospitalization in adult patients:

• addition of complications;
• severe intoxication;
• threat of asphyxia due to enlarged tonsils;
• high temperature of 39.5-40 degrees and above.

Drugs for treatment

Therapy for mononucleosis includes topical, oral, intramuscular or intravenous medications. It all depends on the severity of the disease. The main groups of drugs for this infection:

Name of the drug group	What is it prescribed for?	Name examples
Desensitizing	Relieving swelling and other allergic manifestations of infection.	Clemastine; Chloropyramine; Zodak; Loratadine; Mebhydrolin.
Antiviral, immunomodulators	Strengthening the immune system.	Arbidol; Imudon; Anaferon; Viferon.
Antibacterial	Antibiotics for mononucleosis in adults are prescribed for necrotizing processes in the pharynx to suppress the development of bacterial microflora.	Amoxicillin; Oxacillin; Erythromycin.
Glucocorticosteroids	Relieving swelling of the tonsils.	Prednisolone (not Prednisolone); Dexamethasone.
Antipyretics	Decrease in temperature if it is above 38.5 degrees.	Ibuprofen; Nimesulide; Paracetamol.
Hepatoprotectors	Maintaining liver function.	Essentiale Forte; Antral.
Vasoconstrictor nasal drops	Easier breathing.	Sanorin; Naphthyzin.
Antiseptic	Throat treatment.	Miramistin; Furacilin; Chlorophyllipt.

Diet

You need to eat often - up to 5-6 times throughout the day, but the portions should not be large. In order not to irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, it is important to eat dishes warm.

The ingredients should be crushed as much as possible. Lists of foods for diet during mononucleosis:

ethnoscience

Alternative medicine methods are only an addition to the main therapy. You should not completely rely on such recipes. Before using them, please consult a doctor. The following drugs are effective for mononucleosis:

• Pour 250 ml boiling water 1 tbsp. l. lemon balm leaves, let stand for 10 minutes, strain. Drink 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day in small sips. Take until the condition improves.
• Grind the dried echinacea to make 1 tsp. raw materials. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over it and leave for half an hour. Drink a third of a glass of infusion three times a day. Take throughout official treatment.
• Brew a glass of boiling water with 1 tbsp. l. calendula flowers, let it brew for about an hour. Before taking, strain and drink 0.5 tbsp. up to 3 times throughout the day. Use until the condition improves.

Consequences

With an uncomplicated course, the prognosis for mononucleosis is favorable. Complications develop extremely rarely. This occurs when the disease is severe or there is no adequate treatment. Possible consequences of mononucleosis:

• splenic rupture (risk only 0.1-0.5%);
• meningitis;
• upper respiratory tract obstruction;
• sinusitis;
• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• interstitial nephritis;
• hepatitis;
• myocarditis;
• thrombocytopenia;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• hemolytic anemia.

Risks during pregnancy

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus during pregnancy is dangerous due to its premature termination. In addition, the child develops intrauterine developmental disorders: malnutrition, hepatopathy, recurrent chronic sepsis. The risk of mononucleosis infection of the fetus itself is also high. In the future, this will negatively affect the born child. He may develop:

• lymphadenopathy;
• prolonged low-grade fever;
• hepatosplenomegaly;
• chronic fatigue syndrome.

Prevention

Specific prevention against infection of the body with the Epstein-Barr virus has not been developed. Nonspecific preventive measures are aimed at increasing general immunity. If a person has been in contact with a sick person, they must be monitored for 20 days from the date of contact. Other prevention methods:

• regular wet cleaning of premises with disinfectants;
• taking mild immunoregulators and adaptogens;
• proper nutrition;
• spending time outdoors;
• taking vitamins;
• hardening.

Video

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as Filatov's disease, glandular fever, monocytic tonsillitis, Pfeiffer's disease. It is an acute form of Ebstein-Barr virus infection (EBVI or EBV - Epstein-Barr virus), characterized by fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis, hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), as well as specific changes in the hemogram.

Infectious mononucleosis was first discovered in 1885 by N.F. Filatov, he noticed a febrile disease accompanied by an enlargement of most lymph nodes. 1909-1929 - Burns, Tidy, Schwartz and others described changes in the hemogram in this disease. 1964 - Epstein and Barr isolated one of the pathogens of the herpesvirus family from lymphoma cells, the same virus was isolated from infectious mononucleosis.

