How is mononucleosis transmitted in children?

Posted on by admin

Mononucleosis is a viral infection that is dangerous for children.

Children and adolescents who are not carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus can become ill if the pathogen enters the body. The infection is transmitted through saliva during kissing, shared dishes, toys, and by airborne droplets.

Table of contents:

Mononucleosis in children at certain stages is very similar to a cold or hepatitis. In the chronic form, the painful condition often persists for more than 3 months, and bacterial complications are possible. 90% of the population over 30 years old suffered from mononucleosis in early childhood.

Causes of the disease and how the infection is transmitted

Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the group of DNA human herpes viruses. The pathogen multiplies mainly in B lymphocytes; these cells are also associated with the persistence of the virus throughout a person’s life. Mononucleosis in children is transmitted through droplets of saliva and phlegm from the nose, desquamated cells of the epithelium lining the oral cavity. Strains of the pathogen are preserved in toothbrushes, dishes used by sick people and virus carriers.

Features of the causative agent of mononucleosis:

  • The virus spends most of the time in a child or adult body in a latent state, but from time to time it becomes active and begins to multiply.
  • There are acute, chronic or atypical mononucleosis in children. The course and severity of symptoms vary in each case.
  • Possible asymptomatic carriage or a mild form of the disease in children under 10 years of age.
  • Acute mononucleosis mainly affects adolescents and young adults who have not previously been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus.

The duration of the incubation period, symptoms and treatment of mononucleosis depend on the child’s immune status. In 60% of cases, from the moment of infection to the appearance of symptoms, it takes from 7 to 30 days. With chronic mononucleosis in children, the incubation period extends to 4–8 weeks or several months.

Primary and secondary symptoms of mononucleosis

If your child complains of weakness or notices red spots or a rash around his mouth, these signs may indicate an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Early symptoms of mononucleosis in children are the same as in a number of other infectious and inflammatory diseases. The child feels a sore throat and nausea for 2–3 days. Then the temperature rises, the tonsils become inflamed, and a rash appears on the face or body.

Sometimes parents are perplexed about what kind of disease has struck their child. Some children cannot study, play, or perform even simple self-care activities. The temperature rise during acute infection reaches 40°C, the condition is especially severe in the evening hours. The lymph nodes in the corners of the lower jaw become enlarged and inflamed. There is an enlargement of the spleen, swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, under the arms and on the neck. The development of generalized lymphadenopathy is possible.

Secondary signs and symptoms:

  1. anemia;
  2. swelling of the eyelids;
  3. loss of appetite;
  4. hepato-splenomegaly;
  5. photosensitivity;
  6. severe nasal congestion;
  7. headaches and muscle pain;
  8. rashes on the face and torso (in 5% of small patients).

Yellow-white deposits appear on the tonsils. The child complains of pain in the neck, where the lymph nodes are located. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if children have a severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Complications in children with mononucleosis:

  • upper respiratory tract obstruction;
  • inflammation of the heart muscle;
  • meningitis or encephalitis,
  • streptococcal sore throat;
  • liver diseases;
  • splenic rupture;
  • immunosuppression;
  • pneumonia.

The most dangerous thing about mononucleosis is rupture of the spleen. There is pain in the upper left abdomen. There is a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and increased bleeding. A child in this condition requires emergency assistance.

Diagnosis of the disease

The clinical picture of mononucleosis in children is very similar to other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections (streptococcal tonsillitis, cytomegalovirus, diphtheria, toxoplasmosis). Human herpesvirus-6 causes symptoms resembling mononucleosis in adulthood.

Specialists take into account a complex of signs and symptoms in diagnosis. Before treating an infectious disease, anamnesis data is collected, symptoms, blood counts, and the results of serological and immunological studies are studied.

A complete blood test for mononucleosis in children can detect leukocytosis. Antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus are determined by enzyme immunoassay. The polymerase chain reaction method helps to find the DNA of the pathogen. Blood, urine, and scraping of oropharyngeal epithelial cells can be used for PCR.

The final confirmation of the diagnosis is a test for mononucleosis in children, which detects white blood cells affected by the virus. These are basophilic lymphocytes with a large nucleus - atypical mononuclear cells. They completely disappear 4 months after the onset of the disease.

Treatment of an infectious disease

Specific therapy for mononucleosis is not required in all cases. Doctors prescribe medications depending on the severity of symptoms. All sick children should stop playing sports and get more rest. With significant effort, serious consequences can occur in the form of splenic rupture and internal bleeding. Damage to the spleen is not the only danger of mononucleosis. The causative agent of the disease weakens the immune system, the body becomes susceptible to other infections.

Aminopenicillins should not be used for mononucleosis; antibiotics do not act on viruses. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs has not been sufficiently proven. Parents should remember this when reading laudatory reviews of Viferon or Acyclovir. To alleviate the condition, the child is given ibuprofen or paracetamol as long as the temperature lasts. Syrups and suppositories with these antipyretic substances are more suitable for young children.

