Pfeiffer’s Glandular Fever: Diagnosis and Treatment

Because the symptoms of glandular fever also occur in many other diseases, it is sometimes not so easy to clearly distinguish the disease. However, clear clues include an increase in white blood cells in the blood and antibodies to the EB virus. Analgesic and antipyretic medications can alleviate symptoms, but the disease itself cannot be controlled with any specific agent.

Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: diagnosis.

In addition to the signs of the disease, blood tests are groundbreaking. In particular, so-called Pfeiffer cells are typical. In cases of doubt, a special antibody test can also be performed, which may need to be repeated.

To assess the Zusatnd of liver and spleen, an ultrasound examination can be performed.

What is the treatment for glandular fever?

There is no specific medication for Epstein-Barr virus. Therefore, only the symptoms can be treated. These include, in particular, the fever and the pain.

In about ten percent of those affected, there is an additional bacterial inflammation of the tonsils in the course, which is treated with antibiotics. The doctor will avoid penicillins, as they can lead to skin rashes, especially in mononucleosis.

If complications occur, they must also be treated symptomatically; a ruptured spleen requires emergency surgery.

Supportive home remedies

Helpful in glandular fever are especially herbal teas, which not only balance the fluid balance, but at the same time inhibit inflammation (for example, sage, chamomile, thyme).

Antipyretic, analgesic drugs such as paracetamol help against the main symptoms.

The sore throat can also be relieved with moist throat compresses, for example, with curd or Retterspitz


and mouth rinses (for example, with marshmallow, coltsfoot, ribwort) relieve; ready-made preparations with nasturtium and horseradish are available in pharmacies.

What should the person with the disease pay attention to?

The most important thing is physical rest, especially in the first few weeks of the disease; full exercise capacity is often not restored for several months. In the case of splenic swelling, even physical work or sports can lead to a ruptured spleen.

It is important, as with all febrile illnesses, to drink plenty of fluids, even if swallowing is difficult.

How can you avoid infection?

Because the virus is widespread, there is little you can do to protect yourself from infection. The only way is to avoid close bodily and especially salivary contact with sick people. However, the sick person does not need to be isolated.

A vaccine is being tested and is to be used especially in patients who are at high risk for complications.