Pediatric Infectious Mononucleosis
agesandstagespediatricgroup.com
MONONUCLEOSIS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE “KISSING DISEASE”. HOWEVER, MONONUCLEOSIS IS NOT SPREAD BY A KISS. INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS IS CAUSED BY THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (A TYPE OF HERPES VIRUS).
MOST PEOPLE WITH MONONUCLEOSIS ARE 15 TO 25 YEARS OLD, BUT YOUNG CHILDREN CAN ALSO GET IT. THIS VIRUS AFFECTS THE LYMPH NODES, THROAT, SALIVARY GLANDS, LIVER, SPLEEN, AND BLOOD. ALSO, IT CAN MAKE A PERSON FEEL TIRED AND ACHY. THIS DISEASE CAN ALSO MAKE THE PATIENT LOSE HIS APPETITE.
THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS MOST PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED FROM EBV AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES. AND ONCE CONTRACTED, THIS VIRUS REMAINS WITHIN THE BODY. THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS IS SPREAD FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER IN BODY FLUIDS SUCH AS BLOOD AND SALIVA.
THROAT PAIN AND WHITE PATCHES IN THE BACK OF THE THROAT FEVER HEADACHE SWOLLEN LYMPH GLANDS FATIGUE PAIN IN THE MUSCLES
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Heart and brain complications occur only rarely. However, some children infected with EBV may develop meningitis, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and a paralyzing disorder called Guillain-BarrĂŠ syndrome. Likewise, other complications are can cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), an abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), and inflammation of the testicles (orchitis).
Treatment Much of the treatment for mononucleosis is intended to make the young patient feel more comfortable. In this sense, the approach is supportive. Some specialists recommend acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve pain. A sore throat can be treated by gargling with warm water and salt.Bed rest is important for a child to fight fatigue.
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