Polio, also called infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus, poliovirus, which is present in the intestine, but which can reach the bloodstream and reach the nervous system, causing various symptoms and possible sequelae, such as limb paralysis muscle atrophy, hypersensitivity to touch and speech disorders. Know what it is and how to identify childhood paralysis.
The sequelae of polio appear mainly in children and the elderly, are related to the infection of the spinal cord and brain by poliovirus and usually correspond to motor sequelae. The consequences of polio cannot be cured, but the person must undergo physical therapy to reduce pain, avoid joint problems and improve quality of life.
Main consequences of polio
The sequelae of polio are related to the presence of the virus in the nervous system, where it replicates and destroys motor cells. Thus, the main sequelae of polio are:
- Joint problems and pain; Clubfoot, known as equine foot, in which the person is unable to walk because the heel does not touch the floor; Different growth of the legs, which causes the person to limp and lean to one side, causing scoliosis - see how to identify scoliosis; Osteoporosis; Paralysis of one of the legs; Paralysis of the speech and swallowing muscles, which causes an accumulation of secretions in the mouth and throat; Difficulty speaking; Muscle atrophy; Hypersensitivity to touch.
The sequelae of polio are treated through physical therapy through exercises that help develop the strength of the affected muscles, in addition to helping with posture, thus improving the quality of life and reducing the effects of the sequelae. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, may be indicated to relieve muscle and joint pain. See how to identify and treat polio.
How to avoid the sequelae
The best way to prevent the occurrence of polio and its complications is through vaccination, which must be done in 5 doses, the first being at 2 months of age. Understand how polio vaccination is done.
In addition, in the case of poliovirus infection, it is important that treatment be started as soon as possible so that sequelae can be avoided and the person's quality of life can be improved, and physiotherapy is important to prevent limb paralysis, for example. example.
What is post polio syndrome (SPP)
The sequelae of polio usually appear soon after the crisis of the disease, however, some people only develop sequelae after 15 to 40 years after the identification of the virus and the occurrence of the polio symptoms, it is called post-polio syndrome or SPP. This syndrome is characterized by worsening muscle weakness and fatigue, muscle and joint pain and difficulty in swallowing, which occurs mainly due to the complete destruction of motor neurons by the virus.
The treatment of SPP should also be through physical therapy and the use of medications under medical guidance.
