Overview
Bornholm disease is caused by Coxsackie B viruses and often occurs in outbreaks.
When to get urgent help
Seek emergency help for chest pain with breathlessness or collapse.
Causes and risk factors
Enterovirus infection spread by droplets or faecal-oral route.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
The virus infects and inflames the muscles of the chest wall and diaphragm, causing severe pain on breathing or moving.
Signs and symptoms
Sudden sharp chest or upper abdominal pain, fever and headache.
How it is diagnosed
Clinical picture; tests to rule out heart and lung causes.
Possible complications
Rarely heart or brain inflammation.
Medicines
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Other treatments
Rest and fluids.
Living with it and prevention
Hand washing.
Outlook
Usually settles within a week.
