What are the symptoms of poliomyelitis (polio)?
Disease description:
The neighbor's child seemed quite normal in daily life, but was recently diagnosed with poliomyelitis. What are the symptoms of poliomyelitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, can be categorized into the following types of symptoms:
1. Prodromal stage: Patients often exhibit symptoms such as fever, general malaise, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms similar to those of a common cold. These symptoms typically last for 1 to 4 days.
2. Pre-paralytic stage: During this stage, the patient's temperature may rise again after a temporary return to normal. Symptoms include high fever, headache, pain in the neck, back, and limbs, which worsen with movement or changes in body position. Additionally, signs of central nervous system infection such as excessive sweating, skin redness, and restlessness may appear.
3. Paralytic stage: Usually occurring 2 to 7 days after the onset of illness or 1 to 2 days after the second fever episode, patients may develop asymmetric flaccid paralysis. The condition worsens with fever and ceases to progress once the fever subsides.
4. Recovery and residual stage: Paralysis symptoms usually begin to improve within 1 to 2 weeks, starting from the distal limbs and gradually progressing to the proximal areas. If motor neurons fail to recover within 1 to 2 years, the patient may enter the residual stage, characterized by muscle atrophy and limb deformities in the affected areas.
If the above symptoms are observed, immediate medical attention should be sought.
