Summary about Disease
Bornholm disease, also known as epidemic pleurodynia or Devil's grip, is a viral infection that causes intense chest pain, often accompanied by fever and headache. It is most commonly caused by Coxsackievirus B, but other enteroviruses can also be responsible. The disease is generally self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own without specific treatment.
Symptoms
Sudden, intense, stabbing chest pain, often worse with breathing, coughing, or movement.
Pain may also occur in the abdomen, back, or limbs.
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Malaise (general feeling of discomfort or illness)
Abdominal pain
Sometimes, a rash may be present
Causes
Bornholm disease is primarily caused by infection with Coxsackievirus B. Less commonly, other enteroviruses, such as Coxsackievirus A and echoviruses, can also cause the disease. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, fecal-oral contact, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used There is no specific antiviral medication to treat Bornholm disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help alleviate pain and fever.
Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for recovery.
In rare cases, if complications arise, further treatment may be required, targeting those complications
Is Communicable
Yes, Bornholm disease is communicable. It spreads through:
Respiratory droplets: Coughing or sneezing releases virus-containing droplets into the air.
Fecal-oral route: Poor hygiene can lead to the spread of the virus through contaminated food or water.
Direct contact: Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can transmit the virus.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of Bornholm disease:
Frequent handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact: Limit close contact with infected individuals.
Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys.
Stay home when sick: If you have symptoms of Bornholm disease, stay home from school or work to prevent spreading the infection.
How long does an outbreak last?
An outbreak of Bornholm disease typically lasts for a few weeks to a few months within a community. Individual cases usually last for 1-2 weeks.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, especially the characteristic chest pain. The disease is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, the following may be considered:
Physical exam: A doctor will listen to the heart and lungs and check for tenderness in the chest and abdomen.
Blood tests: Blood tests can help rule out other conditions and, in some cases, identify the specific virus causing the infection.
Viral culture or PCR: These tests can detect the virus in samples from the throat, stool, or cerebrospinal fluid, but are not always necessary.
Chest X-ray: To rule out other conditions that may be causing chest pain.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms
Incubation period: 2-5 days (time between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms)
Initial symptoms: Sudden onset of intense chest pain, fever, headache, muscle aches.
Acute phase: Symptoms last for 1-2 weeks, with chest pain being the most prominent feature. Pain may come and go in waves.
Recovery phase: Symptoms gradually improve over several days to weeks. Fatigue may linger for a longer period.
Important Considerations
Bornholm disease is generally a mild and self-limiting illness, but the chest pain can be severe and debilitating.
Complications are rare but can include myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart), and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention to rule out other more serious conditions, such as a heart attack.
Pregnant women who contract Bornholm disease may transmit the virus to their newborns, potentially leading to serious complications in the infant.