As a result, they came to the conclusion that this virus (Epstein-Barr virus), depending on the form of the course, gives various diseases:

- acute or chronic mononucleosis;
- malignant tumors (Breckitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphogranulomatosis);
- triggering of autoimmune diseases (the involvement of the virus in lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis is considered);
— CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome).

Causes of mononucleosis

The causative agent of the infection is the low-contagious lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which belongs to the family of herpetic viruses. It has opportunistic and oncogenic properties, contains 2 DNA molecules and is capable, like other pathogens of this group, of persisting in the human body for life, being released from the oropharynx into the external environment for 18 months after the initial infection. The vast majority of adults have heterophilic antibodies to EBV, which confirms chronic infection with this pathogen.

The virus enters the body along with saliva (which is why some sources call infectious mononucleosis the “kissing disease”). The primary site of self-reproduction of viral particles in the host body is the oropharynx. After damage to the lymphoid tissue, the pathogen invades B-lymphocytes (the main function of these blood cells is the production of antibodies). Having a direct and indirect effect on immune reactions, about a day after introduction, virus antigens are detected directly in the nucleus of the infected cell. In the acute form of the disease, specific viral antigens are found in approximately 20% of B lymphocytes circulating in the peripheral blood. Having a proliferative effect, the Epstein-Barr virus promotes the active proliferation of B lymphocytes, which in turn stimulate an intense immune response from CD8+ and CD3+ T lymphocytes.

Symptoms of mononucleosis

Symptoms of acute infectious mononucleosis

On average, the incubation period is 7-10 days (according to various authors, from 5 to 50 days).

In the prodromal period, patients complain of weakness, nausea, fatigue, and sore throat. Gradually, the negative symptoms intensify, the body temperature rises, signs of sore throat appear, nasal breathing becomes difficult, and the cervical lymph nodes become swollen. As a rule, by the end of the first week of the acute period of the disease, there is an enlargement of the liver, spleen and lymph nodes on the back of the neck, as well as the appearance of atypical mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood.

In 3-15% of patients with infectious mononucleosis, pasty (swelling) eyelids, swelling of the neck tissue and skin rashes (maculopapular rash) are observed.

One of the most characteristic symptoms of the disease is damage to the oropharynx. The development of the inflammatory process is accompanied by enlargement and swelling of the palatine and nasopharyngeal tonsils. As a result, nasal breathing becomes difficult, a change in the timbre (compression) of the voice is noted, the patient breathes with a half-open mouth, making characteristic “snoring” sounds. It should be noted that with infectious mononucleosis, despite severe nasal congestion, in the acute period of the disease there are no signs of rhinorrhea (constant discharge of nasal mucus). This condition is explained by the fact that as the disease develops, the mucous membrane of the inferior turbinate is damaged (posterior rhinitis). At the same time, the pathological condition is characterized by swelling and hyperemia of the posterior pharyngeal wall and the presence of thick mucus.

In the majority of infected children (about 85%), the palatine and nasopharyngeal tonsils are covered with plaque. In the first days of the disease they are solid, and then take on the appearance of stripes or islands. The occurrence of plaque is accompanied by a deterioration in general condition and an increase in body temperature to 39-40 ° WITH.

Enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) is another characteristic symptom observed in 97-98% of cases of infectious mononucleosis. The size of the liver begins to change from the very first days of the disease, reaching maximum values ​​on days 4-10. It is also possible to develop moderate jaundice of the skin and yellowing of the sclera. As a rule, jaundice develops at the height of the disease and gradually disappears along with other clinical manifestations. By the end of the first, beginning of the second month, the size of the liver is completely normalized; less often, the organ remains enlarged for three months.

The spleen, like the liver, reaches its maximum size on days 4-10 of illness. By the end of the third week, in half of the patients it is no longer palpable.

The rash that appears at the height of the disease can be urticarial, hemorrhagic, morbilliform and scarlet fever. Sometimes petichial exanthemas (point hemorrhages) appear at the border of the hard and soft palate. You see a photo of a rash with infectious mononucleosis on the right.

There are no significant changes observed in the cardiovascular system. Systolic murmur, muffled heart sounds and tachycardia may occur. As the inflammatory process subsides, negative symptoms usually disappear.

Most often, all signs of the disease disappear after 2-4 weeks (sometimes after 1.5 weeks). At the same time, normalization of the size of enlarged organs may be delayed by 1.5-2 months. It is also possible for a long time to detect atypical mononuclear cells in a general blood test.

