Causes and risk factors
The infection is caused due to Epstein-Barr virus. It can also be caused due to other viruses like the cytomegalovirus. The infection spreads through contact with saliva (while kissing) or through droplets in air (while coughing). Sharing contaminated food and drinks of the infected person can also lead to spread of infection. Teenagers, nurses, and people with weak immune system are more prone to this infection.
Clinical presentation:
The complaints are caused 4-6 weeks after the infection. The infection often mimics flu, hence diagnosis most of the times is difficult. In children, the infection often goes unnoticed, whereas even in adults less than 50% of cases are diagnosed with this infection. The patient comes up with complaints of fever, headache, body ache, sore throat, and rash. The rash is typically pink, measles like. At the general level, there is a sense of discomfort, drowsiness, along with loss of appetite. On examination, the lymph nodes are swollen along with yellowish discoloration of the sclera and mucous membrane. Headache, fatigue, stiffness of neck, pain in chest along with difficulty in breathing are the other complaints seen. In rare cases, enlargement of liver and spleen is seen. The infection is not a serious one and rarely can it lead to anemia, swelling of tonsils leading to obstruction of throat, or thrombocytopenia.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. Examination reveals yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane along with lymph node enlargement. Monospot test which comprises of detection of EBV antibodies is a diagnostic test. Routine blood cell counts are done. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis can also be done as needed.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment available, hence corticosteroid medications are administered. The treatment aims at relieving the complaints. Antipyretics can also be advised. Along with this, proper rest, nutritious food, and fluid intake is suggested.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
