Some diseases have no cure and therefore it is best to prevent them from occurring. One of such disease is polio. It is a rare illness but of grave danger if contracted. Affected persons are usually young children under the age of fifteen years. In rare cases, adults may be involved. If one survives this illness, there are chances of developing a more similar disease at later age. That disease is named post polio syndrome. A number of post-polio blog have worked hard to make this rare disease known to the public.
. Unlike other ailments, this disease has no clear signs and symptoms that distinguish it from other related illnesses. For this reason, misdiagnosis is very common even with experienced and highly knowledgeable persons. For instance, the key symptoms and signs include muscle wasting, body pains, malaise and weakness. These same features are common with other infections like poliomyelitis. This condition is progressive and may grossly affect ability to carry out activities of daily living.
When mechanisms of action of a disease is well understood then even control and management becomes easier; otherwise, managing it becomes difficult. For this particular disease, mechanisms of action remain unknown. All information available is about theories. Some of these theories are more acceptable than others. The most accepted theory talks of neural fatigue. In this theory, it is explained that remaining nerve cells that survive viral attack assumes the function of all other dead ones. Because of this, they are later overwhelmed leading to later expressions observed.
Unlike many other diseases, diagnosing this illness pose a challenge and therefore might often be misdiagnosed. Diagnosis is basically dependent upon clear history taking. Three features point to this illness and they include previous infection by polio virus, long period of time from the time of initial infection and finally; gradual onset of weakness as well as body malaise.
Treatment is mainly intended to relieve symptoms and preserve body function. It is more of a palliative intervention. One intervention involved is bed rest. In this state, one avoids straining and therefore is well rested. Similarly, some activities like movement may be achieved by aid of powered wheelchairs that reduces need for physical energy during movement. A second intervention is use of pain killers. These are drugs intended to block pain and therefore limit distress associated with it.
Of all the symptoms, fatigue is the most conspicuous and very distressing symptom. Nearly all persons with this syndrome complain of fatigue. They points out fatigue as one most undesired feature. To effectively handle this feature, a number of options are employed. These include fatigue medication, weight reduction, workload reduction as well as change of life style.
Prognosis is good for persons suffering from this illness. Most persons affected recover fully to their previous state of health. However, a number of victims succumb to their illness when vital body functions are impaired. One such case may involve compromise of respiratory muscles. Recovery usually takes a longer time but this dependent upon several factors and individual differences. Despite being a progressive disease, case fatality is low and only a quarter of all victims succumb to it.
All persons desire good life. For this reason, all individuals should strive to utilize available preventive measures rather than treat an infection.. Some of these measures include proper hygiene and immunization during childhood. This is the only sure way of preventing post polio syndrome.
. Unlike other ailments, this disease has no clear signs and symptoms that distinguish it from other related illnesses. For this reason, misdiagnosis is very common even with experienced and highly knowledgeable persons. For instance, the key symptoms and signs include muscle wasting, body pains, malaise and weakness. These same features are common with other infections like poliomyelitis. This condition is progressive and may grossly affect ability to carry out activities of daily living.
When mechanisms of action of a disease is well understood then even control and management becomes easier; otherwise, managing it becomes difficult. For this particular disease, mechanisms of action remain unknown. All information available is about theories. Some of these theories are more acceptable than others. The most accepted theory talks of neural fatigue. In this theory, it is explained that remaining nerve cells that survive viral attack assumes the function of all other dead ones. Because of this, they are later overwhelmed leading to later expressions observed.
Unlike many other diseases, diagnosing this illness pose a challenge and therefore might often be misdiagnosed. Diagnosis is basically dependent upon clear history taking. Three features point to this illness and they include previous infection by polio virus, long period of time from the time of initial infection and finally; gradual onset of weakness as well as body malaise.
Treatment is mainly intended to relieve symptoms and preserve body function. It is more of a palliative intervention. One intervention involved is bed rest. In this state, one avoids straining and therefore is well rested. Similarly, some activities like movement may be achieved by aid of powered wheelchairs that reduces need for physical energy during movement. A second intervention is use of pain killers. These are drugs intended to block pain and therefore limit distress associated with it.
Of all the symptoms, fatigue is the most conspicuous and very distressing symptom. Nearly all persons with this syndrome complain of fatigue. They points out fatigue as one most undesired feature. To effectively handle this feature, a number of options are employed. These include fatigue medication, weight reduction, workload reduction as well as change of life style.
Prognosis is good for persons suffering from this illness. Most persons affected recover fully to their previous state of health. However, a number of victims succumb to their illness when vital body functions are impaired. One such case may involve compromise of respiratory muscles. Recovery usually takes a longer time but this dependent upon several factors and individual differences. Despite being a progressive disease, case fatality is low and only a quarter of all victims succumb to it.
All persons desire good life. For this reason, all individuals should strive to utilize available preventive measures rather than treat an infection.. Some of these measures include proper hygiene and immunization during childhood. This is the only sure way of preventing post polio syndrome.
