Nov 04 2008
Symptoms of Glandular Fever (Epstein Barr or mononucleosis)
Let’s have a look at the most common symptoms of glandular fever.
Symptoms typically include:
- Swollen glands usually in the neck, but sometimes in the armpits or groin
- Fever - ranging from mild to extreme
- Fatigue – can be debilitating and prolonged
- Sore throat – ranging from slight to extreme
Like any infection, some patients will also suffer from:
- Headaches
- Sore muscles
- Poor appetite
- Nausea with vomiting and/or diarrhea in some cases
- Skin rash (often seen in children)
- Abdominal pain (especially in children)
- Puffy eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Cough, congestion or runny nose
- Liver inflammation and soreness
- Enlarged, painful spleen
Some people, particularly children, may exhibit none of these classical symptoms. When my young 3 year old son picked up glandular fever we just passed it off as a mild cold. It was only a few months later when he had a blood test done, that we realised it was glandular fever.
Most glandular fever symptoms are mild and will disappear within a couple of weeks when adequate rest, fluids, an immune-boosting diet and the right supplements and herbs are taken (see my e-book for further ideas).
In rare cases, glandular fever symptoms can be severe, and in fact may be life-threatening. It is often in the patients who are above the age of 25 or 30 that symptoms can be uncomfortable and prolonged.
In the next post we’ll have a look at the four glandular fever symptoms that you should never ignore.
Two years ago, I presented with an painful enlarged liver and nausea. After going to the ER, following some pain medication, anti nausea medication, and an xray, I was released without a diagnosis. I at the time did not know if it was my liver, kidney stones, gallstones, appendice, etc. but there was obviously an issue. Following up with my family doctor, she saw that my liver had indeed been enlarged and sent me for a HIDA scan (results were negative, and the technician was dumb founded that I was even there). Hepatitis screening among other blood tests revealed nothing. Intermittently over the next year I would have random bouts of the same pain and nausea. The ER doctor insisted that I had a bowel issue and should see a specialist (although I had no problems). After going to the doctor presenting with swollen glands, general flu symptoms and a sore throat I was sent for a mono blood work up and finally was diagnosed positive as being a carrier of EBV. Although I have never had Mono, and still has the liver pain not been associated with EBV by a doctor, I have had flairs of liver pain when not feeling well, or coming down with a small illness. After much research, I myself have concluded that that the pain was related to EBV. I have had so many other illnesses that could be related to EBV- headaches (I have seen an ent and neurologist), depression, a recent and unexplained anxiety/panic attacks that put me in the hospital and off work for a month. Your research has been a windfall for me and been the first to explain so much after so much pain and frustration! I have been looking for so long other than the answer that I just have to live with this.
Thank you so much!
Best Wishes to you
Hi Lonna,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear you have been struggling with your health for so long. Epstein Barr can trigger long term problems with an enlarged liver, nausea, headaches, anxiety and depression.
Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to relieve your symptoms and keep the virus at bay. I would look at doing some gentle liver cleansing, adding some anti-inflammatory nutrients like ginger, turmeric, vitamin C and zinc and eating a pure, fresh food diet. For your depression and anxiety, some high dose magnesium and the B complex are good starting points. Epsom salt baths or a hot compress over the abdomen may be beneficial when your liver pain flares up. The help of a good naturopath or holistic doctor is advisable if you do not make good progress.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth
I aw s diagnosed with EBV and Cox-Sackie B 6 years ago. As my GP at the time didn’t know how to treat it or know anything about it she recommended that I see a homeopath. This made me feel even worse. I eventually was diagnosed with CFS/ME. I don’t know whether my prolonged symptoms are as a result of the viruses. I haven’t had much success finding a naturopath in SA who can treat me. Would your e-book help for CFS sufferers? I do have it quite severe am go through long phases of being sofa bound. I have dizziness, weakness, get out of breath, fatigue, unrefreshed sleep,etc. I also have low iron, potassium and sodium. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you kindly
Kim
Hi Kim,
Thank you for your post. Sorry to hear you are ill with Epstein Barr and CFS/ME. It can be a very frustrating time.
Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your recovery. The treatment for EBV and CFS/ME is along the same lines. Your priority is to get your immune system fighting off the virus with high dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A. You will also need to repair your adrenal glands with magnesium and the B complex. Taking some iron, potassium and sodium can help if you are deficient in them.
A low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. Some anti-inflammatory foods and anti-viral herbs will also help. If your symptoms persist you may need to do some liver cleansing in order to clear the virus from your system.
All these techniques are outlined in my e-book and have been used with good results by many patients who have had similar conditions. With the e-book, you also get free email support for 30 days if you need further guidance on your individual concerns.
I hope this answers your questions.
Kind Regards
Elizabeth