Help with a sore throat will be provided by gargling with warm water and sea salt, water infusions, sage, lemon balm, chamomile, and special solutions from the pharmacy with antiseptic, analgesic and astringent effects. Local anesthetics in the form of sprays and rinses, lozenges contain ambroxol, lidocaine, and plant extracts.

How many days the child will spend in the hospital is determined by the attending physician. Patients are discharged after recovery and observed in the dispensary for 6 months. Recovery of blood counts takes an average of 3 months.

Nutrition for a child with mononucleosis

Healthy foods for a patient with mononucleosis contain easily digestible substances, including a sufficient amount of carbohydrates. Doctors prescribe diet No. 5 for liver dysfunction. The consumption of animal fats should be limited. Among the varieties of meat, it is recommended to choose white - chicken, rabbit. If swallowing is difficult, food is given in liquid and semi-liquid form - porridge, soups.

Ideally, only boiled and stewed foods should be given. After 3-6 months of a strict diet, you can diversify the menu, but focus on following the principles of healthy eating. You should not feed fatty or fried meats, limit the consumption of sausages, sweets, and chocolate.

A sufficient amount of fluid intake is important, at least 1.5–2 liters per day. It is best to give fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Herbal teas with chamomile, rose hips, milk thistle, corn silk, and lemon accelerate the recovery of liver cells during mononucleosis in children. Vitamins B and C in natural products help restore immunity. Folk remedies - garlic and echinacea infusion - are used for their antiviral effect. On the shelves of pharmacies you can find special teas for a diseased liver.

Prevention measures

After the initial infection, the Epstein-Barr virus is present in the human body in a latent form. There is a version of scientists according to which the parasite becomes more active when the immune system is weakened, and its concentration in the host’s saliva increases. This is an opportunity for the virus to “master” the body of a new host.

Specific measures for the prevention of mononucleosis have not yet been developed. It is important to increase the immunological resistance of the child’s body using hardening methods and regularly carry out vitamin therapy. Rinsing the mouth and nasopharynx with herbal infusions helps. After recovery, the child continues to feel significant weakness and fatigue for about a year. A fever and other symptoms are possible, which is why children who have been ill are exempt from vaccinations for a year.

You may also like:

2 comments

A 4-year-old child just recovered from mononucleosis. The antibiotic did not work, but as soon as they started using Viferon suppositories, the condition began to improve.

Our son suffered from this disease a couple of years ago. Surprisingly, all the symptoms were almost identical to a common cold. Well, in general, the child had no appetite at all, the temperature was correspondingly high, he could only drink water and that was all. Well, no available means helped, so they took me to the doctor. At the local hospital they did all the required tests, and to our horror they diagnosed me with mononucleosis. The doctor prescribed a bunch of antibiotics, of course we were scared at first, after all, the child was small, they didn’t know how he would cope with it. Well, in general, we were in the hospital for 12 days. It seems like everything worked out without consequences, no one got sick anymore.

Source: http://zdorovyedetei.ru/infekcii/mononukleoz-opasnaya-dlya-detej-infekciya-virusnogo-proisxozhdeniya.html

How is mononucleosis transmitted?

Mononucleosis is an acute viral disease that is characterized by changes in blood composition and affects the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and upper respiratory tract. Otherwise it is called Filatov's disease or monocytic tonsillitis. The causative agent is the Epstein-Barr virus or herpes virus type 4.

Mononucleosis is especially common in children. Half of the child population becomes infected with this virus before the age of 5. About 90% of the entire population of the Earth by the time they reach 40 years of age are already carriers of the virus that causes this disease. These indicators clearly determine whether mononucleosis is contagious or not. But this does not mean that all carriers of the virus have suffered or will develop infectious mononucleosis.

In most of them, the Epstein-Barr virus does not cause any symptoms. Symptoms of mononucleosis appear in the case of a severe decrease in immunity and other factors contributing to the development of the disease. And how mononucleosis is transmitted has been known to medicine for a long time; in most cases it is airborne transmission.

Mechanism of disease onset

The Epstein-Barr virus, aerosolized through saliva, penetrates the oropharynx. It is this place that becomes the source of infection and its synthesis resumes there. Penetrating the inner lining of the respiratory tract, the herpes virus is able to quickly penetrate cells. There it actively multiplies and spreads, changing the life cycle of a healthy cell.

Once the virus enters the human body, it remains there forever, but will manifest itself in the event of a severe decline in immunity. If the initial reproduction of the mononucleosis virus occurs on the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, then the lymphatic system becomes the next object of their penetration - the virus infects B-lymphocytes.

The peculiarity of this pathogen is that it does not destroy the cell, but infects it. Such altered cells are called mononuclear cells. The immune system becomes unable to recognize them. Infectious mononucleosis is an anthroponosis, i.e., its causative agent can only exist in the human body.

This means that the source of an infectious disease is a person, both the patient and the virus carrier. It is infected people and virus carriers that support the epidemic process of this disease, periodically releasing the Epstein-Barr virus through saliva into the environment.

