Some of the sequelae of Chikungunya that can appear after this infection are muscle pain, joint pain, swelling, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, some serious consequences that can also be caused by Chikungunya are seizures, changes in vision and heart failure, for example.
Chikungunya is a disease transmitted through mosquito bites Temples of the Egyptianscausing an inflammatory reaction in various parts of the body, such as muscles, joints and the nervous system.
Read too: Chikungunya: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment
In cases of suspected Chikungunya sequelae, it is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or general practitioner to carry out a complete assessment and indicate the most appropriate treatment for each person, which may include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants or analgesics, dietary supplements and physiotherapy. .
Main sequels
The main sequelae of Chikungunya are:
1. Muscle pain
Muscle pain is a possible sequelae of Chikungunya, which can vary from mild to moderate, and is often generalized and disabling.
How to deal with: To reduce inflammation and relieve pain, the general practitioner or infectious disease specialist may recommend the use of analgesics, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, corticosteroids, such as prednisone or hydroxychloroquine.
In addition, physiotherapy and cryotherapy sessions may also be recommended by the doctor to alleviate pain, reduce muscle damage and promote the person’s rehabilitation.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
Joint pain is a possible sequelae of Chikungunya, due to the inflammation caused by the disease, which can range from moderate to severe. Check out other causes of joint pain.
This symptom usually appears in the same joints affected during the acute phase of the disease, and can affect the wrists, hands, elbows, ankle, knees, lower back, neck and, more rarely, the jaw, and is accompanied by swelling, difficulty moving the joints, deformity and redness in the region.
How to deal with: It is recommended to apply cold compresses to the affected joints every 4 hours for 15 minutes to relieve pain and actively move the joints when waking up, five times throughout the day and before going to sleep. It is also important to avoid activities that overload the joints, repeated activities and carrying too much weight.
The doctor may also prescribe medications to relieve inflammation and pain, such as corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine.
3. Chronic fatigue
Another possible sequelae of Chikungunya is chronic fatigue, characterized by symptoms such as excessive and persistent tiredness, sleepiness during the day, irritability and mood changes, for example.
How to deal with: Treatment may include simple measures, such as avoiding smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages and stimulating foods, such as coffee, green tea and chocolate.
In addition, it is also recommended to practice light to moderate intensity physical exercise and adopt relaxation practices, such as yoga and meditation. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy and the use of medications such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatories may also be recommended by the doctor.
Read too: Chronic fatigue syndrome: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
4. Bloating
Swelling, or edema, is a sequelae of Chikungunya that can be caused by inflammation, generally appearing in the hands, feet, ankles and knees, and can last 50 days or more after infection.
How to deal with: Applying cold compresses to swollen joints for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 times a day, helps to relieve swelling. Additionally, using home remedies such as nettle and ginger tea also help to relieve inflammation in the joints, reducing swelling. See other home remedies for joint inflammation.
5. Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are other possible sequelae of Chikungunya, as the persistent pain and physical limitations caused by this disease can reduce the person’s quality of life and social relationships.
How to deal with: Practicing light outdoor activities, such as walking, stretching or yoga, helps treat depression and anxiety because it improves overall well-being.
In addition, psychotherapy sessions and the use of antidepressant medications, such as clomipramine, fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline, may also be recommended by the doctor. Understand better how depression is treated.
6. Alopecia
Alopecia is the loss of hair from the scalp or hair from any other region of the body, being a possible sequelae of Chikungunya, which can last for more than 1 year after the disease. Find out more about what alopecia is.
Alopecia can be caused by Chikungunya, because this virus attacks the immune system, damaging the hair follicle, which is the structure responsible for the formation and growth of hair. Furthermore, depression is a possible sequelae of chikungunya that can also cause alopecia.
How to deal with: Treatment can be carried out with the use of oral medications, such as finasteride or spironolactone, or topical medications, such as minoxidil or alfaestradiol, for example, as they promote hair growth.
Furthermore, for milder cases or to complement treatment, the doctor may also recommend the use of cosmetic products in the form of lotions or ampoules and food supplements.
7. Raynaud’s syndrome
Raynaud’s syndrome is a change in blood circulation in the hands and feet, causing pain, numbness, tingling, sensitivity to cold, change in skin color, which may turn white and then blue, due to lack of blood flow , for example.
How to deal with: The doctor may recommend the use of medications, such as calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, amlodipine and felodipine, and vasodilators.
In addition, measures that also help to avoid an episode of this syndrome are keeping the skin and hair dry, wearing socks, gloves and gym clothes that repel moisture, avoiding sudden changes in temperature and avoiding smoking.
8. Memory and concentration difficulties
Some people may experience difficulties with memory, concentration and attention, as a result of Chikungunya. But this symptoms is mainly present in elderly people.
How to deal with: Treatment can be done with the use of supplements recommended by the doctor and which contain vitamin B6, Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, omega 3, selenium and ginseng, herbal medicines and nutrients that improve blood flow to the brain, facilitating its functioning cognitive.
Read too: 7 remedies for memory and concentration
Serious sequelae of Chikungunya
In rarer cases, Chikungunya can also cause serious consequences, including:
- Neurological sequelae: Seizures, Guillain-Barré syndrome, itching, numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of movement in the arms or legs; meningoencephalitis, encephalopathy, cerebellar syndrome, paralysis and neuropathies;
- In the eyes: Inflammation of the iris or retina, which can become serious and compromise vision;
- In the heart: Heart failure, arrhythmia, pericarditis, myocarditis and hemodynamic instability;
- The flames: Darkening of certain areas, appearance of blisters or ulcers similar to canker sores;
- In the kidneys: Inflammations and acute renal failure.
Furthermore, other serious consequences that can also be caused by Chikungunya are problems with blood cells, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hepatitis, pancreatitis, adrenal insufficiency and an increase or decrease in antidiuretic hormone.
These consequences can occur in some people, being caused by the virus itself, by the person’s immune system response or due to the use of medications to treat Chikungunya.
How long do the after-effects of Chikungunya last?
Although Chikungunya symptoms usually disappear as this infection improves, some studies show that the after-effects of this disease can persist for up to 3 years or even 6 years.
