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Suggest Treatment For Glandular Fever
Question: 5 days ago I asked a question regarding Grandular Fever and I was helped by Dr. XXXXXXX Hanif, USA. The question was this: "I've been diagnosed with Glandular Fever on the 27th of August. I started having symptoms on the 21st of August. At first the doctors thought i had tonsillitis...so i was given a course of antibiotics Tavanic 500mg (Levoflacine) for 5 days. I am very worried because i am old..and already a week has passed and no improvement whatsoever. I have high fever approx 100-101 F I take panadols for that every 4 hrs. My throat/tonsils are all cover in while pus? and very painful even when drinking water. I have aches everywhere...i cannot even sleep bec the fever is worse when i do. I also have a persistent cough. From yesterday i srated taking Zantac....because I had very strong and painful heartburn. although i am drinking lots of water....my urine is very dark...and i only do a bit. today i noticed that my eyes are a bit yellowish. I don't know what to do the doctors are telling me that there isn't a cure. Since i am old will it last long on me and will i have complications. Pls help me. I don't know if i left something out...because I am not thinking straight. Oh i really don't know what to eat. i am also taking Multivitamins and minerals to help me. Thanks." Now it has been more than two weeks and yesterday a rash has took over most of my body...it is very bothersome..itchy and hot. Also my gp is suspecting that it is attacking my liver bec I even having very light stools and dark urine. So what can I eat so that it doesn't become worse please. I cannot stop taking paracetamol because of the fever. and i am drinking lots of water.
Brief Answer:
there is no specific treatment for glandular fever
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if you've been diagnosed with blood tests (heterophil antibodies for example) then you should know that this kind of disease has no specific treatment. There is no antibiotic or antiviral regimen which may help. We only try symptomatic treatment (that is treatment for the symptoms), supportive care and treatment of potential complications.
Glandular fever (or infectious mononucleosis) may cause problems to various organs like the liver (perhaps this is why your urine and stool look different and your skin appears to be yellow), the heart, the brain, etc. Usually it lasts for a few days to few weeks but more protracted courses have been noted.
Your liver condition should be followed up with regular blood tests (AST, ALT, ALP, gamma-GT, bilirubin, INR) to detect a more serious course. A complete blood count will detect changes in the white blood cells count and morphology. Other potential causes of this condition have to be excluded as well, despite being diagnosed with glandular fever. HIV and various types of infectious hepatitis is important to be excluded.
Your age is not the problem. Sometimes the virus follows a complicated course. We can't change that with drugs or other means.
You should try to rest. Your spleen could be enlarged and susceptible to injury or even rupture for a few weeks, so physical activity has to be restrained. Use paracetamol only in moderation because it may affect your liver. Avoid any kind of supplements unless your doctor has advised you to use them. Regarding your diet there is no real restriction at this point. Worsening of your liver condition (a failing liver) may require some diet changes though . Your doctor should inform you accordingly if the need arises. Drinking water is good, just let your thirst and urine guide you. If your urine starts to look like water, then perhaps you've drunk a lot!
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
there is no specific treatment for glandular fever
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if you've been diagnosed with blood tests (heterophil antibodies for example) then you should know that this kind of disease has no specific treatment. There is no antibiotic or antiviral regimen which may help. We only try symptomatic treatment (that is treatment for the symptoms), supportive care and treatment of potential complications.
Glandular fever (or infectious mononucleosis) may cause problems to various organs like the liver (perhaps this is why your urine and stool look different and your skin appears to be yellow), the heart, the brain, etc. Usually it lasts for a few days to few weeks but more protracted courses have been noted.
Your liver condition should be followed up with regular blood tests (AST, ALT, ALP, gamma-GT, bilirubin, INR) to detect a more serious course. A complete blood count will detect changes in the white blood cells count and morphology. Other potential causes of this condition have to be excluded as well, despite being diagnosed with glandular fever. HIV and various types of infectious hepatitis is important to be excluded.
Your age is not the problem. Sometimes the virus follows a complicated course. We can't change that with drugs or other means.
You should try to rest. Your spleen could be enlarged and susceptible to injury or even rupture for a few weeks, so physical activity has to be restrained. Use paracetamol only in moderation because it may affect your liver. Avoid any kind of supplements unless your doctor has advised you to use them. Regarding your diet there is no real restriction at this point. Worsening of your liver condition (a failing liver) may require some diet changes though . Your doctor should inform you accordingly if the need arises. Drinking water is good, just let your thirst and urine guide you. If your urine starts to look like water, then perhaps you've drunk a lot!
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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