Mononucleosis (Mono) Treatment

Mononucleosis is more popularly known as the 'kissing disease'. Though maximum cases of mononucleosis are found in the age group of 15-35, it can also affect small children. The symptoms of mononucleosis in children are mild and may often go unnoticed. The disease usually does not affect adults, as their immune system is well-developed and strong enough to fight against the virus.

Causes and Symptoms of Mononucleosis
The virus that causes mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is present in the saliva and mucus and can be transferred from one person to another, by kissing. Hence, the name kissing disease. The virus can also spread through the use of utensils of the infected person or getting in close contact with the patient of mononucleosis. It is a misconception that the EBV infects only teenagers. In adults, the body produces antibodies that destroy the EBV and thus, few cases of mononucleosis are seen in adults. In teenagers, these antibodies are not produced in enough quantities and hence, most patients of mononucleosis are teenagers. The age group that is mostly affected by mononucleosis is 15-17.

It is not that every person exposed to the EBV will develop mononucleosis. People exposed to EBV, may remain carriers of the virus, lifelong, without showing any symptom of mononucleosis. Even if no symptoms are observed, these people can spread the infection to others. The period between exposure to the virus and occurrence of the symptoms is called as incubation period. In case of mononucleosis, incubation period is generally seen to be from four to six weeks. The initial symptoms of mononucleosis include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and headache. When the infection progresses, a combination of the symptoms given below, may be observed.

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Enlarged spleen
• Physical discomfort
• Severe sore throat
• Glands in neck and armpits get swollen

Mononucleosis treatment
In almost all the cases of mononucleosis, a specific treatment is not required. However, the patient has to take good care, to reduce the symptoms caused. Severe sore throat is the most common symptom of mononucleosis that leads the patient to approach a doctor. It is difficult to diagnose mononucleosis, as its symptoms are similar to normal viral fever. A complete blood count, blood test and monospot tests, are some of the tests that can help diagnose mononucleosis. The monospot test checks whether antibodies for EBV have been produced in the blood. This test may not help during the initial period of illness. Increased WBC count indicates a possibility of mononucleosis, though this may be a symptom of some other disease as well.

The regular antibiotics do not prove useful in destroying EBV and may give rise to further complications. Thus, mononucleosis patients are not prescribed antibiotics as medication. Antibiotics are recommended only if mononucleosis is accompanied by a throat infection, like strep throat. The list given below gives some of the health care tips that should be taken by the patient.

• A gargle of salt water at regular intervals, helps reduce the pain due to sore throat.
• Medications like ibuprofen are recommended for fever and headache.
• Bed rest and adequate sleep, help the patient to recover soon.
• If the spleen is enlarged, contact sports should be avoided, as this may lead to its rupture.
• To prevent dehydration, the patient should drink fluids like milk shakes, juices and plenty of water.

The recovery period for mononucleosis may range from a few weeks to months. Penicillin and erythromycin are considered to be the best treatment for sore throat. Mononucleosis patients should avoid medications like ampicillin and amoxicillin because in 90% cases of mononucleosis, these medications lead to rashes. Medication of cortisone is given for patients having severe throat pain that causes difficulty in breathing. If the enlarged spleen ruptures, it may lead to severe complications like bleeding. Rupture of spleen is a medical emergency and should be treated at the earliest. Major complications in the health condition of the patient can be avoided if proper care is taken during the initial period of illness.

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease, so sharing of utensils and close contact with person infected by EBV should be avoided. In severe cases of mononucleosis, the spleen may tear apart. However, severe cases are rare as the timely treatment of mononucleosis can completely cure the patient. It is not an incurable disease and in most cases, there is no major cause of worry. The treatment of mononucleosis mainly includes adequate rest and sufficient fluid intake.