Symptoms Commonly Seen for Persistent NonPolio Enteroviral Infections
Listed here are common symptoms of persistent non-polio enteroviral infection. This list is from observations made by Dr. John Chia in his Infectious Disease Medical Practice in Torrence, CA.
- Respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms or just flu-like symptoms (fevers, body ache, headache etc.). Few virus infections present with both respiratory and GI symptoms.
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose, sinus congestion and pain, sore throat, ear pain, difficulty in swallowing, loss of smell or taste.
- Upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, reflux, abdominal bloating, upper and lower abdominal pain, cramps, constipation alternating with diarrhea.
- Sudden weight loss due to significant stomach problem or decreased caloric intake, or weight gain due to inactivity.
- Numbness in the limbs, muscle twitching and spasms. Some experience facial tingling and numbness.
- Many types of headaches.
- Bone, muscle, and/or joint pain. Foot pain is quite common.
- Chest pain, palpitations and tightness
- Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing
- Low blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Intermittent low grade fever, chills and night sweats.
- Reproductive irregularities and pain.
- Prostate issues and pelvic pain.
- Blurred vision.
- Herpangina (blisters or ulcers over the roof of the mouth). Ulcers may form in the mouth, throat and for females the vaginal/cervix area.
- Recurring yeast or bacterial infections due to a weak immune system.
- Adrenal surge or dysfunction. High cortisol levels or low cortisol levels.
- Psychological problems, anxiety, or depression.
- Mental fatigue when trying to concentrate on tasks. Cognitive issues are very common as are short-term memory problems.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Seizures are rare but do occur.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Many become anemic.
- Swollen Lymph nodes in the neck and in the armpits
- Rash
- Organs that can be affected by enteroviruses: heart, pancreas, lungs, liver, spleen, colon, ovaries, testicles, epididymis, thyroid, muscles, skin and the central nervous system.
- Enteroviral infections can trigger dormant viruses to reactivate, such as HHV6, Epstein Barr Virus, CMV, and chickenpox– all herpes viruses.
- Children can show symptoms, but parents may not recognize them especially if they are intermittent.
- Children can have many of the same adult symptoms – a flu-like illness, fever, mouth ulcers, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, a rash, headaches, leg pain and weakness, muscle twitching, reflux, cognitive dysfunction and perhaps heart pain and arrhythmias. A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in children is possible after three months of illness.
- An enteroviral infection should be suspected if the same symptoms recur every month.