EmpowHER has had several questions and comments in recent months about post-polio syndrome, especially from our international readers.
Polio is all but globally eradicated in 2012, thanks to vaccinations and huge efforts to make sure all children are protected. Only 1,352 reported cases in 2010, according to the World Health Organization.
But something called post-polio syndrome can affect those children who got polio and survived, and it's something that many people have to live with today as adults.
Let's look at what polio is, to begin with. Polio is a (mostly) childhood virus that is transmitted via the mouth, usually from fecal matter. The older the victim, the more painful the symptoms tend to be.
Polio affects the spine and can cause paralysis. It can also cause death by paralyzing the respiratory system.
Even though polio is rare in global terms now, it's still best for people to make sure they are inoculated before they travel to at-risk countries. Their doctors can advise.
For those who were not vaccinated as children and survived polio, they can go on to live with post-polio syndrome. PPS can be a very painful condition that can last throughout life.
PPS occurs in up to 40 percent of people after they have had polio and generally starts a decade or more after the initial polio attack. It's unknown exactly what causes it.
According to an EmpowHER article by Michele Badash, MS, symptoms of PPS include:
• Fatigue
• Slowly progressive muscle weakness
• Muscular atrophy
• Muscle spasms
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or sleeping
• Intolerance to heat or cold
• Speech problems
• Skeletal deformities, such as scoliosis
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/post-polio-syndrome/
There is no cure for PPS but certain changes in lifestyle and health care can help. These include maintaining a healthy weight, therapies like speech, occupational and physical, as well as walking aids and aids to assist in activities of daily living.
Massage can help with body aches. Because PPS can cause scoliosis, surgery may be considered in severe cases to realign the spine.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends medications for pain, conserving energy and staying as warm as possible to avoid muscle pain.
Since the respiratory system is affected by polio, the Mayo Clinic also suggests to "protect your lungs. If your breathing is impaired, watch for signs of a developing respiratory infection, which can make breathing problems worse, and have it treated promptly. Also, avoid smoking and stay current with your flu and pneumonia vaccines."
Another question EmpowHER has been asked several times is about stem cell therapy for adults living with PPS. Stem cell research for this condition is being researched and it seems that progress is made for this and many other conditions in terms of stem cell treatments.
Countries like India and Germany are actively gaining progress with research. However, there is currently no widespread (or even regional) stem cell treatment for PPS.
SOURCES:
*World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs114/en/
EmpowHER.com. "Post-polio Syndrome". Michele Badash, MS. https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/post-polio-syndrome
The Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions. Post Polio Syndrome. Lifestyle and home remedies. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-polio-syndrome/DS00494/DSECTION=li...
Reviewed September 27, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith