What kind of doctor do you see for post-polio syndrome?
Pulmonologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the lungs and respiratory system. Because of the variety of clinical problems encountered, they have knowledge of internal medicine. They are also known as respiratory physicians and respirologists.
Is there any treatment for post-polio syndrome?
There’s currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life. People with the condition are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together.
Is post-polio syndrome terminal?
Post-polio syndrome is rarely life-threatening. However, untreated respiratory muscle weakness can result in underventilation, and weakness in swallowing muscles can result in aspiration pneumonia.
Does post-polio syndrome affect brain?
Autopsies in some polio patients have found damage to the brainstem and motor cortex as well as to spinal motor neurons. Alternatively, polio may have spared the motor cortex, but the cortex reorganized in different ways to compensate for the loss of spinal motor neurons.
Is post-polio syndrome painful?
Muscle and joint pain are also common in post-polio syndrome. Muscle pain is usually felt as a deep ache in the muscles or muscle cramps and spasms. The pain is often worse after you’ve used the affected muscles. It can be particularly troublesome during the evening after a day’s activities.
Does exercise help post-polio syndrome?
Exercise is an important part of treatment. Researchers found that individu- als with Post Polio Syndrome who engage in regular physical activity re- ported a higher level of function and fewer symptoms than those who were not physically active.
How long can you live with post-polio syndrome?
People who recover from the initial attack of polio often live for years without further signs or symptoms. The onset of late effects varies widely but typically begins at least 15 years after the initial diagnosis.
Which signs are indicative of post polio syndrome?
In general, symptoms of PPS may include:
- Progressive weakness (common)
- Tiredness (fatigue) (common)
- Pain in the muscles and joints (common)
- Muscle shrinkage.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Breathing problems.
- Sleep disorders.
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures.
What is the cause of post-polio syndrome?
What causes post-polio syndrome? The exact cause of post-polio syndrome is unclear. It’s not known whether anything can be done to prevent it. The leading theory is that it’s the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones) that were damaged by the polio virus.
