Epstein Barr Cures Blog

Glandular fever symptoms are not usually dangerous, and they typically resolve within a few weeks. However there are four symptoms you need to be aware of that can be serious and may need medical intervention.

Let’s go through each one in more detail:

1) A ruptured spleen
A ruptured spleen is rare - occurring in 1 - 2 of every 1000 glandular fever cases.
If the spleen ruptures it can cause serious internal bleeding which requires emergency surgery and possible blood transfusions.

If your spleen is sore or swollen, it is important that you avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, constipation or anything which puts undue pressure on your spleen.

Indications of a ruptured spleen are pain in the left upper abdomen, feeling lightheaded, palpitations, breathing problems and easy bleeding. If you have these symptoms please see your doctor or hospital immediately.

2) Compromised breathing and swallowing
In some cases swollen glands in the neck and an inflamed sore throat, can make breathing and swallowing difficult. If you find you are having problems breathing or if you can’t swallow your saliva and start to drool, then get to a doctor straight away.

I had one of my overseas patients experience this on a recent holiday. She could not sit or lie down without her breathing closing down. Fortunately her husband rushed her to the nearest hospital where they treated her successfully. She said it was one of the most terrifying episodes in her life.

3) Extreme fever

Fevers caused by Epstein Barr infection will seldom go over 41°C (105°F). However if you are overdressed, or trapped in a hot place (like a hot car), fever can escalate and become dangerous.

Extreme fever can cause febrile convulsions in some children. Always watch children carefully and make sure they are not dressed too warmly or rugged up in blankets.

If your temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) have a luke warm bath or sponge the body with luke warm water. Panadol may need to be taken if the fever is not coming down.

Aspirin should never be used to control fever or pain in mononucleosis sufferers because of the rare association of aspirin with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and liver failure.
4) Strep throat
A bacterial strep throat, can be a secondary infection that the body picks up when battling glandular fever. It is most commonly caused by streptococci and may warrant the use of an antibiotic. 

Symptoms of a strep throat can be;
Severe redness and swelling in throat
Pain in the throat
A yellow discharge on the tonsils.
Coated tongue

Since symptoms of glandular fever and strep throat can overlap, a swab is recommended before antibiotics are taken.

Untreated strep throat can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, kidney disorders, arthritis or systemic infection throughout the body.

So if you have any of these symptoms please get yourself to a doctor or hopsital for further investigation.

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