How is polio treated?
There is no cure for polio, so prevention is very important. Patients with non-paralytic polio need to be monitored for progression to paralytic polio. Patients with paralytic polio need to be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory failure, which may require lifesaving therapies such as respiratory support. In addition, a number of treatments are available to decrease some of the less severe symptoms. There are medications to treat urinary infections and urinary retention and pain management plans for muscle spasms. Unfortunately, there are only supportive measures available to treat the symptoms of paralytic polio. Patients who recover from polio may require physical therapy, leg braces, or even orthopedic surgery to improve physical function. Is there a vaccine that prevents polio? The story of polio vaccine is a true medical success story. It is not over yet since polio still causes significant illness in less developed areas of the world such as in India and Africa. During
