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Polio Causes, Treatment, and Medications

Polio: Causes, Treatment, and Medications

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Polio is an infection also known as poliomyelitis. This is a highly infectious viral infection that largely affects children under 5 years of age. Polio can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, or even death.

The last case of naturally occurring polio was in the U.S in 1979. At present, even with a global effort to wipe out polio, it continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. Adults who have been vaccinated planning to travel to a place where polio is happening must have a booster dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV).

What Causes Polio?

Polio is caused by a virus called poliovirus. The virus enters the body through the nose or mouth, getting into the respiratory and digestive systems. It reproduces in the intestines and throat. From there, it can enter the bloodstream which can also attack the nervous system. It is the nerve network that helps the brain communicate with the rest of the body. 

Signs and Symptoms of Polio

Even though polio can cause paralysis or death, the majority of people who are infected don’t get sick and are not aware that they have been infected.

Non-paralytic polio

Some people who develop symptoms contract a type of polio that does not lead to paralysis. This usually causes flu-like symptoms which can last up to 10 days:

  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Stiffness in the legs or arms
  • Muscle weakness

Paralytic syndrome

This form of the disease is rare. The first signs and symptoms are headache and fever often imitate those of non-paralytic polio. Within a week, you may develop:

  • Severe muscle weakness or aches
  • Loss of reflexes
  • Floppy or lose limbs

Post-polio syndrome

This affects several people years after having polio and also a cluster of restricting symptoms. Common signs and symptoms are:

  • Fatigue
  • Progressive joint or muscle pain
  • Breathing problems
  • Swallowing problems
  • Muscle wasting
  • Decreased tolerance of cold temperature
  • Sleep-related breathing problems

Risk Factors of Having Polio

The following are the listed factors of getting the disease:

Areas affected by the condition:

  • India
  • Nigeria
  • Egypt
  • Pakistan
  • Afghanistan

People who are at risk:

People living in areas with limited access to running water often contract polio from drinking water contaminated by infected human waste. People with a weakened immune system and pregnant women as well as young children are the most susceptible to the poliovirus.

A higher risk of contracting polio if you have not been vaccinated and you also:

  • Have extreme stress activity after exposure to the virus
  • Have tonsils removed
  • Take care of or live with someone infected with polio
  • Travel to an area that has a recent polio outbreak
  • Handle a laboratory specimen of the virus

Safety Precautions

Vaccines are the main way to prevent polio. However, other methods of limiting the spread of this infection:

  • Checking with a medical professional that your vaccinations are current.
  • Avoiding food or beverages that may have been contaminated by a person with poliovirus.
  • Being sure to receive any necessary booster dosages of the vaccine.
  • Washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
  • Making sure you only touch the nose, mouth, or eyes with clean hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick including kissing, hugging, and sharing utensils.
  • Covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing.

Treating Polio

Doctors can only treat the symptoms while the infection runs its course. But since there’s no cure, the best way to treat polio is to prevent it with vaccinations. The most common supportive treatments include:

  • Physical therapy or corrective braces to help with walking
  • Warm towels or heating pads to ease muscle spasms or aches
  • Bed rest
  • Portable ventilators to help with breathing
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation to increase lung endurance
  • Physical therapy to address breathing and pulmonary problems
  • Physical therapy to treat pain in the affected muscles

In advanced cases of leg weakness, you may need a wheelchair or other mobility device. 

Medications for Polio

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA

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Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection in your lungs. It causes an inflammation of the air sacs of your lung. It results to difficulty in breathing. The infection is cause by a fungus “Pneumocystis jirovecii”.

This condition can affect anyone. But mostly, it affects children under 2 year’s old and older adult. It is difficult to treat and prevent. An early detection with treatment can lessen the case to become severe.

PCP can be fatal. It can lead to serious problem, if left untreated. A weak immune system can trigger the disease to develop. But there’s a medication available in treating this kind of disease.

SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA

The symptoms of PCP include:

  • Coughing with Phlegm
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Chest Pain when breathing
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Lips and Fingernails are blue

SOURCE OF INFECTION

The listed below are some possible sources of the infection.

  • Bacteria
  • Mycoplasma
  • Viruses
  • Other infectious agents (Fungi)
  • Inhaling the air by sneezing, coughing without covering the mouth
  • Inhaling various chemical agents
  • Hospital and healthcare facilities

RISK AND PREVENTION

WHO GETS PCP?

The following are the people at risk of developing the condition.

  • Older Adult
  • Children under 2 years and above
  • A person with Weak Immune System
  • A person with HIV/AIDS
  • A stroke person
  • Having a stem cell transplant
  • Having a Blood cancer
  • Smoker
  • Using a ventilator
  • Having a Chronic lung disease
  • Living in a nursing facility
  • Having a recent surgery
  • Other illnesses (heart disease, diabetes)
  • Have had a solid organ transplant
  • Having an impaired consciousness

PREVENTING PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA

HOW CAN I PREVENT PCP?

Aside from taking a vaccine. There’s a lot more you can do to prevent PCP such as:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Use hand sanitizer if possible.
  • Quit Smoking.
  • Avoid long-term exposure to a person who is ill.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Drink lots of water and fluids.
  • Use a humidifier.
  • Take supplements such as Vit. C and Zinc.
  • Maintain exercise every day.
  • Have a Vaccine Prevnar 13
  • Have a Vaccine Pneumovax 23
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

DIAGNOSING PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA

In diagnosing PCP, your doctor will conduct an exam first. He will ask you about your symptoms, and medical history. Then he might perform a physical test. Using a stethoscope and a Chest X-ray. The doctor can confirm your diagnosis with this test.

In severe cases, your doctor might suggest you undergo the following test:

  • Blood Test
  • Sputum Test
  • Urine Test
  • CT Scan
  • Bronchoscopy

The above-said test can help the doctor in diagnosing your condition.

TREATING PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA

The treatment for PCP includes:

  1. Antibiotics
  1. Cough Medicine
  2. Fever Reducers/Pain Relievers

This condition must treat with a prescribed medication. If this disease left untreated it can cause death.

Cholera - Rx 2 Go Pharmacy

Cholera: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, Prevention and Treatment

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Cholera is an acute condition of diarrheal illness. The infection is cause by a bacterium “Vibrio cholerae”. This condition is normally mild and doesn’t have symptoms. In some cases, it can be severe.

In severe cases, different signs are arising. A severe watery diarrhea is one of its symptoms. It can lead to dehydration. If this condition left untreated, this can result in death.

The disease is common in some parts of Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. In which they have poor sanitation. Several treatments are applied in treating this disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHOLERA

The symptoms of cholera are watery diarrhea. It contains mucus with a foul smell. The listed below are signs and symptoms that a person might also develop:

  • Vomiting
  • Fishy odor to stool
  • Rice-water stool
  • Thirst
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness/Irritability
  • Dry Mucous Membranes

In severe cases, you may develop symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Severe vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dehydration
  • Rectal Pain
  • Weight Loss
  • Low Urine Output
  • Seizures
  • Shock
  • Death

People who tend to have this condition are advised to have a hydration. To prevent developing severe cholera. That can lead to death, if not treated.

CHOLERA SOURCE OF INFECTION

The cause of the infection is a bacterium “Vibrio cholerae”. These are found in food and water. The common sources of infection include:

  • Ice made from municipal water
  • Food and Drinks sold by Street Vendors
  • Municipal Water Supplies
  • Undercooked meat, fish, and seafood caught in water polluted by sewage

If a person eats contaminated food, the bacteria release a toxin. It can produce severe diarrhea.

CHOLERA RISK FACTORS

The following are risk factors for cholera including:

  • Poor Sanitary Conditions
  • Household Exposure
  • Type “O” Blood
  • Nonexistent Stomach Acid
  • Raw or Undercooked Shellfish
  • Living/Visiting in an Endemic Area
  • Malnutrition
  • Weak Immune System

HOW TO PREVENT CHOLERA?

If you’re visiting an endemic area, know the tips to avoid cholera. These are the following:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.
  • Be wary of dairy foods.
  • Avoid eating sushi.
  • Don’t buy food sold by street vendors.
  • Choose to drink bottled water, canned juices, and soft drinks.
  • Eat fruits and Vegetables that you peel yourself.
  • Wash the dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food.

DIAGNOSING CHOLERA

The doctor will diagnose you by identifying your stool sample. One of the easiest tests to confirm the diagnosis is “rapid cholera dipstick test”.

