Epstein-Barr virus symptoms, treatment
According to statistics, 90% of people over the age of 40 have the Epstein-Barr virus in their bodies. Most develop immunity to the virus, but in some cases special treatment (especially supportive) should be carried out. The symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus are variable, so a comprehensive examination is necessary for a timely diagnosis.
What happens in the body
Having entered the human body, the virus first affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and then spreads throughout the body with the bloodstream. Symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus in adults can be pronounced or absent, but most often the first sign of the disease is an increase in lymph nodes. Moreover, all groups of lymph nodes are affected - doctors diagnose micropolyadenia.
If at this stage of the development of the pathology, no treatment was carried out or the patient's immunity is weakened, the virus continues to "occupy" other organs and systems. As a result, the heart, liver, and spleen begin to function abnormally. In the presence of the capsid antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus against the background of a critical decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes, damage to the central nervous system begins. In this case, the consequences will be very serious, up to the death of the patient.
If a person has a strong immunity, the virus may not provoke serious disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems, after the rapid development of the disease, a long remission occurs. During this period, the human immune system produces antibodies that protect the body from subsequent attacks.
Symptoms and diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus
- PCR diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction method) – detection of the virus using genetic methods;
- general blood test - a critical decrease in the level of hemoglobin may be detected;
- liver tests - with the Epstein-Barr virus, the liver is often affected, so the liver enzymes will be changed.
All the above-mentioned diagnostic measures are highly informative. But the doctor will in any case prescribe other examination methods to rule out other pathologies.
Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus in children and adults
It is impossible to completely get rid of the virus - it belongs to the family of herpesviruses. Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus in children and adults consists in carrying out specific therapy with antiviral drugs. Therapy schemes are selected individually and depend on the severity of the disease, as well as on which organs and systems are affected by the virus.
Patients must take immunoglobulins, vitamin-mineral complexes, hepatoprotectors. These drugs are prescribed to strengthen the immune system, to support the central nervous system and the liver.
The Epstein-Barr virus belongs to chronic infections, which with proper treatment can remain in remission for a long time. Periods of virus activation can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and regular medical appointments.
More detailed information about the disease (in particular, how to treat the Epstein-Barr virus in its various manifestations) is presented on the pages of our site Dobrobut.com.
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