Whether glandular fever requires treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the subjective symptoms. A causal therapy for the disease does not exist, but one can alleviate the symptoms with certain medications. Here you can find out which treatment has proven itself.
Uncomplicated Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: treatment of the symptoms
In a straightforward course, treatment is only useful for relieving the symptoms. The following points should be noted in case of an Epstein-Barr virus infection:
- Protect yourself and avoid especially intense physical stress
- Drink enough, especially if you have a fever.
- If necessary, take antipyretic drugs in consultation with your family doctor.
To reduce fever and reduce pain, over-the-counter medicines containing the active ingredients paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable. The intake should nevertheless be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist. Since the body loses more fluid in fever, it is particularly important to drink a lot. In addition, the drugs relieve sore throat and the pain that often occurs when swallowing. Many sufferers feel particularly tired and beaten off. The best way to help here is simply rest and protection.
Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: homeopathy for relief
Since Pfeiffer’s glandular fever can not be causally (causally) treated, homeopathic medicines can also be used to alleviate the symptoms – such as Belladonna, Ferrum phosphoricum and Aconitum to reduce fever. There is currently no scientific evidence for the positive effect of immunostimulatory homeopathic medicines in glandular fever.
Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: Therapy with antibiotics usually meaningless
Antibiotics should only be used if bacterial so-called secondary infections occur. This refers to infections that can spread in the wake of weakened immune system or on previously damaged mucous membranes. Antibiotics do not help against viruses, but their frivolous use would instead risk that potentially pathogenic agents will become insensitive (resistant). Should antibiotics become necessary, agents from the group of aminopenicillins should be avoided as far as possible. These can lead to severe skin rash in glandular fever.
If a glandular fever is present, and an almond operation is planned, the operation must be postponed, as surgery should not be performed on an inflamed neck.
Complicated Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: treatment with cortisone
In severe disease courses, the administration of cortisone may be useful. The drug can in cases of complications such as meningitis, a strong swelling of the respiratory tract or an infection-related anemia, dampen the excess immune system response and thus prevent their life-threatening consequences. In children with congenital immunodeficiency, a treatment trial with chemotherapeutic agents or novel artificial antibodies can be made.
Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: treatment in splenic rupture
A particularly dreaded complication of Pfeiffer’s glandular fever is a splenic rupture. The spleen is a very heavily perfused organ, so the event is life threatening. Affected persons must be operated on immediately, the spleen is removed during the procedure.