Having determined that the source of the infection is a person whose saliva contains the Epstein-Barr virus, it is necessary to determine that a person is considered a virus carrier:

  • with severe symptoms and signs of the disease;
  • with a hidden course of mononucleosis, when the patient himself is not aware of the presence of the disease. The disease's manifestations are similar to ARVI;
  • Virus carrier without any signs of disease. Despite the fact that his saliva contains the virus, he is completely healthy.

A study of oropharyngeal lavage showed that almost 25% of the examined seropositive healthy individuals were carriers of the virus. The virus is released by infected individuals both at the end of the incubation period of the disease and for 0.5–1.5 years after the initial infection.

The causative agent of the disease is herpes virus type 4

Routes of transmission

Mononucleosis, being an infectious disease, can be transmitted from one organism to another. The transition process includes 3 stages:

  • The pathogen or infectious agent is released into the environment from the body.
  • Finding a microbial agent in the environment.
  • Penetration of a pathogen into a new organism.

The following routes of transmission of infectious mononucleosis exist:

In most cases, infectious mononucleosis is transmitted by airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or talking when the interlocutors are close to each other. The contact and household route of infection occurs when sharing household items with a sick person, through toys on which the sick person’s saliva has come into contact.

Gross violation of personal hygiene standards, for example, sharing linen and dishes can also lead to infection. Hemolytic blood-contact or blood transmission mechanism is possible when the pathogen enters the blood of a healthy person. This can occur by blood transfusion or vertical route.

In the first case, infection occurs through transfusion of blood or its components. But infection this way is very rare. Vertical transmission involves infection of the fetus from the mother through placental blood.

The following factors contribute to the spread of the disease:

  • being in crowded and enclosed spaces for a long time (kindergarten, school);
  • use of public transport;
  • office nature of work among many people;
  • the habit of hugging and kissing when meeting and parting;
  • climatic living conditions.

Mononucleosis is transmitted by airborne droplets

When can infection occur?

The question of whether mononucleosis is contagious leaves no doubt; this highly contagious disease is widespread. A person who has infectious mononucleosis becomes contagious and capable of transmitting the infection approximately 1 month after their own infection.

But it can remain contagious for a long time, and exactly how long depends on a number of factors, in some cases for the rest of your life.

This has been confirmed by scientific research: persons who have had infectious mononucleosis are lifelong carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus. It periodically multiplies in the human body, which makes it infectious again.

The first symptoms after the initial infection may appear as early as 2 months. This is the incubation period of the disease. As for the prevention of mononucleosis, modern medicine does not yet know how to block the spread of this virus.

Therefore, if there is contact with a person suffering from mononucleosis, the following development options are possible:

  • a person will become infected and feel the first symptoms of the disease in 2–3 months;
  • the person will remain uninfected after contact;
  • a person can become infected, but the infection will have a hidden course, the symptoms will go unnoticed.

Most people develop mononucleosis in early childhood, the symptoms of which are similar to sore throat.

In adults, infectious mononucleosis is extremely rare, since they manage to encounter this disease in childhood, with varying degrees of severity of manifestations. If a young child becomes ill, it is quite possible that the symptoms may go unnoticed. But if an adult has never encountered this disease, then, having initially become infected with the virus, he may suffer from mononucleosis.

In the vast majority of cases, the disease has a mild or moderate course and ends in complete recovery. However, mononucleosis is considered dangerous because it can sometimes be severe and have serious complications. This will be indicated by certain signs and manifestations.

Copying materials from the site is possible only with a link to our site.

ATTENTION! All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate from a medical point of view. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating you can harm yourself!

Source: http://superlor.ru/prochee/kak-peredaetsya-mononukleoz

Infectious mononucleosis in children. Symptoms and treatment

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease similar in symptoms to influenza or sore throat, but also affecting internal organs. One of the characteristic manifestations of this disease is enlargement of the lymph glands in various parts of the body, which is why it is known as “glandular fever.” Mononucleosis also has an unofficial name: “kissing disease” - the infection is easily transmitted through saliva. Particular attention must be paid to the treatment of complications that distinguish this disease from the common cold. Dietary immunostimulating nutrition plays an important role.

Pathogens and forms of infectious mononucleosis

The causative agents of mononucleosis are herpes viruses of various types. Most often, it is the Epstein-Barr virus, named after the scientists who discovered it, Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barr. Infectious mononucleosis of cytomegalovirus origin also occurs. In rare cases, the causative agents may be other types of herpes viruses. Manifestations of the disease do not depend on their type.

Course of the disease

Occurs mainly in young children and adolescents. As a rule, every adult suffered from this disease in childhood.

The virus begins to develop in the oral mucosa, affecting the tonsils and pharynx. Through the blood and lymph it enters the liver, spleen, heart muscles, and lymph nodes. Usually the disease occurs in an acute form. Complications occur extremely rarely - in the case when, as a result of weakened immunity, secondary pathogenic microflora is activated. This is manifested by inflammatory diseases of the lungs (pneumonia), middle ear, maxillary sinuses and other organs.

