Poliomyelitis

Definition

Poliomyelitis is a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death.

It is an acute, highly infectious viral disease characterized by fever, paralysis and muscle atrophy.

Causes

It is caused by infection with a member of genus Enterovirus known as polio virus (PV).

The poliovirus resides only in humans and enters the environment in the feces of someone who's infected. Poliovirus spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, especially in areas where sanitation is inadequate.

 Tests and Diagnosis

Symptoms including stiffness in the neck and back, strange reflexes, and trouble breathing and swallowing help doctors diagnose polio. The presence of the poliovirus is tested for in a sample of stools, cerebrospinal fluid, or throat secretions to confirm the diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid is an invisible liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

• Fever,
• Sore throat,
• Headache,
• Vomiting,
• Fatigue,
• Back pain or stiffness,
• Neck pain or stiffness,
• Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs,
• Muscle weakness or tenderness,
• Meningitis.

Poliomyelitis

Definition

The most severe form of the contagious viral disease poliomyelitis results in paralysis, breathing problems, and occasionally even death.

It is a severe, contagious viral illness marked by muscular atrophy, paralysis, and fever.

You should receive a booster dose of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine if you are an adult who has already received vaccinations and you intend to visit a region where polio is present. After receiving a booster dose, immunity is permanent.

Symptoms

• Fever,
• Sore throat,
• Headache,
• Vomiting,
• Fatigue,
• Back pain or stiffness,
• Neck pain or stiffness,
• Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs,
• Muscle weakness or tenderness,
• Meningitis.

Causes

It is brought on by infection with the poliovirus, a member of the enterovirus genus.

Only humans are home to the poliovirus, which spreads to the environment through an infected person's feces. Particularly in places with poor sanitation, the fecal-oral route is the main way that the poliovirus spreads.

Risk Factors

You're at greatest risk of polio if you haven't been immunized against the disease.

These factors also increase your risk if you haven't been vaccinated:

• Travel to an area where polio is common or that has recently experienced an outbreak
• Living with or caring for someone who may be shedding poliovirus
• A compromised immune system, such as occurs with HIV infection
• Having had your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy)
• Extreme stress or strenuous physical activity after being exposed to poliovirus.

Tests and Diagnosis

Symptoms like stiffness in the neck and back, strange reflexes, and trouble breathing and swallowing help doctors diagnose polio. The presence of the poliovirus is tested for in a sample of stools, cerebrospinal fluid, or throat secretions to confirm the diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid is an invisible liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.

Treatments and Drugs

Because no cure for polio exists, the focus is on increasing comfort, speeding recovery and preventing complications. Supportive treatments include:

• Bed rest,
• Pain relievers,
• Portable ventilators to assist breathing,
• Moderate exercise (physical therapy) to prevent deformity and loss of muscle function,
• A nutritious diet.

Nursing Management

• Keep an eye on the patient's degree of awareness.
• Utilize nursing care that is supportive.
• Involve physical therapy for a typical assessment and guidance.
• Determine the level of patient and family involvement in the care.
• Constantly monitor family interactions to assess the long-term impact of polio on the resources and dynamic of the familyics.