Postaggression syndrome is a collective term for the symptoms and processes in the human organism that occur after severe injuries, surgical procedures or infections. The phenomenon is also synonymously referred to as stress metabolism or resorption metabolism. Postaggression syndrome is primarily characterized by increased metabolism.
What is postaggression syndrome?
The course of postaggression syndrome is usually divided into four stages. The first stage of the injury spans a period of between two and four days. During this time, the patient experiences pain, severe thirst and suffers from depressed moods. This is followed by the so-called turning phase. During this, vital functions such as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, respiration, digestion and hunger pangs gradually return to normal. The duration of the subsequent anabolic phase is between two and three weeks. During this time, the patient’s mood gradually returns to the original emotional state. Individuals feel an increased need to sleep. In addition, the balance of nitrogen in the body is positive, so that protein is built up again. In the last stage, the convalescence phase, the patient regains body weight. In addition, physical performance normalizes.
Causes
Postaggression syndrome evolved in the course of human evolutionary history. The typical sequence of reaction to traumatic physical events has a beneficial effect on survival. This is primarily true for people with a relatively young age. The post-aggression syndrome keeps the blood pressure at an appropriate level so that the person survives the stressful situation. Thus, the organism stays alive despite potential losses of blood or water. In addition, the body switches to the so-called catabolic metabolism. This special metabolism initially improves the success of the person’s fight-or-flight behavior. It also supports processes to repair organic tissue. The post-aggression syndrome is triggered by various factors that interact with each other and also intensify each other. The factors that cause it primarily include fear, pain, the loss of fluids, and injuries to body tissues.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Postaggression syndrome is characterized by various processes in the human body that follow a set pattern. First, numerous hormones are produced and released in the affected patient. These primarily include adrenaline, cortisol, noradrenaline as well as glucagon. Growth hormones also play an important role. These hormones increase blood pressure and heart rate, for example. In addition, they cause energy to be rapidly available to the body from appropriate reserves. These mechanisms and reactions significantly increase the likelihood of survival of the affected person. Evolutionarily, they serve to support the flight or fight response of humans. To implement these processes of the post-aggression syndrome, the body makes use of various nutrients. Proteins are broken down by increased proteolysis, while fatty acids are made available by increased lipolysis. Similarly, glucose and glycogen, which the body needs for energy supply, are depleted. At the same time, the release of insulin is reduced. As a result, the level of glucose in the blood increases. Glucose very quickly supplies the human organism with new energy. In addition, there is a lack of blood volume as a result of the loss of blood and other fluids from the organism. These are either lost to the outside or pour into the intestines or edema. Various stress hormones result in the so-called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The associated retention of water and the nutrient potassium increases blood pressure.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Diagnosis of postaggression syndrome is usually not difficult. This is because the phenomenon represents a typical reaction of the human body and is part of the daily routine of numerous physicians. Postaggression syndrome can be diagnosed primarily on the basis of catabolic metabolism, as well as disturbances in hormonal balance and the cardiovascular system.Patients with post-aggression syndrome initially suffer from fatigue and physical weakness as well as a pronounced feeling of thirst. Oliguria, vasoconstriction and tachypnea are also evident. Due to the increased concentration of cortisol, the immune system of the affected individuals is weakened. Numerous individuals suffer from hypertension and tachycardia.
Complications
Postaggression syndrome can lead to death. In this case, clinical death occurs first, which is characterized by a cessation of circulation. Both respiration and aortic pulse are absent. Immediate action is required for this complication. Resuscitation may be possible. First responders may also attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which consists of vigorous chest compressions and ventilation. This measure is continued until the emergency physician arrives. During this process, the first responder should also mention any injuries the injured or unconscious person may have sustained. Another possible complication of post-aggression syndrome is medical shock. Shock is also life-threatening and can progress to circulatory arrest. Shock is characterized by a lack of oxygen in the tissues of the body. Blood oxygen saturation is measured as standard practice in intensive care and during surgery so that physicians can respond quickly to abnormalities.
