Causes and Symptoms
Pfeiffer’s disease is a common disorder that is known by several names – mono, the kissing disease, glandular disease and mononucleosis. This disease is brought about by the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes an infection that leads to a transformation of the white blood cells in the body and their subsequent increase in number. The virus is believed to be transmitted through saliva and generally affects the throat and the neck first. However, the infection could also be in the respiratory system, the liver and the lymphatic system. The symptoms of Pfeifer’s disease may last up to several weeks. The most common symptoms of Pfeiffer’s disease are a sore, itchy throat and swollen lymph glands and tonsils. The condition also brings about a general lack of appetite and an overwhelming sensation of fatigue. Pfeiffer’s disease may sometimes lead to a swelling of the spleen which may result in severe abdominal pain. The condition also causes the liver to become enlarged and makes the heart rate rapid and irregular. Pfeiffer’s disease also causes fever, joint pains, headache and sometimes, a sore sensation in the muscles. It is important to note that if one experiences a severe pain in the left upper abdomen it may mean that the swollen spleen has ruptured. This is a critical condition requiring emergency surgery. The ruptured spleen will have to be removed in order to prevent possibly fatal internal bleeding. Care must be taken to avoid any stress on this organ during the illness and many doctors even recommend avoiding contact sports for at least three months after becoming ill with mono, even if symptoms seem long gone.
Treatments
Pfeiffer’s disease is extremely contagious and is believed to be spread by coming in contact with infected saliva. Thus, sharing personal articles, utensils, food and drink can be potentially dangerous while caring for Pfeiffer’s disease. The Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the family of the herpes virus and can stay dormant in the body in infected cells even after the person is treated. It is thus important to maintain good hygiene levels and exercise with caution while caring for mononucleosis or Pfeiffer’s disease at home. Do not share utensils and other personal articles. Avoid eating saturated fats and meat. Ensure that you do not drink beverages that contain caffeine.
It is important to take plenty of rest if you suffer from Pfeiffer’s disease. To relieve fatigue, try an aroma bath that is made with extracts of eucalyptus, bergamot and essential oils of lavender. Increase your consumption of garlic as this helps fight infection effectively and enhances immunity. To relieve a sore throat, gargle with warm water that is mixed with licorice and slippery elm bark. Elder flower and Yarrow are very effective in the treatment of fever caused by mononucleosis. Extracts of the wild indigo plant and cleavers are an excellent remedy for Pfeiffer’s disease as it cleanses the lymphatic system. In addition to these home remedies, simply gargling with warm salt water several times a day can provide relief. Of course, staying hydrated is crucial for anyone suffering from mono. Drink plenty of water and juices. Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help with pain and fever. It is, however, important to avoid aspirin as it can cause a serious disease called Reye’s Syndrome if taken during a viral infection such as mono, chicken pox, or flu.