Polio

Synonyms: Polio

Polio is a viral disease that can affect nerves and lead to partial or total paralysis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms while the infection is ongoing.

People with severe cases may require emergency measures, especially help to breathe.

Symptoms are treated based on its severity. Treatments include:

• Antibiotics for urinary tract infections

• Medications (such as bethanechol) for urinary retention

• Moist heat (hot water bottle, hot towels) to reduce pain and muscle spasms

• Analgesics to reduce headache, muscle pain and spasms (narcotics are not normally used because they increase the risk of respiratory distress)

• Physical therapy, orthotics or orthopedic boots or orthopedic surgery to help regain strength and function of muscles

Prevention

The polio immunization (vaccination) effectively prevents poliomyelitis in most people (immunization is effective over 90%).