Epstein Barr Disease is triggered by Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 4 virus (HHV-4). Apart from Mononucleosis, this virus from the herpes family has also been associated with certain rare cancers and tumors like Hodgkin’s disease, Burkitt’s lymphoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome etc.
Chronic Fatigue syndrome caused by Epstein Barr Virus usually causes bouts of sudden and excessive fatigue and exhaustion. Hodgkin’s disease is a cancer of the lymphatic symptom that causes symptoms like painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, groin etc, itchy skin, recurrent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and other such symptoms.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is characterized by symptoms like rapid and unexplained growth of lymph nodes. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma is more common in regions of East Asia and Africa. This cancerous condition is characterized by symptoms like nasal bleeding, neck swelling, sore throat, double vision, hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus and several other problems.
More often than not, infection by Epstein Barr Virus takes place in individuals aged between 10 to 35 years. In case of young children and teenagers, the incubation period for Epstein Barr Virus is one to two weeks. But, in case of adults it can be one to two months.
Individuals with suppressed immune systems are most susceptible to serious Epstein Barr Disease. Fortunately, most of the individuals who are exposed to this virus usually do not develop serious complications associated with Epstein Barr Virus.
Infectious Mono is one of the most common diseases associated with this type of viral infection. In young children, this infection tends to cause common ailments like diarrhea, cold, ear infection etc. At times, it does not cause any relevant symptoms at all.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Epstein Barr Disease
Infection of EBV is quite common. Epstein Barr Virus spreads though close person to person contact. The virus mostly remains inactive after causing such temporary illnesses. But what is Epstein Barr Disease and why it causes serious complications in certain individuals only is still not known.
There is a possibility that a combination of EBV infection and certain additional factors could be the reason behind these serious conditions characterized by neurological disturbances or other blood and coagulation related disorders. Certain congenital immunodeficiencies have also been associated with an increased risk of developing this disease.
The Epstein Barr Virus test is a type of blood test that is generally performed in order to detect the presence of antibodies. A positive result of this test indicates the presence of these antibodies thereby confirming a current or previous Epstein Barr Virus Disease or infection. This test is also known as Monospot test.
There is no specific cure for the treatment of Epstein Barr Disease caused by Epstein Barr Virus. However, the symptoms of this disease can be relieved with the help of several medicines home remedies and diet and lifestyle changes.
For example, it is recommended to avoid a diet rich in nitrosamines and salted fish as these items tend to increase the risk of developing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Stress Management, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy and other such alternative therapies can be highly beneficial in dealing with Epstein Barr Disease.
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