Description
An infectious viral disease caused by the Epstein Barr virus. This disease is most common in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue. Also known as "Mono". Some patients will also have an enlargement of their spleen. This splenic enlargement puts them at risk of life threatening splenic rupture with even minimal abdominal trauma. Once patients get this infection they generally carry lifelong immunity.
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, white discoloration of the tonsils (exudate), swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit, general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling, drowsiness, loss of appetite, muscle aches or stiffness, upper left abdominal discomfort, rash.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A complete blood count is often recommended to detect abnormal white blood cells (called atypical lymphocytes). A "mono spot test" detects antibodies to the Epstein Barr virus and is the most common method of diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Mono spot
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A complete blood count is often recommended to detect abnormal white blood cells (called atypical lymphocytes). A "mono spot test" detects antibodies to the Epstein Barr virus and is the most common method of diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Mono spot
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Most patients recover within 2-4 weeks without medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and drinking plenty of fluids are the mainstay of treatment. There is no specific anti-viral treatment available. Steroid medication may be considered for patients with severe symptoms. Patients are asked to avoid contact sports to prevent injury to the spleen and possible rupture.