The incubation period can range from 5 days to 2-3 weeks. The acute stage of the disease usually lasts 2-4 weeks. With a large number of viruses and untimely treatment, mononucleosis can become chronic, in which the lymph nodes are constantly enlarged, and damage to the heart, brain, and nerve centers is possible. In this case, the child develops psychosis and facial expression disorders.

After recovery, the viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis remain in the body forever, so the person who has recovered from the disease is its carrier and source of infection. However, re-illness of a person himself occurs extremely rarely, if for some reason he experiences a sharp weakening of his immunity.

Note: Precisely because viral carriage in mononucleosis remains lifelong, it makes no sense to isolate a child from other people after his signs of illness disappear. Healthy people can protect themselves from infection only by strengthening their immune forces.

Forms of the disease

The following forms are distinguished:

  1. Typical - with obvious symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, enlarged liver and spleen, the presence of virocytes in the blood (so-called atypical mononuclear cells - a type of leukocyte).
  2. Atypical. In this form of the disease, any of the characteristic symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are completely absent in the child (for example, no virocytes are found in the blood) or the symptoms are subtle and erased. Sometimes pronounced damage to the heart, nervous system, lungs, and kidneys occurs (so-called visceral organ damage).

Depending on the severity of the disease, enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen, and the number of mononuclear cells in the blood, typical mononucleosis is divided into mild, moderate and severe.

There are the following forms of mononucleosis:

Video: Features of infectious mononucleosis. Dr. E. Komarovsky answers parents' questions

Causes and routes of infection with infectious mononucleosis

The cause of infection of children with infectious mononucleosis is close contact with a sick person, or a virus carrier. In the environment, the pathogen quickly dies. You can become infected by kissing (a common cause of infection among teenagers), or by sharing utensils with a sick person. In a children's group, children play with common toys and often confuse their water bottle or pacifier with someone else's. The virus can be on a towel, bed linen, or clothing of the patient. When sneezing and coughing, mononucleosis pathogens enter the surrounding air with droplets of saliva.

Children of preschool and school age are in close contact, so they get sick more often. In infants, infectious mononucleosis occurs much less frequently. There may be cases of intrauterine infection of the fetus through the mother's blood. It has been observed that boys suffer from mononucleosis more often than girls.

The peak incidence of children occurs in spring and autumn (outbreaks are possible in a child care facility), since the infection and spread of viruses is facilitated by weakened immunity and hypothermia.

Warning: Mononucleosis is a highly contagious disease. If the child has been in contact with a sick person, then for 2-3 months parents should pay special attention to any ailment of the baby. If there are no obvious symptoms, this means that the body's immune system is strong enough. The disease could have been mild or infection could have been avoided.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

The most characteristic signs of infectious mononucleosis in children are:

  1. Sore throat when swallowing due to inflammation of the pharynx and pathological proliferation of the tonsils. A plaque appears on them. At the same time, your mouth smells bad.
  2. Difficulty in nasal breathing due to damage to the nasal mucosa and swelling. The child snores and cannot breathe with his mouth closed. A runny nose appears.
  3. Manifestations of general intoxication of the body by waste products of the virus. These include aches in the muscles and bones, a feverish state in which the baby’s temperature rises to 38°-39°, and chills are observed. The baby is sweating a lot. Headache and general weakness appear.
  4. The emergence of “chronic fatigue syndrome”, which manifests itself several months after the illness.
  5. Inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpits. If there is an enlargement of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity, then due to compression of the nerve endings, severe pain occurs (“acute abdomen”), which can mislead the doctor when making a diagnosis.
  6. Enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, dark urine. With a strong enlargement of the spleen, it even ruptures.
  7. The appearance of a small pink rash on the skin of the arms, face, back and abdomen. In this case, no itching is observed. The rash disappears on its own after a few days. If an itchy rash appears, this indicates an allergic reaction to some medicine (usually an antibiotic).
  8. Signs of dysfunction of the central nervous system: dizziness, insomnia.
  9. Swelling of the face, especially the eyelids.

The child becomes lethargic, tends to lie down, and refuses to eat. Symptoms of cardiac dysfunction (rapid heartbeat, murmurs) may appear. After adequate treatment, all these signs disappear without consequences.

Note: As Dr. E. Komarovsky emphasizes, infectious mononucleosis differs from tonsillitis, first of all, in that in addition to a sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose occur. The second distinguishing feature is an enlarged spleen and liver. The third sign is an increased level of mononuclear cells in the blood, which is determined using laboratory analysis.

Often in young children, the symptoms of mononucleosis are mild, and they cannot always be distinguished from the symptoms of ARVI. In babies of the first year of life, mononucleosis is indicated by a runny nose and cough. When breathing, wheezing is heard, redness of the throat and inflammation of the tonsils occurs. At this age, skin rashes appear more often than in older children.

Before the age of 3, it is more difficult to diagnose mononucleosis using blood tests, since it is not always possible to obtain reliable results of reactions to antigens in a young child.

The most pronounced signs of mononucleosis appear in children aged 6 to 15 years. If there is only a fever, this indicates that the body is successfully fighting the infection. Fatigue syndrome persists for 4 months after the disappearance of other signs of the disease.

