Infectious Mononucleosis
Also known as mononucleosis or mono Pfeiffer's disease or glandular fever, infectious mononucleosis can be identified by inflamed lymph glands and constant fatigue. The disease is named so as the amount of mononuclear leukocytes which belong to white cells increase in number. The cause of the disease is EBV (Epstein - Barr virus) or in some cases cytomegalovirus. Both these viruses belong to the family of herpes simplex. According to statistic majority of the adults in the United States are exposed to the virus Epstein – Barr, a very widespread virus. Although the virus does not show any visible affects in children but it does in adolescents which can lead to infectious mononucleosis in nearly fifty percent of cases of exposure to the virus.
The other virus called cytomegalovirus which also belongs to the family of herpes simplex causes the cells to become enlarged. According to statistics, about eighty percent of adolescents infected with this virus generally don’t see any further symptoms. Although EBV has potential to develop infectious mononucleosis in adolescents the virus could make throat and blood cells its home for the lifetime. The virus has the capability to bounce back and reactive from time to time but the consolation is that it would reactivate without symptoms.
The condition usually lasts for 1-2 months. The symptoms may vary from one adolescent to other but may include inflamed lymph glands in areas such as groin, neck and armpits, fever, continuous fatigue, enlarged spleen, sore throat as a result of tonsillitis that can make things difficult to swallow and last but not the least minor liver damage that can lead to short-term jaundice. Some adolescents may also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, petechial hemorrhage, muscle ache, headache, depression, loss of appetite, skin rash, weakness, dizziness, enlarged prostrate, dry cough, swelled genitals and puffy and swollen eyes. Some parents are puzzled by the symptoms of mononucleosis as it may be similar to other medical conditions. It is safe to consult a doctor in such cases.
The viruses are usually transmitted to other people through saliva (the reason why it is also called kissing disease), blood, sharing drinks and sharing utensils. The symptoms usually lasts for 4-6 weeks and do not cross 4 months. The disease is diagnosable but requires a though medical history of the adolescent. The diagnosis also involves physical examination of the adolescent and is based on symptoms reported to the physician. The diagnosis is further supported by laboratory test like blood test, antibody test and test to count white blood cells.
A rest of about a month is generally advised and normal activities can be resumed after acute symptoms disappear. Also care should be taken to avoid physical activities which are heavy in nature and also activities or sports involving physical contacts should also be avoided. Care must also be taken to avoid eating sweet things in excess for few months.
|
Acne in Adolescents Acne is one of the most common problems in adolescent teens affecting nearly seventeen million people in ...
read more
Adolescent Pregnancy Adolescent pregnancy in ninety nine percent of the cases is unwanted and is the major consequence of adolescent ...
read more
Allergies in Adolescents Allergies are reactions by immune system that are abnormal in nature to stuff that are usually harmless ...
read more
Anemia in Adolescents To understand what is anemia one should begin with breathing. The oxygen that is inhaled simply doesn’t ...
read more
Asthma in Adolescents Most of the teenagers who have asthma are also allergic to many things. The asthma can get ...
read more
Cholesterol in Adolescents Parts of adolescent’s body are filled with a waxy stuff identified as cholesterol. It helps to produce ...
read more
Common Oral Health Problems in Adolescents Adolescents face many oral health problems which may require them to visit a dentist ...
read more
Depression in Adolescents Depression in adolescents is a disorder which occurs due to persistent sadness, loss of interest, loss of ...
read more
Diabetes in adolescents Diabetes is a rapidly growing, serious health problem among youngster today. Above thirteen thousand adolescents are diagnosed ...
read more
Eating Disorders in Adolescents Since the adolescence is the age where bones are sprout and grow rapidly, well nourished food ...
read more
Teen Health Issues Keeping Teens healthy is important in developing into healthy adults. This site is dedicated to becoming a ...
read more
Eye problems and injuries in Adolescents Every year more than one million people get eye injuries, out of which ninety ...
read more
Heat-Related Illnesses in Teens Heat related illnesses are caused due to prolonged exposure to heat and also humidity without any ...
read more
High Blood Pressure in Adolescents High blood pressure is a condition where the blood pressure is more than normal. It ...
read more
Infectious Mononucleosis Also known as mononucleosis or mono Pfeiffer's disease or glandular fever, infectious mononucleosis can be identified by inflamed ...
read more
Menstrual Disorders in Adolescent Girls Adolescence is the time when there is sudden transformation in the body and many questions ...
read more
Obesity in Adolescents Obesity and overweight are the second most major reasons of preventable deaths in America. Stagnant lifestyle and ...
read more
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Adolescents Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD starts from adolescence onwards. OCD is feeling of strong obsessions ...
read more
Orthopedic Problems in Adolescents Physical health problems encountered during adolescence can affect the development of the body, if not treated. ...
read more
Periodontal Disease in Adolescents The meaning of the word “periodontal” is around the tooth. Also known as gum diseases periodontal ...
read more
Scoliosis in Adolescents Normally, a spine when viewed from rear should appear straight but if the spine is lateral or ...
read more
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adolescents Sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and are highly infectious diseases. Unprotected ...
read more
Smoking Related Health Problems in Adolescents Smoking is the cause of many diseases and kills about four hundred and forty ...
read more
Sprains and Strains in Adolescents Sprains and strains are among the majority of the injuries caused while playing sports. Sports ...
read more
Tennis Elbow in Adolescents Tennis elbow is a condition in which tendon fibers that attach on epicondyle on the elbow’s ...
read more
Tests and Examinations for Adolescent Girls Adolescence is the time when girls face many changes as they not only become ...
read more
|
|
|
Disclaimer: The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this website, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet.
This site is a common sense guide to Infectious Mononucleosis. In practical advice websites, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.
This site is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance field.
Any perceived slights of specific people or organizations are unintentional. |
