Mononucleosis

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes an acute infection of the throat and lymph nodes called infectious mononucleosis. Though commonly mistaken for an infection of influenza, the “mono” often affect youngsters in particular. Often passing unnoticed during childhood, it is rather mild in its affect where children are concerned. This is the opposite in the case of teenagers who contract mononucleosis, as the symptoms in such cases are usually more severe and cause serious complications to the health of the individual.

Mononucleosis is sometimes called the “kissing disease” because of the fact that the virus is transmitted through infected saliva. Until they find out the level of seriousness inherent in the disease and the need for complete recovery, some of the infected teenagers are often initially amused when they come down with mono-recovery of course entails full restraints on all activities. Activities such as coughing or sneezing are also responsible for the spread of the disease among individuals.

An increase in the number of mononuclear white blood cells characterizes the disease and gives it its name mononucleosis. Physical symptoms that are often felt by the patient include conditions such as a fever, a sore throat, the swelling of the lymph glands and the spleen, patients often suffer from an addition abnormality in their liver function, and a bumpy red rash may also be present on the body. Feelings of tiredness and weakness also usually affects children down with mononucleosis.

Though in general, the older the person is, the longer the symptoms seem to last and the more severe the signs associated with the condition, an older patient also tends to have a much more lengthy recovery time; however in the majority of cases the infection runs its course in two to four weeks. Persistent feelings of tiredness several months after the initial infection are also not uncommon; even after the child has fully recovered from the condition. The development of some sort of an obstruction in the upper airways, a persistent difficulty in swallowing, the onset of depression in the immune system, and liver disease are potential complications that may arise in many patients down with this condition. Sometimes emergency surgery is necessitated during exceptionally severe cases, if the spleen becomes highly enlarged and ruptures-this is possible usually after the patient suffers from a fall or other similar physical trauma.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

During the initial stages of mononucleosis start supplementation with a Chinese herbal formula known as yin qiao. The initial feelings and aches that are often associated with cases of mono can be relieved through the use of this herbal prescription by the patient. For the first three days as symptomatic treatment, children can be given a single dose, thrice a day as treatment.
For your attention: because of the fact that it does not contain any aspirin, the liquid extract is the preferred form over the tablet. Children under the age of four should not be given the tablet form as supplements.

The antiviral herb Echinacea and the bactericidal herb goldenseal in combination formula are excellent supplements during the recovery stage. This combination formula fights infection off and helps to boost the immune system aiding in the recovery of the patient from the disease. During the first week of infection, children can be given a single dose, three times every day. It is important to have a break during this regimentation and so during the second week, discontinue the use of the formula, to be resumed during the third week. This is done because the herbs may lose their effectiveness if used on a continuous basis over a prolonged period of time.

The treatment of mononucleosis can also be carried out by supplementation with garlic, this herb possesses potent antiviral properties. For the first two to three weeks, children can be given a single capsule, two times a day, as a helpful supplement.

If a sore throat is present as one of the symptoms, marshmallow root and licorice root can be used as a soothing supplement for the patients use. Use these two herbs to brew a combination herbal tea, children can be given two to three cups a day of this tea, to relieve the throat pain for two days, at a time.
For you attention: licorice should not be given to children who have a high blood pressure even to treat symptoms of mononucleosis if they are down with the condition.

The liver is protected by herbal infusions of the milk thistle, this herb helps in the detoxification and the restoration of the body. For the first one month of treatment using this supplement, children can be given a single dose, once or two times every day.

Viruses can be warded off by the use of shiitake mushrooms, these help the immune system fight off viral infective particles that have a potential of causing infection. Children over twelve years of age can be given a single capsule, thrice a day, for a treatment period lasting two weeks per child. For the first one month, repeat similar dosages two times every day, as continual supplementation during mononucleosis disease.

During the recovery stage the use of the Chinese botanical herb the astragalus is also recommended in patients as it aids in strengthening the immune system and boosts energy levels of the body. If fever or any other signs of infection are persistent or present at any stage of the recovery period-the use of the herb is not recommended. For the first one month, children can be given a single dose after the fever has subsided, the dose can be repeated thrice a day during the entire length of the recovery period from mononucleosis.

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