When should you see a doctor?
Postaggression syndrome does not necessarily require medical attention. If the syndrome does not cause serious symptoms, it usually resolves on its own without the need for further action. However, if severe symptoms such as palpitations or severe thirst develop, medical advice is required. Patients receiving intensive care should inform the responsible physician if the above symptoms occur. The symptoms can be alleviated by balancing the fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. If circulatory arrest occurs, the emergency medical services must be called. The affected person must be treated immediately and spend a few days in the hospital. Further visits to the doctor are necessary if the therapy does not have the desired effect. If not already done, the cause of the post-aggression syndrome must be determined. Patients should see their primary care physician or a cardiologist. A specialist in hormonal disorders may also be involved in treatment so that any hormonal causes can be identified or ruled out.
Treatment and therapy
Postaggression syndrome should be considered in the treatment of injuries or serious infectious diseases. Measures should be thoroughly weighed and used, especially in elderly patients. For example, postaggression syndrome is treated with medications to relieve pain. In addition, the affected persons receive infusion therapy and are sedated if necessary. In particularly severe cases, patients receive blood transfusions and proteins. Electrolyte balance is also strictly controlled. Particular care must be taken with patients receiving intensive medical therapy. In this case, nutritional treatment is initially omitted. Instead, electrolyte balance is largely normalized as a first step. In connection with the postaggression syndrome, various complications are possible, which arise primarily if the metabolic situation fails to normalize. In such cases, postaggression syndrome may lead to shock and end in the patient’s death due to circulatory collapse.
Prevention
Specific measures to prevent postaggression syndrome do not exist. Postaggression syndrome makes sense from an evolutionary perspective and increases the chances of survival in humans after traumatic injury. Therefore, it is important to treat trauma in a way that is adapted to the postaggression syndrome and the individual case.
Aftercare
During aftercare, it is important to stabilize mental balance as well as to build up physical well-being. Affected individuals should make sure to consume sufficient non-alcoholic fluids as well as normalize their electrolyte balance. A harmoniously balanced acid-base diet helps the body to supply itself adequately in a short time. This is especially true for patients who have received a blood transfusion and proteins due to the disease.Older patients receiving intensive care in particular need comprehensive support from friends, family and the care team. In addition to regular clarification between the patient and the doctor about their physical and mental condition, those affected should also discuss their clinical picture in detail in self-help groups. This can make it much easier to deal with the disease. It is important to have the electrolyte balance checked by a doctor at certain intervals. During the convalescence phase, patients have a strong need for rest and sleep. This should be indulged until performance returns to normal. Stress and physical overexertion should also be avoided. Similarly, it is advisable for those affected to occupy themselves with positive things. This can be done in the self-help group and privately. If a self-help group is not used, psychotherapeutic therapy should be sought to prevent secondary complications from occurring in the first place. An optimistic attitude toward life supports and strengthens the healing process.
What you can do yourself
In the case of post-aggression syndrome, it is important to stabilize and build up mental strength. The affected person should inform himself comprehensively about the course of the syndrome. Already after a few days, an improvement in health sets in, so that often the time must be overcome until there is an automatic relief of the symptoms. A basically positive attitude towards life and developments helps to overcome the syndrome. The psyche is supported with optimism and confidence. This leads to an improvement in the overall situation for many sufferers. In addition, trust in the attending physician or the nursing team is of great importance. Open communication and clarification of existing questions is advisable for good cooperation. In exchanges with other patients or people who have had similar experiences, the affected person can receive tips and advice on how to deal with the situation. Individual experiences are passed on to people seeking advice in self-help groups or Internet forums. The reports are intended to help others to be prepared for possible developments and enable them to deal better with the situation. Overexertion of any kind is to be avoided. The physical stress limits are lowered and should be observed by the person concerned. This avoids complications and contributes to a faster recovery.