In childhood, chronic or recurrent mononucleosis does not occur. The prognosis is favorable.

Symptoms of chronic mononucleosis

This form of the disease is typical only for adult patients with weakened immune systems. This may be caused by certain diseases, long-term use of certain medications, or severe or constant stress.

Clinical manifestations of chronic mononucleosis can be quite varied. Some patients experience an enlarged spleen (less pronounced than during the acute phase of the disease), enlarged lymph nodes, and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Body temperature is usually normal or low-grade.

Patients complain of increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, or sleep disturbances (insomnia), muscle pain and headaches. Occasionally, abdominal pain, occasional nausea and vomiting are observed. Often, the Epstein-Barr virus is activated in individuals infected with types 1-2 of herpesvirus. In such situations, the disease occurs with periodic painful rashes on the lips and external genitalia. In some cases, the rash may spread to other areas of the body. There is an assumption that the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis is one of the causes of the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Diagnosis of mononucleosis in adults

In case of acute tonsillitis syndrome and the occurrence of atypical mononuclear cells in the blood, infectious mononucleosis is diagnosed. The presence of infection is suspected based on the general clinical picture. The following methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Conducting a serological blood test for antibodies to mononucleosis; during infection, an increased titer of class M immunoglobulins is recorded, when the detection of only anti-EBV IgG is an indicator of the disease, and not of a characteristic acute process.
2. The laboratory carries out an accurate determination of membrane and capsid Epstein-Barr virus antigens in the blood.
3. Buccal scraping from the mucous membranes inside the cheeks and PCR blood examination;
4. To clarify the severity of the disease, it is necessary to donate blood for biochemical tests.
5. A chest x-ray is taken.
6. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
7. In the acute stage of the disease, testing for HIV infection is necessary.

Treatment of mononucleosis in adults

There is no specific therapy for infectious mononucleosis. The main goals of treatment are:

• elimination of symptoms;
• prevention of complications - in particular, the addition of a bacterial infection.

Traditional methods of treating mononucleosis in adults

After preliminary differential diagnosis and prescription of drug treatment, the effectiveness of treatment with folk remedies can be effectively supported. Medicinal herbs and other non-traditional methods can perfectly complement medications and increase their effect. It is recommended to use decoctions prepared from medicinal herbs:

• Take the same proportion of edelweiss grass; cornflower flowers; burdock, elecampane and chicory roots. Grind everything thoroughly. Pour 3 tablespoons of the mixture into a suitable container and brew with a liter of boiling water. Leave for 12 hours. Then strain. Take 0.5 cups half an hour before meals. The maximum course of treatment with decoction is about two months;

• Using the same recipe, you can prepare a decoction of calendula, chamomile flowers, yarrow, string and immortelle, as well as coltsfoot herbs. Take according to the same system.

Mononucleosis requires an additional, special approach to the recovery process (more time for rest, good sleep, decent rest).

Consequences of mononucleosis in adults

In most cases, the prognosis in adults is favorable, the disease recedes and patients return to a normal lifestyle. But in some patients, mononucleosis takes a chronic form, and then the process is delayed. Moreover, in some cases the consequences of the disease can be very serious and sometimes even lead to the death of the patient.

What could happen? The main cause of death from mononucleosis is splenic rupture. There is a possibility of complications in the form of severe hepatitis and possible kidney inflammation. There is a risk of developing pneumonia, which must be treated immediately.

Serious hematological disorders are also possible: excessive destruction of red blood cells (a type of anemia), a decrease in the content of granulocytes and platelets in the blood.

The virus that causes mononucleosis can also affect the nervous system. Therefore, there is a small chance of some neurological complications. This may be damage to the cranial and facial nerves, resulting in paralysis of the facial muscles. Sometimes polyneuritis (multiple nerve damage), encephalitis is possible, and there is even a possibility of developing psychosis.

Prevention of mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a viral disease, the causative agent of which can enter the body through airborne droplets. However, taking certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection. First of all, you should follow the basic rules of personal hygiene:

• wash your hands as often as possible, especially after visiting public places;

• do not use other people’s utensils and personal hygiene products;

• refrain from eating after someone.

