Bornholm disease , also known as pleurodynia, is caused by the Coxsackie viruses. The name of this disease came from the name of a Danish island Bornholm where it first occurred. This disease is also known by names such as the grasp of the Phantom, epidemic transient diaphragmatic spasm, devil’s grip, epidemic myalgia and epidemic pleurodynia.

Bornholm disease is a viral infection caused by the coxsackieviruses in the intercostal muscles, which is located in the walls of the chest and is responsible for joining the ribs. The pleura and the lining of the lungs are also affected in this disease. This disease generally lasts for 2-4 days but might relapse after few days. In some rare cases this disease may become complicated by orcitis, aseptic meningitis, pericarditis and fibrinous pleuritis.

Causes of Bornholm Disease

Bornholm disease is caused either by group A coxsackie vituses and echoviruses or group viruses. Picornavirus is also responsible for this disease. The viruses of this disease are present in the faeces of the infected person. They generally spread through faecal oral route i.e. they enter the mouth of the healthy person through fingers which has touched the contaminated items such as toilets, nappies and toys of the infected individual. So this infectious disease is transmitted by people who have not washed their hands properly. Apart from that this disease also spreads through nasal secretion, saliva and toothpaste.

People belonging to any age can get the infection. But it more commonly occurs to the individual who are less than 30 years of age. This disease is infectious and if not controlled can take epidemic proportions.

Symptoms of Bornholm Disease

Bornholm disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache and pain in the lower chest. These symptoms generally occur after 4 days of the attack of this disease. During the incubation period flu like symptoms may also be seen in the infected individual. The infected individual may also experience pain in the upper abdomen but usually on one side. The intensity of the pain varies from individual to individual and is generally described as grip like or stabbing pain. Sometimes the pain is spasmodic which lasts for 15-30 minutes at a stretch.

In some cases the infected individual also experiences pain in the rig cage. A slight movement of the rib cage causes pain, which can make it difficult for the individual to breathe. Sometimes cough; sneezing and sudden movement may also worsen the intensity of pain. However pain and fever disappears after 2 to 3 days.

The symptom of this disease usually lasts for two to six days in adults and one to two days in children but there are chances of recurrence of this disease after few days. Sometimes recurrence of pain and fever may last for week and even more. Because of this horrible experience, the occurrence of disease often becomes nightmare for a person. There are very rare instance of complicated case but if occurs it may lead to inflammation of testes, tissues of heart and finally meningitis.

Apart from this, this disease may also be characterized by sore throat, pleuritic pain, and malaise. Hyperesthesia, swelling of muscle, local tenderness, and myalgias of the trunk may occur in severe case of this disease.

Treatment for Bornholm Disease

Bornholm disease should be treated as soon as the symptoms of this disease appear in order to avoid the severity of this disease. If the duration of this disease is not more than a week then it is less fatal and one need not undergo a severe course of treatment. Treatment of this disease includes administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent or application of heat to the infected muscles by placing a hot bag on the painful muscles. Drugs and painkillers are also helpful in treating the fever and pain.

Apart from this, one should also maintain hygiene in order to avoid the risk of this disease being spread. Doctors are the only person who can diagnose this disease and further treat it.

Advice

An individual suffering from Bornholm disease should immediately consult a doctor. The nurse should maintain hygiene so that the infection does attack her. Above all the infected individual should stay apart from the pregnant ladies so that the infection is not passed on.