The mono blog

Glandular fever symptoms are usually mild, and they typically resolve within a few weeks.

However there are four symptoms you need to be aware of that can be dangerous and may require medical help.

Let’s have a look at these potentially serious symptoms:

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

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.

To avoid spleen rupture, it is important that you avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, constipation or anything which puts undue pressure on your spleen, particularly in the first 3 weeks of having glandular fever.

2) Compromised breathing and an inability to swallow
In some severe cases of glandular fever, 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 patients experience this on a recent holiday. She could not sit or lie down without her breathing shutting 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 glandular fever will not usually go over 41°C (105°F). However if you are overdressed, covered with blankets or trapped in a hot place (like a hot car), fever can escalate and become potentially dangerous.

High 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. Don’t use cold water as it can cause the body to start shivering and cause more stress. 

Panadol may need to be taken if the fever is not coming down.

Aspirin should never be used to control fever or pain in glandular fever 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. There is a higher risk of Reye’s syndrome in children under the age of 16.
4) Strep throat

A  strep throat, can be a secondary bacterial 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 advisable before antibiotics are taken.

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

If you have any of the above four glandular fever symptoms please get yourself to a doctor or hopsital for further investigation. If you are unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution and get your symptoms checked out.