Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare and serious autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. It is often triggered by infections or immune responses. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for better recovery.
GBS is becoming a medical concern across the nation, with Pune at the centre and the highest number of cases reported.
Healthcare institutes highly suggest avoiding eating out. One must avoid consuming contaminated food and water. Individuals must take care of their immunity. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten only after washing properly, as they are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth if not stored or handled hygienically.
What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?
GBS is a rare autoimmune health condition in which our immune system attacks our peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness that progresses to paralysis or even death. The condition happens when your immune system responds abnormally and attacks your peripheral nerves.
According to doctors, even though GBS occurs at any age, most commonly, it affects people between 30-50 years of age.
Guillain-Barré syndrome affects our peripheral nerves, which control muscle movement, pain signals, and temperature and touch sensations.
Signs and symptoms of GBS
The initial symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include:
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Muscle weakness
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Tingling sensations, especially in your feet and legs
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Deep muscular pain in your back and/or legs
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Paralysis of your legs, arms, and facial muscles
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Chest muscle weakness, which makes it difficult to breathe
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Difficulty speaking and swallowing
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Difficulty moving your eyes and vision issues
According to experts, the symptoms of GBS progress over hours, days, or a few weeks. Most people reach the most advanced stage of weakness within the initial two weeks after symptoms appear. By the third week, about 90 percent of people are at their weakest.
What causes GBS?
Being a post-infection and immunity-mediated neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome is caused by:
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An abnormal immune system response happens when you get sick, and your immunity becomes low, attacking and damaging your peripheral nerves and leading to the condition.
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Neuropathy is an umbrella term for conditions that damage nerves.
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Many people have diarrhea weeks before developing GBS symptoms due to the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which triggers digestive issues.
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Some people with GBS also have had the flu.
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In very rare cases, people have developed GBS in the days or weeks after getting certain vaccines.
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Very rarely, GBS can develop after any surgery.
Complications related to GBS
Doctors say GBS affects your autoimmune nerves and can cause life-threatening complications. Your autonomic nervous system controls the automatic functions of your body that you need to survive, like your heart rate and blood pressure, and when there are issues with them, it causes dysautonomia. Complications due to GBS-related dysautonomia include:
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Cardiac arrhythmias
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Fluctuating blood pressure
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Severe digestion issues
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Urinary retention and other bladder control issues
Prevention Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Since GBS is often triggered by infections, taking preventive measures to avoid infections and maintain a strong immunity can help reduce the risk.
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Seek Medical Attention for Infections: If you experience flu-like symptoms, food poisoning, or other infections, seek timely medical treatment to reduce complications.
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Strengthen Immunity: Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Exercise regularly to keep the immune system strong.
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Monitor Post-Surgical Recovery: If you have recently undergone surgery, stay vigilant for any unusual symptoms like numbness, weakness, or difficulty in movement.
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Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid consuming contaminated food or water to prevent infections like Campylobacter jejuni.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is spreading rapidly and proving to be fatal. One must take the required precautions to minimize the risk of developing this disease, especially avoiding eating out.
FAQ on Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) a lifelong condition?
No, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is not a lifelong condition; however, people may experience weakness for a longer period.
What are the stages of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS has three stages:
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Onset: Symptoms first appear, such as weakness or tingling in the arms or legs. Symptoms can develop gradually over days or weeks or appear rapidly.
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Plateau: Symptoms peak and stabilize; it lasts from days to weeks.
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Recovery: Symptoms gradually improve.
Can you fully recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Yes, most people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can fully recover, although the recovery process can be slow and may take weeks, months, or even years, depending on person to person.
