Infectious Mononucleosis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of mono?
The initial symptoms of mono are
These initial symptoms can last from one to three days before the more
intense symptoms of the illness begin. The more common intense symptoms include
- a severe sore throat,
- fever, and
- swollen
glands (lymph nodes) in the neck area.
It is
typically the severe sore throat that prompts people to
contact their doctor.
What are the signs of mono?
In addition to a fever from 102 to 104 F, the most common signs of mono are
- a very reddened throat and
tonsils and
- swollen lymph glands in the
neck.
The tonsils have a whitish coating in at least one-third of the cases. The
spleen (sometimes referred to as the body's biggest lymph node) is an organ found in the
left upper abdomen underneath the rib cage which becomes enlarged or
swollen in about 50% of patients with mono. An enlarged liver may also occur.
About 5% of patients have a splotchy red rash over the body, which has a similar
appearance to the rash of measles.
How is mono diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mono is suspected by the doctor based on the above symptoms and signs. Mono is confirmed by blood tests that may also include tests to exclude other possible causes of the symptoms, such as tests to rule out Strep throat. Early in the course of the mono, blood tests may show an increase in one type of white blood cell (lymphocyte). Some of these increased lymphocytes have an unusual or "atypical" appearance when viewed under a microscope, which suggests mono.
More specific blood tests, such as the monospot
and heterophile antibody tests, can confirm the diagnosis of mono. These tests
rely on the body's immune system to make measurable antibodies against the EBV.
Unfortunately, the antibodies may not become detectable until the second or
third weeks of the illness. A blood chemistry test may reveal abnormalities in
liver function.
Next: What is the usual course and treatment of mono? »
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