Okay,here’s a breakdown of details from the text,organized for clarity.
1. Causes of Mononucleosis (Mono)
* Primary Cause: Epstein-barr Virus (EBV)
* Other Viruses That Can Cause Mono:
* Adenovirus
* Cytomegalovirus
* Hepatitis A, B, or C
* Herpes simplex virus
* HIV
* Rubella
* Toxoplasmosis
2. Diagnosis of Mononucleosis
* Initial Diagnosis: Frequently enough based on medical history and physical exam. Doctors look for:
* Swollen lymph nodes (neck and armpits)
* Inflamed tonsils
* Fever
* Swollen liver or spleen
* Possible measles-like rash
* Symptoms like severe fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches.
* Lab Tests (if needed):
* monospot Test (Heterophile Test): A rapid, inexpensive blood test for EBV antibodies. can have false positives/negatives and may not be accurate early in the infection.
* EBV-specific Antibody Test: Used when Monospot is negative, to confirm EBV infection and determine if it’s recent.
* Blood Tests: Check for elevated levels of lymphocytes (white blood cells).
3. Prognosis (Expected Course)
* Symptoms gradually improve with rest and fluids.
* Fever usually subsides within 10 days.
* Swollen lymph nodes and spleen typically return to normal within a month.
* Fatigue can linger for 2-3 months.
* Most people recover fully without long-term problems.
4. Duration of Symptoms
* sore throat, muscle aches, and fever: improve in a couple of weeks to a month.
* Fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes/spleen: may take longer to resolve.
5. Treatment
* No Cure: There is no specific medication to cure mono.
* Recommended Treatment:
* Rest
* plenty of fluids
* Over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics) for fever/muscle aches.
* Steroids: May be used rarely if tonsils are severely swollen and causing breathing/swallowing problems, but can interfere with healing.
* Activity Restriction: Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports to prevent spleen rupture.
6. when to Seek Immediate Medical attention
* Difficulty breathing
* Problems swallowing
* Not urinating enough
* Severe headache
* Persistent high fever
* Weakness in arms or legs
* Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)
* Stiff neck
* Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen (possible spleen rupture)
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any of these points or if you have other questions!