An early diagnosis helps in decreasing the death rates of cholera. And with the treatment helps cholera outbreaks in control.

TREATING CHOLERA

The treatment for cholera includes:

  • Rehydration Therapy
  • Intravenous Fluids
  • Antibiotics
  • Zinc Supplements

The above-said treatment adds liquid in the body to help rehydration. It also reduces the days of having diarrhea.

ANISAKIASIS-PARASITE

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Anisakiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by nematodes (worms). This worm infects the human digestive tract by eating raw fish and squids that contains worms. The larvae of nematode are found in areas where people often eat raw foods. Humans become infected with larvae when they eat undercooked fish and squid the fed on the larvae. The raw foods with nematodes enter the human body. Once inside, it attacks the gastrointestinal tract of a human.

This infection can’t be transmitted to another person. The larvae can infect certain marine mammals such as whales and sea lions which defecate into the sea. The eggs are then released and it becomes an infected larva.

SYMPTOMS OF ANISAKIASIS INFECTION

Some may experience a tingling sensation while eating uncooked food. It is the worm that moves in your mouth. They can remove this worm by coughing it up. Some people might experience different symptoms. A person might experience the following symptoms from eating an uncooked food:

  • Having an abdominal pain
  • Having a nausea
  • Vomiting
  • An abdominal distension
  • Diarrhea
  • Having blood and mucus in stool
  • Having a mild fever

TREATMENT

The treatment for this disease is not necessary. The worm inside the human body typically dies in 3 weeks because human is not suitable for their life cycle. Treatment for this infection is:

  • Removal of worms inside the body
  • Having a surgery to remove the worm in the lining of the stomach
  • Steroids (sometimes not necessary)
  • Antibiotics
  • Isotonic glucose solution

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing this kind of condition includes:

  • Conducting a physical test and symptom assessments.
  • Evaluation of medical history (raw fish consumption).
  • Performing a morphological test.
  • Having a blood test.
  • Conducting an Anisakiasis skin prick test.
  • Performing a clinical test to know if the worm has occurred in the lining of the intestine such as:
  1. Upper endoscopy
  2. Radiography
  3. Surgery

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

The disease can be prevented by following the safety measures below:

  • Refrain from eating raw foods such as fish and squids.
  • Getting enough amounts of cooking or freezing fish before consumption.
  • Coughing up the worms, to let it out of your mouth after consuming raw foods.
  • Examining fish on a light table.

Acanthamoeba Infection

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Acanthamoeba is an infection in the eye, skin and central nervous system. It occurs in water and soil. It can spread to the eye through the use of contact lenses. It can transmit by having cuts and skin wounds. This infection causes a serious health issues to a human being.

3 Diseases caused by Acanthamoeba

  1. Acanthamoeba Keratitis – It was first recognized in 1973. It is a disease of the eye where the amoebae enter the cornea. It occurs in contact lens users which may result in blindness.
  2. Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) –It takes place in the human brain and in the spinal cord. It occurs in a person with a weak immune system.
  3. Disseminated Infection – This occurs in unhealthy person. It appears in the skin, sinus, lungs and other human organs.

ILLNESS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms experienced by the person include:

  • Pain and redness of the eye
  • Experiencing eye pain when exposed to sunlight
  • Continuous eye tearing
  • Having a feeling of something in the eye

Disseminated Infection and GAE are the same. It has a potential to spread in the brain. The symptom of GAE includes:

  • Changes of mental status
  • Loss of coordination
  • Having fever
  • Muscle weakness or partial paralysis of one side of the body
  • Experiencing eye pain
  • Double vision
  • Other neurologic problem

SOURCES OF INFECTION

The following are some practice that can lead a person at risk:

  • Improper storing and handling of the lenses
  • Improper cleaning/disinfecting of the lenses
  • Wearing lenses while swimming, using a hot tub and having a shower
  • Handling the lens with contaminated water
  • History of having a trauma to the cornea

The GAE and disseminated infection affect a person with a weak immune system. In some cases, it can affect a healthy person. The conditions that may increase the chances of GAE are:

  • A person having AIDS
  • Having an organ transplant
  • An abusive way of using antibiotics
  • A person with Diabetes Mellitus
  • Cancer
  • Abnormal or overproduced of white blood cells
  • Blood clotting doesn’t function properly
  • A person with Liver cirrhosis
  • Lupus

