Mononucleosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Mononucleosis Definition

Mononucleosisis a infection with the Epstein-Barr virus in which there is an increase of white blood cells that have a single nucleus. The infection can be spread by saliva. Its incubation period is four to eight weeks. The rate of mononucleosis among college students has been estimated at 15 percent. Infected young children usually have little or no illness but become immune. Diagnosis of mononucleosis follows the exhibition of a large number of abnormal white blood cells on microscopic blood examination.

Mononucleosis is primarily affects young adults and children, although in children it's usually so mild that it's often overlooked. The virus most commonly infects the liver, lymph nodes, and mouth. Mononucleosis is usually not a serious disease. Mononucleosis is also known as mono, the kissing disease.

Mononucleosis Causes

The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis is related to the herpes viruses. The herpes viruses are responsible for infectious diseases such as cold sores, chickenpox, and shingles. Most people are exposed to Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives. Mononucleosis is usually spread by person to person contact. Saliva is the primary, but not exclusive, method of transmitting Mononucleosis. It is estimated that 90% of adults in the world have Epstein-Barr virus-antibodies, having been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives.

The disease develops if the virus is encountered for the first time at an age when the response of the body's immune system is most vigorous. The peak incidence of the illness occurs around the ages of 15 and 17. The virus is spread through contact with saliva from an infected person. It can be transferred by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing of drinking glasses or eating utensils.

Mononucleosis Symptoms

Once the virus has passed into or infected an individual, a period of four to eight weeks generally passes before that person becomes ill. This interval is known as the incubation period. Symptoms usually take 30 to 50 days to develop.

The symptoms of the mononucleosis may be included:

• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach
• Enlarged spleen
• Enlarged liver
• Swollen eyelids
• Enlarged spleen
• Jaundice
• Armpits and groin
• Severe sore throat
• Swelling around the eyes
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Muscle aches or stiffness

Mononucleosis Treatments

The most effective treatment for mononucleosis is rest because a person's body needs time to fight off the infection.

In most cases of mono, no specific treatment is necessary. The illness is usually self-limited and passes much the same way other common viral illness resolve.

For a sore throat: drink milk shakes, fruit juices, and broths, and eat cool, bland foods. Additionally, gargle with saltwater and take aspirin.

There is no specific treatment available. Antiviral medications do not help. A trial of steroid medication may be considered for patients who have severe symptoms.