Introduction
Pleurodynia is a contagious disease. It is caused due to small infectious organisms called viruses. The viral infection of pleurodynia spreads from one person to another.
The common viruses that cause pleurodynia are Coxsackievirus A and B. It is rarely caused by Echovirus. These viruses belong to the enteroviruses group. This disease is also known as Bornholm disease and epidemic myalgia. The Coxsackievirus invades the body and multiplies. It causes a respiratory illness similar to a flu infection.
What Are the Causes of Pleurodynia?
The various causes of pleurodynia are as follows;
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The Coxsackievirus spreads through secretions like feces and nasal discharge. When a normal person comes into contact with these secretions, he gets affected by pleurodynia. Fecal spread is caused by Echovirus.
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If the pleurodynia-infected individual touches the baby's face, mouth, and nose or shares a toy, the baby will get affected easily.
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Sharing the drinking glass or spoons while eating contaminates the food and infects the normal individual.
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The Coxsackievirus travels through droplets while sneezing. It could spread at a much faster rate inside a closed area.
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Since the Coxsackievirus has a contact spread, it is most commonly found in school children and children in daycare facilities.
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The newborn affected with the Coxsackievirus can spread it to the mother while cleaning the infected feces.
What Are the Symptoms of Pleurodynia?
The individual develops symptoms of pleurodynia after a few days of exposure to the Coxsackievirus. The symptoms of pleurodynia are as follows;
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Chest Pain - The viral infection invades the muscles present in the chest and causes damage. Because of this, the individual feels pain in the chest area. The individual experiences radiating pain towards one side of the body. The pain appears intermittently. It can last around 20 to 30 minutes.
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Abdominal Pain - The individual experiences inflammation and pain in the upper part of the abdomen. There is intense pain due to the Coxsackie viral infection.
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Cough - The Coxsackie viral infection involves the respiratory tract and induces sore throat and cough. It can also expel mucus plugs.
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Shortness of Breath - The Coxsackie viral infection in pleurodynia might spread to the lining present in the lungs and cause respiratory dysfunction like shortness of breath.
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Fever - The Coxsackie viral infection makes the person weak and causes fever.
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Headache - The Coxsackievirus causes dehydration and results in a headache.
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Muscle Pain - The Coxsackie viral infection affects the muscles and causes pain. The pain is dull and lasts for the entire day. It also involves the skin and causes rashes.
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Vomiting - The Echovirus can survive in the digestive tract. So it causes nausea and vomiting.
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Increased Heart Rate - The heartbeat increases in pleurodynia and causes tachycardia.
How Is Pleurodynia Diagnosed?
Pleurodynia is an epidemic condition, so there is an outbreak in the area. The medical professional observes the common symptoms and takes some diagnostic tests to determine the pleurodynia condition. They are as follows;
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Chest X-Rays - The abnormal changes in the chest due to the pleurodynia can be identified by chest X-rays. The lungs affected by the Coxsackievirus show opaque changes in the radiographic images.
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Culture Test - The mucus or saliva is collected using the swab and tested for the presence of Coxsackievirus. The swab is also used to remove the tissue from the rectum. It is tested in the lab for the presence of Echovirus. A sample of feces is collected from the exposed person to check the severity of the pleurodynia.
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Blood Test - A sample of blood serum is obtained and tested for viral infection. The presence of antibodies against the viral cells indicates pleurodynia. It is determined with the help of serological markers.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - It is used to detect the organs involved in pleurodynia. The extent of inflammation in the chest muscles can be observed with computed tomography. It is also used by medical professionals to decide on the treatment phase. The thickening of the lungs due to Coxsackievirus, inflammation of the breathing muscle, damage of the heart valves, and the inflammation of the abdomen due to Coxsackievirus can be identified by computed tomography.
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Biopsy - If there is severe inflammation of the upper digestive tract, then the tissue is collected using a special tool. It is used to determine the severity of the viral infection caused by Echovirus.
How Is Pleurodynia Treated?
The respiratory illness of pleurodynia typically subsides within a few days. But the serious illness of pleurodynia lasting for more than a month must be treated with appropriate treatment methods. They are as follows;
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Medication - The fever caused by pleurodynia is treated by antipyretics. The commonly prescribed medication to treat fever and respiratory illness in pleurodynia is Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen. Antiviral drugs are used to reduce the infection caused by the Coxsackievirus.
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Immunoglobulin - In order to prevent pleurodynia condition in the newborn, immunoglobulin is used as a treatment method. It is obtained from the serum in the blood. It contains antibodies that can act against viral infections. This treatment can be used in children who are exposed to Coxsackievirus.
Conclusion
Healthy individuals can recover from pleurodynia within a few days. But pleurodynia causes serious complications in newborns and pregnant women. The pregnant woman should consult the physician if she is exposed to the Coxsackie viral infection during the later stages of pregnancy. If the virus spreads to the heart valves, it causes inflammation. This condition is known as pericarditis. If the Coxsackievirus involves the muscles of the heart, it causes myocarditis. This can be prevented by an earlier diagnosis of the Coxsackievirus and treatment of the same. Prevent pleurodynia by cleaning the hands after using the toilet. The parent should wash hands with a disinfectant solution after changing the diaper. Avoid kissing or sharing toys with newborns and children. In order to prevent the pleurodynia from spreading to others, the individual should use a mask. Always use personal items like towels, spoons, teacups, and soaps without sharing them with others.
