
Does EBV Infection Lead To Enlargement Of Spleen?

Question: I had Epstein-Barr Virus about a year ago..i think i am having a flare up. the last time i had it (when i was diagnosed) my spleen was enlarged. Is that most likely what will happen every time it flares up? Is that my body's reaction to it every time?
Brief Answer:
Lymphoid organs enlarge
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Inflammation and enlargement of any lymphoid organ like the spleen and lymph nodes can occur with flare up of EBV infection. This would subside when the disease becomes quiescent. During the enlargement spleen, avoid any trauma to the area as splenic rupture is a recognized complication.
Lymphoid organs enlarge
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Inflammation and enlargement of any lymphoid organ like the spleen and lymph nodes can occur with flare up of EBV infection. This would subside when the disease becomes quiescent. During the enlargement spleen, avoid any trauma to the area as splenic rupture is a recognized complication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Okay thank you! Last time my spleen was at like 17mm or something is it likely to blow up larger in the future or less or will it blow up to the same size everytime? I am afraid it will blow up larger on its own and rupture
Also my flare up last time lasted about 6 months and my spleen was enlarged the entire time. Will the flare up last that long again? Also, I take clonazepam and I've read that it can enlarge the spleen should i not take it during my flare ups?
Also my flare up last time lasted about 6 months and my spleen was enlarged the entire time. Will the flare up last that long again? Also, I take clonazepam and I've read that it can enlarge the spleen should i not take it during my flare ups?
Brief Answer:
Spontaneous splenic rupture is unlikely to occur
Detailed Answer:
The virus usually remains in a dormant state after the initial infection and if the flare occurs it is only mild and there is no need to worry that the spleen would enlarge to the breaking point. If you have a severe flare up, you should get yourself checked for conditions which decrease immunity.
There are other viruses like CMV that produce Infectious mononucleosis and hence in recurrence of symptoms, it would be good to test for these also.
There's no harm in taking clonazepam. It doesn't make your risk any greater.
Spontaneous splenic rupture is unlikely to occur
Detailed Answer:
The virus usually remains in a dormant state after the initial infection and if the flare occurs it is only mild and there is no need to worry that the spleen would enlarge to the breaking point. If you have a severe flare up, you should get yourself checked for conditions which decrease immunity.
There are other viruses like CMV that produce Infectious mononucleosis and hence in recurrence of symptoms, it would be good to test for these also.
There's no harm in taking clonazepam. It doesn't make your risk any greater.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Awesome thank you for easing my mind. Do you have any tips for boosting immunity during this flare up? Also is it likely to last as long as the last time i had it?
Brief Answer:
Healthy lifestyle
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. Sorry for the delay in replying as we are in different time zones.
Eat healthy wholesome food, avoid junk food, sodas, smoking, alcohol and drugs. Exercise minimum of 30 minutes a day. Relax and manage stress well through meditation , yoga or relaxation exercises.
These help boost immunity and overcome your illness fast . Then your present episode will be shorter.
Healthy lifestyle
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. Sorry for the delay in replying as we are in different time zones.
Eat healthy wholesome food, avoid junk food, sodas, smoking, alcohol and drugs. Exercise minimum of 30 minutes a day. Relax and manage stress well through meditation , yoga or relaxation exercises.
These help boost immunity and overcome your illness fast . Then your present episode will be shorter.
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

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