Infectious Mononucleosis (cont.)
How is mono diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mono is suspected by the doctor based on the above symptoms and signs. Mono is confirmed by blood tests that could also contain tests to exclude other probable causes of the symptoms, like tests to rule out Strep throat. Early inside the course of the mono, blood tests may show an boost in 1 kind of white blood cell (lymphocyte). Some of these increased lymphocytes have an unusual or "atypical" appearance when viewed under a microscope, which suggests mono.
More specific blood tests, such as the monospot and heterophile antibody tests, can confirm the diagnosis of mono. These tests rely on the body's immune system to make measurable antibodies against the EBV. Regrettably, the antibodies could not turn out to be detectable until the second or third weeks of the illness. A blood chemistry test might reveal abnormalities in liver function.
What's the usual course and treatment of mono?
In most cases of mono, no certain treatment is essential. The illness is normally self-limited and passes much the way other typical viral illnesses resolve. Treatment is directed toward the relief of symptoms. Offered antiviral drugs have no considerable effect on the overall outcome of mono and may actually prolong the course of the illness. Occasionally, Strep throat occurs in conjunction with mono and is greatest treated with penicillin or erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone). Ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen) and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox) should be avoided if there is a possibility of mono since up to 90% of patients with mono develop a rash when taking these medications. They may then be inappropriately thought to have an allergy to penicillin. Antiviral medications have not been shown to be of benefit in treating the symptoms of mono.
For probably the most part, supportive or comfort measures are all that is needed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be given for fever and any headache or body aches. A sufficient amount of sleep and rest is essential. The throat soreness is worst in the course of the first five to seven days of illness and then subsides over the next seven to 10 days. The swollen, tender lymph nodes usually subside by the third week.
A feeling of fatigue or tiredness may possibly persist for months following the acute phase of the illness. It really is suggested that patients with mono avoid participation in any contact sports for a minimum of four weeks right after the onset of symptoms to avoid trauma to the enlarged spleen. The enlarged spleen is susceptible to rupture, which can be life threatening. Cortisone medication is occasionally given for the treatment of severely swollen tonsils or throat tissues which threaten to obstruct breathing.
Patients can continue to have virus particles present in their saliva for as long as 18 months after the initial infection. When symptoms persist for a lot more than six months, the condition is often referred to as "chronic" EBV infection. Even so, laboratory tests generally cannot confirm continued active EBV infection in individuals with "chronic" EBV infection
The diagnosis of mono is suspected by the doctor based on the above symptoms and signs. Mono is confirmed by blood tests that could also contain tests to exclude other probable causes of the symptoms, like tests to rule out Strep throat. Early inside the course of the mono, blood tests may show an boost in 1 kind of white blood cell (lymphocyte). Some of these increased lymphocytes have an unusual or "atypical" appearance when viewed under a microscope, which suggests mono.
More specific blood tests, such as the monospot and heterophile antibody tests, can confirm the diagnosis of mono. These tests rely on the body's immune system to make measurable antibodies against the EBV. Regrettably, the antibodies could not turn out to be detectable until the second or third weeks of the illness. A blood chemistry test might reveal abnormalities in liver function.
What's the usual course and treatment of mono?
In most cases of mono, no certain treatment is essential. The illness is normally self-limited and passes much the way other typical viral illnesses resolve. Treatment is directed toward the relief of symptoms. Offered antiviral drugs have no considerable effect on the overall outcome of mono and may actually prolong the course of the illness. Occasionally, Strep throat occurs in conjunction with mono and is greatest treated with penicillin or erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone). Ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen) and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox) should be avoided if there is a possibility of mono since up to 90% of patients with mono develop a rash when taking these medications. They may then be inappropriately thought to have an allergy to penicillin. Antiviral medications have not been shown to be of benefit in treating the symptoms of mono.
For probably the most part, supportive or comfort measures are all that is needed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be given for fever and any headache or body aches. A sufficient amount of sleep and rest is essential. The throat soreness is worst in the course of the first five to seven days of illness and then subsides over the next seven to 10 days. The swollen, tender lymph nodes usually subside by the third week.
A feeling of fatigue or tiredness may possibly persist for months following the acute phase of the illness. It really is suggested that patients with mono avoid participation in any contact sports for a minimum of four weeks right after the onset of symptoms to avoid trauma to the enlarged spleen. The enlarged spleen is susceptible to rupture, which can be life threatening. Cortisone medication is occasionally given for the treatment of severely swollen tonsils or throat tissues which threaten to obstruct breathing.
Patients can continue to have virus particles present in their saliva for as long as 18 months after the initial infection. When symptoms persist for a lot more than six months, the condition is often referred to as "chronic" EBV infection. Even so, laboratory tests generally cannot confirm continued active EBV infection in individuals with "chronic" EBV infection
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