Considering that the virus can be transmitted through kissing and sexual contact, no one will advise you to give up pleasure. However, you should be picky in your relationships so that momentary weakness does not turn out to be a serious problem in the future. In addition, we should not forget about procedures to strengthen the immune system: harden yourself, play sports, take multivitamins, and often be in the fresh air. If mononucleosis has already been diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, then the likelihood of a relapse at an older age is excluded. If symptoms characteristic of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor. There is probably a disease with similar manifestations.

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpesvirus family. The frequency of infection does not depend on the region or gender of the patient. Most often they suffer from it in adolescence; cases of vivid manifestation occur in adults with severely weakened immunity (usually these are HIV-infected patients). In what cases does the disease develop, and how is mononucleosis treated in adults?

The difference between the virus that causes mononucleosis and other herpes viruses is that it does not destroy the cell into which it invades, but begins to stimulate its growth. In this particular case we are talking about B-lymphocytes. In addition to the main clinical picture, this virus is capable of causing malignant Burkitt lymphoma and carcinoma in the nasopharynx.

Infection occurs from a carrier or a sick person. The virus is constantly released from the body, starting from the first day of manifestation of the disease, and then for 6-18 months. Transmission occurs by airborne droplets, and slightly less frequently by contact (dishes, unwashed hands, common household items). The peculiarity of the infection is that it is also transmitted from mother to child and fetus through the placenta.

Usually, when infectious mononucleosis appears in adults, its symptoms are mild and it occurs in an erased form. The reason that children under one year of age are protected from infection is that they receive passive immunity through breast milk. If an adult becomes seriously ill, then an immunodeficiency state can be assumed.

Symptoms

The time from the moment of infection to the development of the first symptoms ranges from five days to 1.5 months. The first signs of infectious mononucleosis depend on the type of pathological process. There are two options for the development of the disease - gradual and acute.. In the first case, the symptoms increase slowly and the patient notes:

• slight malaise;
• weakness;
• slight catarrh of the pharynx;
• temperature (up to 37 degrees);
• swelling in the nose and congestion;
• enlarged tonsils.

In acute cases of pathology, the symptoms will be more pronounced:

At the height of the disease, the infectious process gains maximum momentum. Intoxication becomes severe, tonsillitis (catarrhal, follicular, and even ulcerative-necrotic), enlarged liver and spleen, and significant enlargement of lymph nodes are observed. Sometimes plaque on the tonsils resembles the nature of a lesion caused by diphtheria. Hemorrhages may be observed on visible mucous membranes.

A characteristic symptom of infectious mononucleosis is a total enlargement of the lymph nodes in the first days of the development of the disease.

They can be easily palpated in accessible places (back of the head, neck, lower jaw).

Liver function is disrupted, the vast majority of patients experience yellowing of the skin, indigestion, and urine becomes dark. Sometimes spots and papules appear on the skin, which are not accompanied by itching or other sensations, and then disappear without a trace. Abdominal pain occurs, which is caused by enlarged intestinal lymph nodes.

In some cases, an acute disease becomes a chronic process. Its duration is up to one and a half years, with alternating remissions and exacerbations. The addition of an infection can worsen the prognosis, but this complication occurs more often in childhood.

How to make a diagnosis

Since the disease is accompanied by signs that can also be observed in other pathological conditions, a final conclusion about its presence can be made only after laboratory diagnostics.

1. A general blood test will show a slight increase in leukocytes, where lymphocytosis and monocytosis, as well as neutropenia, will be noted. Atypical mononuclear cells can be detected, which sometimes remain in the white blood even after recovery.
2. Serological methods help detect antibodies to the virus. Serum globulins are observed even during the incubation period. If the results are positive, such criteria are considered sufficient to make a final diagnosis.
3. When the diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be tested three times for the presence of HIV infection, since it is also accompanied by the appearance of mononuclear cells in a blood test.
4. Patients should consult an otolaryngologist who performs pharyngoscopy.

Therapy

Treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease is carried out at home. The patient is required to remain in bed if fever occurs. Signs of severe intoxication and problems in the liver require the patient to stay in the hospital.

An important point is diet, especially if jaundice and other signs of impaired hepatocyte function develop. In this case, the patient should limit the consumption of foods that can put a lot of stress on the liver and cause a worsening of the condition. Food should be steamed or boiled; it is not recommended to eat fried, smoked, preserved food, marinades and spicy seasonings. You should eat 4-5 times a day, in small portions; to improve absorption, it is recommended to slightly warm the food. Cold foods and those that are too hot at the time of the acute process should be completely avoided.