Video: Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis

Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis in children

To distinguish infectious mononucleosis from other diseases and prescribe the correct treatment, diagnosis is carried out using various laboratory methods. The following blood tests are performed:

  1. General - to determine the content of components such as leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, as well as ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). All these indicators in children are increased by approximately 1.5 times in case of mononucleosis. Atypical mononuclear cells do not appear immediately, but several days and even 2-3 weeks after infection.
  2. Biochemical - to determine the content of glucose, protein, urea and other substances in the blood. These indicators evaluate the functioning of the liver, kidneys and other internal organs.
  3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to herpes viruses.
  4. PCR analysis for quick and accurate identification of viruses by DNA.

Since mononuclear cells are found in the blood of children and in some other diseases (for example, HIV), tests are carried out for antibodies to other types of infection. To determine the condition of the liver, spleen and other organs, children are given an ultrasound before treatment.

Treatment of mononucleosis

There are no drugs that destroy viral infection, so children with mononucleosis are treated to relieve symptoms and prevent the development of serious complications. The patient is prescribed bed rest at home. Hospitalization is carried out only if the disease is severe, complicated by high fever, repeated vomiting, damage to the respiratory tract (creating the risk of suffocation), as well as disruption of the internal organs.

Drug treatment

Antibiotics do not act on viruses, so their use is useless, and in some babies they cause an allergic reaction. Such drugs (azithromycin, clarithromycin) are prescribed only in case of complications due to the activation of a bacterial infection. At the same time, probiotics are prescribed to restore beneficial intestinal microflora (atsipol).

During treatment, antipyretics are used (for children, Panadol and ibuprofen syrups). To relieve sore throat, rinse with a solution of soda, furatsilin, as well as infusions of chamomile, calendula and other medicinal herbs.

Relief of symptoms of intoxication, elimination of allergic reactions to toxins, prevention of bronchospasm (when the virus spreads to the respiratory organs) is achieved with the help of antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin in the form of drops or tablets).

To restore the functioning of the liver, choleretic agents and hepatoprotectors (Essentiale, Karsil) are prescribed.

Drugs with immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, such as imudon, cycloferon, anaferon, are used in children to strengthen the immune system. The dose of the drug is calculated depending on the age and weight of the patient. Vitamin therapy, as well as adherence to a therapeutic diet, are of great importance during the treatment period.

In case of severe swelling of the larynx, hormonal drugs are used (prednisolone, for example), and if normal breathing is impossible, artificial ventilation is performed.

If the spleen ruptures, it is surgically removed (splenectomy).

Warning: It must be remembered that any treatment for this disease should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication will lead to severe and irreparable complications.

Video: Treatment of infectious mononucleosis in children

Prevention of complications of mononucleosis

In order to prevent the development of complications in mononucleosis, the child’s condition is monitored not only during the illness, but also for 1 year after the symptoms disappear. The blood composition, condition of the liver, lungs and other organs are monitored in order to prevent leukemia (bone marrow damage), liver inflammation, and disruption of the respiratory system.

It is considered normal if, with infectious mononucleosis, a sore throat continues for 1-2 weeks, the lymph nodes are enlarged for 1 month, drowsiness and fatigue are observed up to six months from the onset of the disease. The temperature is 37°-39° for the first few weeks.

Diet for mononucleosis

With this disease, food should be fortified, liquid, high-calorie, but low-fat, so that the work of the liver is maximally facilitated. The diet includes soups, cereals, dairy products, boiled lean meat and fish, as well as sweet fruits. The consumption of spicy, salty and sour foods, garlic and onions is prohibited.

The patient should drink a lot of fluids (herbal teas, compotes) so that the body does not dehydrate, and toxins are eliminated through the urine as quickly as possible.

The use of traditional medicine for the treatment of mononucleosis

Such drugs, with the knowledge of the doctor, after appropriate examination, are used to alleviate the condition of a child suffering from mononucleosis.

To eliminate fever, it is recommended to drink decoctions of chamomile, mint, dill, as well as teas from raspberry, currant, maple leaves, adding honey and lemon juice. Linden tea and lingonberry juice help relieve headaches and body aches caused by intoxication of the body.

To alleviate the condition and speed up recovery, decoctions of herbal infusions are used, for example, from a mixture of rose hips, mint, motherwort, oregano and yarrow, as well as infusions of rowan fruits, hawthorn with the addition of birch leaves, blackberries, lingonberries, and currants.

Echinacea tea (leaves, flowers or roots) helps fight germs and viruses and strengthen the immune system. For 0.5 liters of boiling water, take 2 tbsp. l. raw materials and infused for 40 minutes. Give the patient 3 glasses a day during the acute period. You can drink this tea to prevent illness (1 glass per day).

Melissa herb has a strong calming, anti-allergenic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant effect, from which medicinal tea is also prepared and drunk with honey (2-3 glasses per day).

Compresses with infusion prepared from birch leaves, willow, currants, pine buds, calendula flowers, and chamomile can be applied to swollen lymph nodes. Brew 1 liter of boiling water 5 tbsp. l. mixture of dried ingredients, infuse for 20 minutes. Compresses are applied for minutes every other day.

