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Most often, mononucleosis in children occurs before the age of 5. The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted through saliva. Infection occurs through droplets, but also after blood transfusion. What are the symptoms of mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is called kissing disease because it is transmitted by airborne droplets. The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mononucleosis in children most often manifests itself before the age of 5 and the symptoms are not the most severe, in many cases the disease is asymptomatic.
Mononucleosis in children – symptoms
Mononucleosis can hatch for up to 50 days. The disease is very contagious, infection can occur for the duration of the disease, or even six months after the first symptoms. It is comforting that after getting sick, the body becomes resistant to this type of virus, but its presence means that the patient is a carrier of mononucleosis for a long time. Mononucleosis in children is often asymptomatic, but if it is more severe, the symptoms are as follows:
- a fever that does not exceed 39 degrees but can last for a long time, up to a month
- enlarged lymph nodes near the head
- bacterial pharyngitis, in some cases angina
- mononucleosis in children is manifested by enlargement of the liver and spleen, unfortunately, organs may rupture or become inflamed
- eyelid edema may appear
- small haemorrhagic spots between the soft and hard palate
- less common symptoms that may appear with the disease are pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis
A diffuse red rash may occur during treatment with amoxicillin (Duomox, Ospamox).
Mononucleosis in children is very rare, but can lead to complications, they include:
- epilepsy
- thrombocytopenia
- encephalitis
- inflammation of the pancreas
- testicular inflammation
- hemolytic anemia
- rupture of the spleen
- cranial nerve palsy
- agranulocytoza
- myocarditis
Mononucleosis in children – treatment
As for treatment, mononucleosis in children is primarily the treatment of the symptoms of the disease. Diagnostics is difficult, the symptoms are non-specific, so very often blood tests should be performed to confirm or rule out the disease. Due to the complete morphology, the doctor is able to detect lymphocytosis and leukocytosis. The test may also show atypical lymphocytes. Testing for specific antibodies or heterophilic antibodies is also used, because this type of antibodies appears in the blood of children in the course of mononucleosis.
Unfortunately, there is no causal treatment yet, so mononucleosis in children is treated symptomatically, as in the case of influenza. Antipyretic and analgesic drugs should be administered, the patient must remain in bed. Chronic fatigue may develop during the recovery period. A proper diet rich in vitamins is very important. Physical exertion should not be undertaken. Corticosteroids are used if the patient has obstruction of the upper respiratory tract or thrombocytopenia. Convalescence should be based on rest, gaining strength, taking supplements and vitamins. You can return to sports and greater physical exertion about two months after the symptoms have disappeared.