Autonomous neuropathy occurs when nerves that control involuntary bodily functions are damaged, which can affect blood pressure, temperature regulation, digestion and bladder, and sexual function.These nerve damage interfere with communication between the brain and other organs and can affect various systems, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, among others.
In most cases, diabetes is the disease that causes autonomous neuropathy and can rarely be caused by other factors.Treatment depends on the cause of the disease and usually involves relieving symptoms.
- The most common cause of autonomic neuropathy is diabetes.
- Where there is no adequate glycaemic control.
- Which can gradually cause nerve damage.
Although rarer, autonomous neuropathy can still be caused by
Furthermore, autonomic neuropathy can also be triggered by certain inherited diseases.
Autonomous neuropathy can involve cardiovascular, digestive, urogenital, sudoparparous and pupil motor systems.
Signs and symptoms that may occur in people with autonomous neuropathy will depend on the affected nerves and may include dizziness and fainting, caused by low blood pressure, urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, difficulty maintaining erection or reaching orgasm, bladder reduction.sexual desire, gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, feeling full, nausea and vomiting.
In addition, in some cases, the body may have difficulty recognizing hypoglycemia, regulating temperature, adapting the eye to light or dark areas, and adapting heart rate to exercise.
Autonomic neuropathy can significantly compromise the quality of life of diabetic patients; this disease usually occurs in diabetics who have had it for a long time.
Autonomous neuropathy can be prevented with adequate blood glucose control, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, performing adequate treatment for autoimmune diseases, controlling hypertension and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment is essentially symptomatic and should also focus on the cause of the problem, i.e. in the case of diabetes, it is also necessary to control the disease.
Sudden posture changes should be avoided, compression socks or trousers should be used and the headboard should be raised by about 30 cm.In more severe cases, it may be necessary to use a medicine to increase blood pressure, fludrocortisone and a diet rich in salt and fluids.
If the person has tachycardia at rest, your doctor may prescribe medications to regulate your heart, such as beta blockers.
If the person suffers from digestive problems, nausea and vomiting, your doctor may prescribe medications that relieve symptoms, such as metoclopramide, cisapride, and domperidone.
In case of diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe loperamide and if the person suffers from constipation, the use of laxative medications may be necessary. In some cases of diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to limit the growth of pathological bacteria in the intestine.
To empty your bladder, your doctor may recommend complete bladder drainage with abdominal compression and self-containing maneuvers, which should be performed by a health care professional, or medications to help empty your bladder.
If urinary tract infections occur or in situations where prevention is warranted, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
The first option to treat sexual impotence includes medications such as sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, which help maintain erection.For women with decreased sexual desire and vaginal dryness, the use of a lubricant may be recommended.