  • This article is usually read

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease that can have dangerous complications. Parents have many questions about pov.

Quite often, children develop thrush in the oral cavity. If the disease is mild, then parents may not immediately.

A feature of the development of a child’s body is the imperfection of immunity. Therefore, susceptibility to intestinal infections, incl.

All parents know that contagious childhood diseases exist. But how to recognize them, why they are dangerous and whether infections can be avoided.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that affects children more often than adults. Babies under 1 year of age are especially vulnerable because...

Both adults and children can get whooping cough. Immunity against this respiratory infection is developed only after a person.

Frequent runny noses and coughs in children, especially during the cold months, do not surprise anyone. The imperfection of the immune system and the originality of de.

Parents do not always distinguish intestinal infections from ordinary intestinal disorders; they are perplexed as to what could have poisoned the child. After all, he is.

  • Most read

Copyright ©17 Magazine for women “Prosto-Maria.ru”

Any use of site materials is possible only if there is a direct, active link to the source

Source: http://www.prosto-mariya.ru/infekcionnyj-mononukleoz-u-detej-simptomy-i-lechenie1_1661.html

Features of mononucleosis in children

Even if you don’t remember whether you had mononucleosis, there is a chance that one day you simply confused it with a sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection or adenoiditis. The symptoms of these diseases are similar to each other. This often prevents proper treatment from starting in a timely manner and can lead to a more severe form of this infectious disease. It is important to note that in childhood, mononucleosis is much milder, and re-infection with this disease is extremely rare.

As a rule, children over three years of age and adults under forty most often suffer from infectious mononucleosis. In children under three years of age, mononucleosis is rare and mild. Let's try to figure out how to correctly diagnose and how to treat this infectious disease?

How is mononucleosis transmitted?

The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, is transmitted from person to person through household contact and, less commonly, through airborne droplets. This virus enters the external environment with the saliva of the patient. The easiest way to become infected is through kissing, through licked toys or shared utensils. However, after contact with a sick person, not all children are susceptible to infection.

The long incubation period (up to several months) makes it impossible to determine where and from whom the child became infected. Mononucleosis is not very contagious and the diseases are isolated cases and never have the character of epidemics. Therefore, in connection with mononucleosis, quarantines are not declared either in kindergartens or in schools. Boys are more often affected by infectious mononucleosis.

Often this infectious disease lies in wait for people at resorts, since heat, humidity and large crowds of people on the beaches create favorable conditions for the development of this virus.

How does mononucleosis manifest?

It is difficult to diagnose mononucleosis, since the main symptoms of the disease are similar to those of many other viral diseases. A sick child usually looks lethargic and very tired. First of all, the virus attacks lymphoid tissue. There is an increase in lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and liver. Fever, sore throat, and physical discomfort may occur.

Also, characteristic symptoms of mononucleosis are:

  • temperature increase;
  • nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
  • headache;
  • runny nose;
  • a sore throat;
  • aching joints, aching bones;
  • bleeding gums;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • loss of appetite;
  • snoring in your sleep.

Sometimes a reddish rash may appear on the child's body.

Doctors can diagnose mononucleosis using two blood tests: a heterophile agglutinin test (a single spot test) and a count of lymphocytes, which fight infection.

How long does the disease last?

The disease with mononucleosis lasts quite a long time (from several weeks to several months), while the child is constantly in a tired state, he needs sleep and rest more often than usual.

The rehabilitation period lasts much longer. Mononucleosis greatly weakens the child's immunity, making him vulnerable to other diseases in the next few months. In order not to provoke new exacerbations, doctors recommend avoiding vaccinations, public events and trips to the sea for six months or a year.

How to cure mononucleosis?

After diagnosis, the most important question becomes how to treat mononucleosis. To cope with this disease, a whole range of mandatory measures is required:

  • regular use of antiviral medications (tablets or intramuscular injections);
  • taking vitamins;
  • taking antipyretics (if the temperature rises);
  • diet (limit the consumption of fried and fatty foods);
  • complete rest, strict adherence to bed rest;
  • drinking plenty of water;
  • relief of breathing with the help of rinses and vasoconstrictors;
  • gargling with special solutions of iodinol and furatsilin;
  • regular ventilation and humidification of the room.

Doctors recommend using paracetamol or drugs based on it as an antipyretic for mononucleosis. Taking aspirin is not recommended.

It is very important not to let your throat dry out. To do this, it is necessary to regularly wet clean the room, as well as use air humidifiers based on pine or eucalyptus essential oil.

Decoctions of calendula, coltsfoot or yarrow can be used to gargle, rinse the nasal cavity, or simply drink (half a glass before meals).

When treating infectious mononucleosis, any heating and physical therapy are strictly prohibited.

Correct treatment in the vast majority of cases leads to complete recovery and lifelong immunity to mononucleosis.