Infectious mononucleosis in adults cannot be treated with antibiotics.

They are used only in the case of the addition of bacterial pathogenic flora. The drugs of choice are tetracyclines or penicillins. Sometimes the doctor, taking into account the nature and severity of the process, may use antiviral drugs. But their effectiveness in this disease has not been proven and is questioned.

In severe cases, hormonal therapy is used. Prednisolone is used in medium doses, in an average course. When prescribing, possible side effects should be taken into account. When immune strength decreases, immunostimulants and multivitamin complexes help.

Folk remedies

In the treatment of mononucleosis, herbs are used as an additional means of enhancing immunity and to combat viral infection.

Astragalus root has the most powerful antiviral effect, which can be used in the form of an aqueous tincture or decoction.

To help with mononucleosis, you should take echinacea. This herb will stimulate the production of immunity, eliminate the influence of the virus and prevent the addition of secondary bacterial flora.

Ginger and turmeric

To relieve redness and sore throat, you can gargle with tea made from ginger root or turmeric. You can use a mixture of ingredients in equal parts. For tea, take a tablespoon of the mixture or one of the ingredients per 220-250 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes. After straining, gargle or drink with sugar or honey.

Other means

There are other recipes and folk remedies for the treatment of mononucleosis:

Treatment of mononucleosis will be effective if all types of therapy are used in combination. You should not self-medicate; you should take medications and folk remedies only after consulting a specialist.

Infectious mononucleosis in adults is caused by a type 4 herpes virus. The disease is accompanied by swelling of the throat mucosa and symptoms of general intoxication. Treatment must be comprehensive. It includes the use of medications and normalization of nutrition.

The lack of timely treatment provokes the development of chronic carriage, which subsequently becomes the cause of many health problems.

How does infection occur?

Often this disease is diagnosed in childhood, but mononucleosis in adults is no less rare. You can become infected from a carrier or directly from an infected person..

The virus enters the body in several ways:

• airborne;
• contact and household;
• sexually;
• parenteral;
• placental.

This only means that contact with any biological fluids of an infected patient provokes the development of the disease in a healthy person. Viruses that cause mononucleosis are able to survive in the air for some time, which gives them the opportunity to penetrate the body long after being outside the human body.

To prevent the development of chronic carriage, you should know the first signs of mononucleosis in adults in order to begin quality treatment in a timely manner.

Symptoms of mononucleosis

The disease does not develop immediately. After the virus penetrates, an incubation period begins, which can range from several days to 1 month. At this time there are no signs. Then, when the infection has firmly established itself in the patient’s body, the first traces of intoxication begin to appear.

Symptoms and treatment of infectious mononucleosis in adults begin with the following signs:

1. Severe swelling of the throat mucosa, which makes it impossible to swallow. This process causes pain to the sick person.
2. Catarrhal symptoms are added. This includes nasal congestion, changes in the timbre of the voice, its nasality, hyperemia of the throat mucosa, swelling of the tonsils, and so on.
3. Heat. At the beginning of the disease, it rises to high levels, but the numbers are not stable. It can decrease and increase again.
4. Signs of general intoxication appear. Headache, increased sweating, aching joints, chills are symptoms of a person’s general malaise.
5. Sometimes patients feel nausea and even vomiting due to the sensation of a foreign body in the throat due to its severe swelling.

Symptoms last for at least two but no more than three weeks. If such signs are detected, you should seek help from specialists. This will help prevent chronic mononucleosis in adults.

If this is not done, the disease will be accompanied by lifelong carriage; deterioration of the condition and the appearance of other ENT diseases can often be observed.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

Diagnosis of viral mononucleosis in adults begins with taking blood tests and a throat swab. The specialist also carries out differential diagnostics, which helps him distinguish this disease from other infectious problems.

To diagnose an infectious disease, the doctor carries out the following measures:

• taking a general blood test - it can show relative leukocytosis with a shift to the left;
• the blood is also examined for the presence of atypical mononuclear cells, if there are more than 10% of them, this directly indicates the presence of mononucleosis;
• diagnosis by serological method involves the detection of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens;
• virus isolation by PCR is carried out much less frequently, as it does not make much sense;
• performing pharyngoscopy.

The complex of these studies makes it possible to timely identify the disease and begin treatment.. Differential diagnosis is often carried out.

