Polio is a viral disease caused by the polio virus, which can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. Polio is a disease that mainly affects children, but it can also occur in adults. The severity of this disease can vary from patient to patient. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others risk permanent paralysis and death.
It should be remembered that polio is a vaccine-preventable disease. Therefore, it is of great importance to protect against preventable diseases such as polio with regular vaccinations. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of permanent damage.
What Causes Polio?
Polio is an infectious disease caused by an enterovirus called Poliovirus. This virus is usually transmitted through contact with contaminated water and food. Poliovirus multiplies in the intestines and then spreads to other parts of the body through the blood. It targets nerve cells and causes damage, which can lead to paralysis. It can also enter the body and cause illness until the person becomes immune.
What symptoms does polio cause?
Symptoms of polio can vary depending on the severity of the disease. In mild infections, symptoms can often go unnoticed or be limited to mild flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, however, the following symptoms may occur:
Muscle Weakness and Paralysis: The main symptom of the disease is muscle weakness or paralysis. This occurs mostly in the legs, but can also affect the arms and other muscle groups.
Pain and involuntary muscle contractions: Pain and involuntary muscle contractions in the paralyzed muscles are common symptoms.
Fatigue and Fever: Fatigue and fever may be among the first symptoms of the disease.
Headache and Sore Throat: Headache and sore throat are other symptoms seen in some patients.
How is polio diagnosed?
Various methods and criteria are used to diagnose polio. The diagnostic process is based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination and laboratory tests. The diagnostic process can be listed as follows:
Symptoms and Clinical Evaluation: The diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms. These symptoms usually include neurological signs such as muscle weakness, paralysis, involuntary muscle contractions and muscle pain. The patient's history and the duration and severity of symptoms are assessed.
Physical Examination: Doctors perform a physical examination to assess the patient's physical condition. During the examination, muscle strength, muscle reflexes and other neurological signs are examined. The presence of muscle weakness or paralysis can be detected by physical examination.
Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests are used to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are done to detect the presence or antibodies of Poliovirus in the body. Samples may include stool, throat swab, blood or cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid).
Electromyography (EMG): Electromyography is a test that measures the electrical activity of nerve cells and muscles. This test can be used to assess damage to nerve cells and muscle weakness.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI can provide a detailed image of the nervous system and can help diagnose the disease. This imaging test can provide information about the condition of the nerve roots.
The certainty of the diagnosis is based on the results of laboratory tests and the patient's symptoms. The diagnosis is also supported by the exclusion of other neurological diseases, because some neurological diseases can present similar symptoms. Therefore, the intervention of an experienced health professional is necessary to make a diagnosis in a patient with suspected polio.
What is done in the treatment of polio?
Treatment of polio can vary depending on the severity of the disease, the type of symptoms and the general health status of the patient. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing complications and improving the patient's quality of life. The main methods used in the treatment of polio:
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: This condition usually causes muscle weakness or paralysis. Physical therapists perform special exercises and rehabilitation programs to increase the patient's muscle strength, improve flexibility and restore mobility. This treatment supports the long-term healing process.
Orthotics and assistive devices: Some patients may need assistive devices such as orthotics (support devices) or wheelchairs to support areas that cannot move or move with difficulty as a result of the stroke. These devices can increase the patient's independence.
Respiratory Support: In severe cases, it can lead to the respiratory muscles being affected. In this case, the patient may need respiratory aids. Respiratory support helps regulate the patient's oxygen intake and respiratory function.
Pain Management: Patients may experience painful symptoms such as involuntary muscle contractions and muscle pain. Doctors may prescribe pain medication or muscle relaxants to relieve pain.
Nutrition Support: In such cases, patients are likely to have problems swallowing or digesting. Therefore, guidance from dietitians is important to ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition and can easily absorb nutrients.
Psychosocial Support: This condition can cause both physical and emotional difficulties. Patients and their families can receive psychosocial support and psychotherapy to help them cope with the disease.