Source: http://ymadam.net/deti/zdorov-e-rebenka/osobennosti-mononukleoza-u-detej.php

Mononucleosis in children - symptoms and treatment until the baby fully recovers

The Epstein-Barr virus provokes several infectious pathologies with an acute course and specific symptoms. One of them is Filatov’s disease or mononucleosis, which is diagnosed mainly in children over 3 years of age. The symptoms and treatment of the disease have been thoroughly studied, so it is easy to cope with without complications.

Mononucleosis in children - what kind of disease is it?

The pathology in question is an acute viral infection that attacks the immune system through inflammation of lymphoid tissues. Mononucleosis in children affects several groups of organs at once:

How is mononucleosis transmitted in children?

The main route of spread of the disease is airborne. Close contact with an infected person is another common way mononucleosis is transmitted, which is why it is sometimes called “kissing disease.” The virus remains viable in the external environment; you can become infected through common objects:

Incubation period of mononucleosis in children

The pathology is not very contagious, epidemics practically do not happen. After infection, infectious mononucleosis in children does not appear immediately. The duration of the incubation period depends on the degree of immune activity. If the defense system is weakened, it is about 5 days. A strong body quietly fights the virus for up to 2 months. The intensity of the immune system also affects how mononucleosis occurs in children - symptoms and treatment are much easier when the defense system is strong. The average duration of the incubation period is within 7-20 days.

Mononucleosis - how contagious is a child?

The causative agent of Filatov's disease is embedded in some cells of the body forever and is periodically activated. Viral mononucleosis in children is contagious for 4-5 weeks from the moment of infection, but it constantly poses a danger to others. Under the influence of any external factors that weaken the immune system, pathogenic cells again begin to multiply and be excreted in saliva, even if the child is apparently healthy. This is not a serious problem; about 98% of the world's population are carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus.

Why is mononucleosis dangerous in children?

Negative consequences occur in exceptional cases, only when the body is weakened or a secondary infection is attached. Mononucleosis in children is mostly easy - symptoms and treatment, detected and started in a timely manner, help prevent any complications. Recovery is accompanied by the formation of stable immunity, due to which re-infection either does not occur or is tolerated unnoticed.

Rare consequences of mononucleosis in children:

Mononucleosis in children - causes

The causative agent of Filatov's disease is an infection belonging to the herpes family. Epstein-Barr virus is common in children due to constant exposure to crowded places (schools, kindergartens and playgrounds). The only cause of the disease is infection with mononucleosis. The source of infection is any carrier of the virus with whom the baby comes into close contact.

Mononucleosis in children - symptoms and signs

The clinical picture of the pathology may change at different periods of the disease. Infectious mononucleosis in children - symptoms:

  • weakness;
  • swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes;
  • catarrhal bronchitis or tracheitis;
  • increased body temperature;
  • pain in joints and muscles due to lymphostasis;
  • an increase in the size of the spleen and liver;
  • dizziness;
  • migraine;
  • sore throat when swallowing;
  • herpetic rashes in the mouth area;
  • susceptibility to acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections.

It is important to differentiate between similar diseases and mononucleosis in children - the symptoms and treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus are confirmed only after a thorough diagnosis. The only reliable way to identify the infection in question is a blood test. Even the presence of all the listed symptoms does not indicate the progression of Filatov’s disease. Similar symptoms may be accompanied by:

Rash due to mononucleosis in children

Skin manifestations of the described disease occur in 2 cases:

  1. Activation of the herpes virus. Signs of mononucleosis in children sometimes include the formation of blisters with cloudy fluid on the upper or lower lip, especially in children with weak immune systems.
  2. Taking antibiotics. Treatment of secondary infection is carried out with antimicrobial agents, mainly Ampicillin and Amoxicillin. In 95% of children, such therapy is accompanied by a rash, the nature of which has not yet been clarified.

Throat with mononucleosis

The pathology is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus - the symptoms of its introduction into the body always affect lymphoid tissues, including the tonsils. Against the background of the disease, the tonsils become very red, swollen and inflamed. This causes pain and itching in the throat, especially when swallowing. Due to the similarity of the clinical picture, it is important to differentiate between sore throat and mononucleosis in children - the main symptoms and treatment of these diseases are different. Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics, while Filatov’s disease is a viral infection; antimicrobial drugs will not help.

Temperature with mononucleosis

Hyperthermia is considered one of the earliest specific signs of the disease. Body temperature rises to subfebrile levels (37.5-38.5), but lasts a long time, about 10 days or more. Due to prolonged fever, in some cases mononucleosis in children is difficult to tolerate - symptoms of intoxication against a background of fever worsen the child’s well-being:

Blood test for mononucleosis in children

The given symptoms are not considered a basis for making a diagnosis. To clarify it, a special test for mononucleosis in children is performed. It consists of a blood test; in case of Filatov’s disease, the following is found in the biological fluid:

  • the presence of atypical cells – mononuclear cells;
  • decrease in the number of leukocytes;
  • increased concentration of lymphocytes.

Additionally, an Epstein-Barr virus test is prescribed. There are 2 options for carrying it out:

  1. Enzyme immunoassay. A search is carried out for antibodies (immunoglobulins) IgM and IgG to infection in the blood.
  2. Polymerase chain reaction. Any biological material (blood, saliva, sputum) is analyzed for the presence of DNA or RNA of the virus.