Differential diagnosis

Manifestations of mononucleosis in adults may indicate more or, conversely, less serious diseases that should be excluded during diagnosis. This will allow you to choose the right treatment tactics that will be effective.

What can mononucleosis be confused with:

• diphtheria of the throat;
• AIDS virus;
• tonsillitis of other etiology;
• complicated respiratory infection.

A full examination will help distinguish this disease from any others. When HIV infection is suspected, a three-fold serological test is performed, since with this disease, an excessive number of mononuclear cells in blood tests is also sometimes observed.

Treatment

Only comprehensive and timely treatment of mononucleosis in adults will help achieve a full recovery without the disease becoming chronic. For therapy, symptomatic medications are prescribed, as well as medications that directly affect the virus, suppressing its vital activity.

Considerable importance should be given to nutrition. This helps relieve excess stress on the liver and spleen, which are directly affected by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Treatment methods for mononucleosis:

1. Therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. Bed rest is indicated in rare cases when there is a strong increase in temperature and general weakness.
2. Detoxifying agents. They help remove waste products of the virus from the body.
3. Symptomatic medications. These include antipyretic and painkillers.
4. General strengthening and immunostimulating therapy. Increases immunity, which allows the body to quickly cope with infection.
5. Antibiotics of the penicillin and tetracycline series. Indicated for the prevention of secondary infection, as well as for complicated mononucleosis.

If the disease provokes rupture of the spleen, splenectomy is indicated as an emergency, that is, removal of an organ. To reduce the load on the liver, the doctor prescribes diet No. 5.

Diet during illness

In order to comprehensively treat mononucleosis, you should adhere to certain nutritional rules, which are implied by the 5th table. In a hospital, it is prescribed without fail, but if the patient is treated on an outpatient basis, he must independently monitor his diet. Fats are completely excluded from the menu.

What not to eat:

• pork;
• fatty fish;
• offal;
• canned food;
• kupaty;
• smoked sausages and sausages;
• sweets with cream that contain a lot of fat;
• peanut butter;
• many types of cheeses.

You should not fry food in oil; it is better to give preference to baking or boiling. All refractory fats are prohibited, but carbohydrates and proteins must be present within acceptable limits.

Folk remedies

It should be understood that it is not possible to carry out full-fledged therapy for mononucleosis using folk remedies alone. Home medicine will enhance the effect of medications and provide a mild symptomatic effect.

Before using any prescription instead of any medicine, you should consult your doctor about the appropriateness of these actions.

Recipes:

When sick, it is recommended to drink a lot of warm liquid. Tea speeds up metabolism and promotes the rapid elimination of waste products of infection from the body. A small amount of fresh ginger root should be brewed with boiling water; you can add dried St. John's wort and chamomile. Fresh inflorescences are also not prohibited.

• Herbal infusions

To be treated with herbal decoctions, they must be brewed correctly. A tablespoon of the mixture is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and left under the lid for 15-20 minutes. One of the collection options: calendula, chamomile, coltsfoot, yarrow, immortelle and string. All herbs should be taken in equal proportions. Second option: currant and raspberry leaves, rose hips, dried meadowsweet flowers and bergenia root.

Any of the ingredients can be collected independently or purchased at the pharmacy in ready-made form..

• Cabbage broth

Helps relieve pain and promotes rapid healing of the throat mucosa. To do this, you need to prepare several fresh cabbage leaves and pour boiling water over them, completely covering them with water. Boil for 5-10 minutes over medium heat, cool and strain. The decoction should be consumed at room temperature to prevent tissue irritation.

Prevention and prognosis

There is no vaccine against mononucleosis, so all segments of the population are susceptible to serious exacerbation of the disease. However, non-specific prevention can be carried out.

What can be done to prevent the disease:

• boost immunity in various ways;
• carry out disinfection and wet cleaning in areas of infection;
• follow the rules of asepsis and antiseptics.

Timely treatment of the acute form of the disease will help prevent chronic infectious mononucleosis, as well as avoid the consequences. If there is no secondary infection and the disease is not complicated by other health problems, the prognosis is favorable.

Serious complications develop extremely rarely; the only problem worth fighting is chronic carriage of the virus.

Mononucleosis bothers the sick person for several weeks, which takes anyone out of their usual way of life for a long time. But the implementation of prevention, timely diagnosis and competent treatment will help reduce all risks to minimum levels.