Glandular fever: symptoms and remedies
The glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection whose symptoms most common are high fever, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fatigue and exhaustion. It is a disease that can affect both adults and adolescents, and that can last several weeks. But fortunately, it is not a disease which causes serious consequences, but should pay attention to its evolution. For a most effective treatment, should not underestimate the symptoms and learn to recognize them.
Table of Contents
Symptoms
The most common glandular fever symptoms are high fever, with temperatures that can exceed 38° C and with chills, sore throat, inflammation of the tonsils, lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body (such as armpits), skin rash, headache, pain and swelling of eyes, muscle pain, loss of appetite, swelling of the spleen and liver, fatigue and malaise.
In some cases, the glandular fever appears accompanied by a slight inflammation of the liver that can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin). While the symptoms often unload, it is also possible to give the case in some patients to whom the disease is asymptomatic that, i.e. that does not present any symptoms.
Glandular fever usually lasts two to three weeks.
As for the possible complications of glandular fever, although not common, it can cause a secondary bacterial infection of the brain or nervous system and excessive inflammation of the tonsils that causes difficulty in breathing.
Causes
The cause of glandular fever is virus called Epstein-Barr virus, which can attack two types of cells in the body (the salivary glands and white blood cells).
Treatment
The glandular fever is a viral infection, therefore, antibiotics are contraindicated, and that, in these cases, have no effect. To reduce fever, your doctor may prescribe other antipyretic drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Moreover, the disease must follow its course recommending to rest. Remember that glandular fever is especially contagious during the febrile phase, being in these days in which there is to avoid contact.