DIAGNOSIS AND DETECTION

Diagnosing is an effective way of treating the infection. This can be performed by an eye specialist. The GAE and Disseminated Infection are difficult to diagnose. Using tools such as brain scan and biopsies are a useful way to diagnose.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Practicing the following can lower the chances of having the disease:

  1. Visiting your eye care provider for a regular eye examination.
  2. Wearing and removing the lens according to the schedule provided.
  3. Removing the lens when having contact with water.
  4. Proper washing of hands with soap. Keep it dry before handling the lenses.
  5. Proper cleaning of the lens. According to the given instruction.
  6. Storing the contact lens in the proper storage case.

TREATMENTS

Medication is a useful way of treating this condition. If you notice the sign of infection, visit your doctor to have you diagnose. The GAE infection is difficult to treat but when it’s not spread in the nervous system it can be cured.

Acne

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Acne vulgaris or commonly known as acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It often causes pimples and spots on the face, neck, head and chest. It’s most common among teenagers when their sebaceous glands are very active though it affects people of all ages. In the US alone, at least 85% of the people experience acne between the ages of 12 to 24.

Effective treatments are available over the counter but the more severe forms should be treated by a dermatologist.

Types of acne

Acne pimples may vary in level of pain, color and size. The following types are possible:

  • Blackheads: They are black and visible on the skin surface.
  • Whiteheads: They remain under the skin.
  • Pustules: They are red at the base with pus at the top.
  • Papules: Usually small, pink bumps that is visible on the surface of the skin.
  • Nobules: They are solid, large and painful pimples under the skin.
  • Cysts: They are painful and are filled with pus. They can cause scars.

What are the causes of acne?

There are four main factors causing acne. These are:

  1. Bacteria- Propionibacterium acnes that live on the skin can contribute to the infections.
  2. Excess oil production- Increased production of sebum can plug the skin pores. The plugged hair follicle slowly become big and produces bumps. Eventually, the wall breaks allowing bacteria and other harmful substances into the skin.
  3. Clogged hair follicles– The clogged hair follicles allow oil build-up under the skin.
  4. Excess activity of androgen hormone– Excess androgen hormone can cause the oil gland under the skin to grow.

Other factors that may cause and worsen acne are:

  • Greasy cosmetics
  • Menstruation
  • Dirt
  • Foods
  • Hormonal change
  • Stress
  • Genetic reasons
  • Certain medications
  • Occupations
  • Diet

What are the signs and symptoms of acne?

The signs and symptoms of acne depend upon the severity of the conditions:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Pimples
  • Painful lumps under the skin
  • Lumps that are filled with pus under the skin.

The adverse effect of the problem

Acne problem can have both psychological and physical effects. People with recurrent acne can experience the following:

  1. Low self-esteem
  2. Image problems at school and work
  3. Attitude problems
  4. Problems having friends
  5. Depression

How can I prevent acne?

Here are some prevention tips for acne-prone skin.

  • Do not scrub your face when washing.
  • Do not pop the pimples.
  • Refrain from touching your face.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before applying gels and creams.
  • Avoid using oil-based products.
  • Avoid stress and anxiety.
  • Keep your skin cool and dry.
  • Avoid irritants such as acne concealers and greasy cosmetics.
  • Protect your skin from too much exposure from the sun.
  • Avoid pressure on your skin.

What treatments are available for acne?

Acne treatment depends on the severity and how often acne occurs.

  1. Mild acne

OTC medicines, gels, soap and cream can treat mild acne. OTC medicines may contain active ingredients like:

  • Salicylic acid- assist the breakdown of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Azelaic acid- to strengthen the cell that lines the follicles; stop the production of sebum; reduces bacterial growth
  1. Moderate to severe acne

Your doctor may prescribe the following:

  • Antibiotics– It works by killing the bacteria and fights the inflammation. It is best used with topical benzoyl peroxide.
  • Injections- A specialist may inject diluted corticosteroid to treat inflamed cyst.
  • Oral contraceptive- It is a long-term treatment for acne.
  • Topical medicines like Retinoid- It come in the form of gels, creams and lotions.
  • Therapies like chemical peel, laser and whiteheads and blackhead extractions.

Common acne medicines