Mononucleosis is a viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. According to the CDC, this is one of the most common viral illnesses, affecting 95 percent of adults by the age of 40. The virus affects mostly children and adolescents, although sometimes they can become infected and not exhibit any symptoms. Weight loss is one of the consequences of infectious mononucleosis.
Facts about the Virus
The Epstein-Barr virus is part of the herpes virus family. It is transmitted form person to person by close contact, usually by transmission in the saliva of an infected person, which is the reason why mononucleosis called the "kissing disease." The incubation period of the virus prior to the onset of symptoms is between 30 and 50 days.
Features
According to Medline Plus, nonspecific initial symptoms begin slowly, with headache, fatigue and malaise, or a general feeling of illness. Then the person develops the typical symptoms of mononucleosis, which are fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck. The swelling and pain on swallowing can be severe, and can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Other symptoms include dizziness, muscle aches and loss of appetite.
Considerations
The weight loss associated with mononucleosis is a result of decreased intake of food and fluids. This is a direct consequence of the swelling in the throat and of the lymph nodes on the neck which causes difficulty and pain on swallowing. Patients with weight loss and dehydration due to mono often need hospitalization for intravenous fluids and nutritional assistance.
Treatment
The treatment of mononucleosis is symptomatic. Antibiotics are not needed, unless the patient also has strep throat. Taking penicillin antibiotics can cause a rash if taken by a person with mononucleosis. Pain control can be achieved with over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. Gargling warm water with salt can sometimes relieve the pain in the back of the throat. The weight loss is usually temporary and patients recover their pre-illness weight once they can tolerate swallowing fluids and food.
Warning
A known complication of infectious mononucleosis is inflammation of the spleen, the organ on the left flank that helps filter blood and maintain the health of red blood cells and platelets. Mononucleosis can cause splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, and splenic rupture, a rare complication in which the spleen breaks up in response to direct trauma to the area, which can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Member Comments