Poliomyelitis
Alternate Names : Acute Paralytic Poliomyelitis OR APP, Polio, Type 1 Poliovirus, Paralytic Poliomyelitis, Nonparalytic Poliomyelitis, Infantile Paralysis
What are the treatments for the infection?
People with mild symptoms usually get better after several days of bed rest.
Any additional infections are treated with antibiotics. People who have damage
to their nerve cells need to have their symptoms treated.
Muscle spasms and pain are treated with medication and hot, moist
packs.
Sometimes the nerves and muscles that control the bladder are affected.
In this case, a urinary catheter can be inserted into the bladder to
drain urine.
A
ventilator, or artificial breathing machine, may be needed if the
nerves and muscles of the lungs are damaged.
A firm bed with a footboard can be used for people with paralysis of the
legs.
In cases of paralysis, physical therapy can help prevent muscle
damage while the disease is active. Once the virus is no longer active,
physical therapy can help keep the muscles functioning.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
All medications have side effects. Antibiotics and pain medications have
some side effects, such as stomach upset or allergic reactions.
Treatments to help with breathing or urination may cause infections.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
After the poliovirus is treated, the person will still need physical
therapy to gain strength and mobility. After many years, new nerve
cells can begin to fail, resulting in muscle weakness. This is known as
postpolio syndrome.
How is the infection monitored?
Monitoring is ongoing. Postpolio syndrome develops very slowly. It
is usually diagnosed after muscle strength testing is done over a long period
of time.
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