How to treat mononucleosis in children?

There are no effective medications yet that can stop the proliferation of infectious cells. Treatment of mononucleosis in children is limited to relieving the symptoms of the pathology, alleviating its course and generally strengthening the body:

  1. Semi-bed rest. The main thing is to provide the child with peace, not to overload physically and emotionally.
  2. Drink plenty of warm drinks. Fluid intake helps prevent dehydration due to fever and helps improve the rheological composition of the blood, especially taking fortified drinks.
  3. Careful oral hygiene. Doctors recommend gargling after every meal and brushing your teeth 3 times a day.

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis in children may include the use of pharmacological agents:

  1. Antipyretics – Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen. It is allowed to lower the temperature if it rises above 38.5 degrees.
  2. Antihistamines - Cetrin, Suprastin. Allergy medications help alleviate symptoms of intoxication.
  3. Vasoconstrictors (local, in the form of drops) – Galazolin, Ephedrine. The solutions provide relief from nasal breathing.
  4. Antitussives – Bronholitin, Libexin. The drugs are effective in the treatment of tracheitis or bronchitis.
  5. Antibiotics – Ampicillin, Amoxicillin. They are prescribed only in the event of a secondary infection of bacterial origin, for example, when a purulent sore throat begins.
  6. Corticosteroids – Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone. Hormones are selected for the treatment of exceptional situations (hypertoxic course of the pathology, threat of asphyxia due to severe swelling of the tonsils and other life-threatening conditions).

Diet for infectious mononucleosis in children

Epstein-Barr virus damages lymphoid organs, one of which is the liver. For this reason, a specific diet for mononucleosis in children is recommended. Preferably small but frequent (4-6 times a day) meals. All food and drinks should be served warm; if you have a severe sore throat while swallowing, it is better to grind any irritating food. A moderate diet is being developed that does not overload the liver, with a complete content of proteins, vitamins, vegetable and animal fats, and carbohydrates.

The following products are limited or excluded:

  • fatty meat and fish;
  • fresh hot baked goods;
  • fried and baked dishes with a crust;
  • strong broths and rich soups;
  • marinades;
  • smoked meats;
  • hot spices;
  • conservation;
  • any acidic foods;
  • tomatoes;
  • sauces;
  • mushrooms;
  • nuts;
  • strawberry;
  • garlic;
  • meat by-products;
  • onion;
  • cabbage;
  • radish;
  • spinach;
  • radish;
  • fatty cheeses;
  • citruses;
  • raspberries;
  • melons;
  • black bread;
  • pears;
  • sweets with butter and fat cream;
  • chocolate;
  • baked goods;
  • cocoa;
  • whole milk;
  • carbonated drinks, especially sweet ones.

Recommended meals during treatment:

  • vegetable broths and soups;
  • dietary meat, fish (boiled, steamed, baked in pieces, in the form of meatballs, cutlets, mousse and other minced meat products);
  • yesterday's white bread, crackers;
  • cucumbers;
  • boiled and slimy porridge in water;
  • casseroles;
  • low fat fermented milk products;
  • vegetable salads, sauté;
  • sweet fruits;
  • baked apples;
  • dry cookies, biscuits;
  • jelly;
  • steamed dried apricots, prunes;
  • weak tea with sugar;
  • jam;
  • honey;
  • paste;
  • marmalade;
  • dried fruits compote;
  • rosehip decoction;
  • cherries;
  • apricots;
  • peaches (without skin), nectarines;
  • watermelons;
  • still mineral water;
  • herbal tea (preferably sweetened).

Recovery from mononucleosis in children

The next 6 months from the moment of recovery, the child must be periodically shown to the doctor. This helps determine whether mononucleosis in children has caused any negative side effects—symptoms and treatment, when properly identified, do not guarantee protection against damage to liver and spleen tissue. Scheduled examinations are carried out three times - after 1, 3 and 6 months from the day of recovery.

Recovery from mononucleosis involves following a number of general measures:

  1. Load limitation. Children who have had the pathology considered should be subject to fewer requirements at school. Gentle physical exercises are recommended; after the pathology, the child is still weakened and gets tired quickly.
  2. Increased rest time. Doctors advise allowing your baby to sleep for about an hour at night and 2-3 hours during the day if he needs it.
  3. Maintaining a balanced diet. Children should eat as nutritiously as possible and receive important vitamins, amino acids and minerals. It is advisable to continue feeding your baby healthy foods to speed up the healing and repair of damaged liver cells.
  4. Visiting resorts. Modern studies have shown that relaxing by the sea is not harmful for children who have had mononucleosis. You just need to limit the time your child spends in the sun.

Copying information is permitted only with a direct and indexed link to the source

the best materials from WomanAdvice

Subscribe to receive the best articles on Facebook

Source: http://womanadvice.ru/mononukleoz-u-detey-simptomy-i-lechenie-do-polnogo-vosstanovleniya-malysha