If you’re living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you know how unpredictable it can be. Some days, the tremors, stiffness, or fatigue are manageable, and other days, it can feel like everything is crashing down.
Now, imagine adding an infection to the mix—things get a lot trickier. Infections can make Parkinson’s symptoms worse, increasing the challenges you face every day.
So, what’s the connection between infections and Parkinson’s, and how do infections make things worse? Let’s dive in and break it all down.
Parkinson’s Disease and Infections
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the movement centers in the brain.
It can cause tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. But there’s a lot more to PD than just the physical symptoms. It also messes with the nervous system in ways that you might not even notice at first.
When you add an infection to the mix, everything gets turned up a notch. For someone with Parkinson’s, any type of stress—be it physical, emotional, or even an infection—can cause a spike in symptoms.
Infections put extra stress on your body and can make Parkinson’s disease harder to manage. And it doesn’t just make you feel sick in the usual way; infections can worsen PD symptoms and complicate treatment.
Let’s dig deeper into how infections mess with your brain and body when you have Parkinson’s disease.
How Infections Worsen Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
I’m sure if you’ve been living with Parkinson’s for a while, you’ve experienced how unpredictable the symptoms can be.
Now imagine the added complexity of an infection. Here’s why infections can make life with Parkinson’s even harder:
1. Increased Inflammation
One of the primary ways infections affect people with Parkinson’s disease is by triggering inflammation. Your body’s immune system activates an inflammatory response whenever it detects an infection.
This process involves the release of chemicals like cytokines and other molecules that help fight off the infection. However, these same chemicals can increase inflammation throughout the body and brain.
When inflammation occurs in the brain, it can lead to more motor problems for people with Parkinson’s. The part of the brain that controls movement is already compromised in people with PD, and inflammation can further disrupt its function, making tremors, stiffness, and slowness even more intense.
2. Immune System Overload
People with Parkinson’s often have a weakened immune system. That’s because Parkinson’s disease can affect various aspects of the body, including the immune system.
So, when an infection strikes, your immune system goes into overdrive to fight it off. This can drain your energy reserves and make you feel more fatigued than usual.
It can also cause mental fog and make it harder to concentrate, which only adds to the frustration of living with Parkinson’s.
3. Compromised Medication Effectiveness
Parkinson’s meds are designed to help manage symptoms. Levodopa, for example, is a commonly prescribed drug that helps control tremors and improve motor function.
However, infections can interfere with how your body processes these medications. If you’re running a fever or feeling unwell, it may be more difficult for your body to absorb medications properly.
This can lead to fluctuations in symptom control, making it even harder to manage the effects of Parkinson’s.
For example, a high fever caused by an infection may lead to higher-than-usual levels of dopamine in your system, which could result in uncontrollable movements or dyskinesia.
On the other hand, a drop in dopamine levels due to dehydration or nausea can lead to worsened symptoms like stiffness and tremors.
The impact of infections on your medication schedule can create a vicious cycle, making everything feel like it’s spiraling out of control.
4. Dehydration and Poor Nutrition
Infections, especially respiratory or gastrointestinal ones, often come with symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
These side effects can make it difficult to keep fluids and food down, leading to dehydration and poor nutrition.
People with Parkinson’s are already at risk for constipation, weight loss, and other digestive issues, so adding an infection can make it even harder to keep your body fueled and hydrated.
When you’re dehydrated or not getting the right nutrients, your body has a harder time fighting infections and managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
Dehydration, in particular, can exacerbate issues with balance, cognition, and motor skills, making it even more challenging to get through your day.
5. Fatigue and Exhaustion
Everyone gets tired when they’re sick, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, infections can make fatigue feel ten times worse.
It’s like your body is already running on fumes, and an infection just drains whatever little energy you have left.
On top of that, the stress of dealing with both Parkinson’s symptoms and an infection can cause mental fatigue, which can worsen cognitive problems like memory issues, difficulty focusing, and brain fog.
Fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s one of the most debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s, and infections can make it worse. If you’re dealing with an infection, your body needs time to recover, but the added toll of Parkinson’s disease can make the recovery process feel even longer.
Types of Infections That Can Worsen Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
While any infection can potentially exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, there are certain types that are more likely to cause problems. Let’s go over the most common culprits:
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are common in people with Parkinson’s, especially as the disease progresses. The reason? Parkinson’s can affect the bladder and urinary system, leading to problems like urinary urgency, incontinence, and incomplete bladder emptying.
These issues can make it more likely to develop a urinary tract infection, and if left untreated, it can escalate into more severe symptoms like confusion, delirium, and hallucinations.
A UTI can also cause worsening motor symptoms, including increased stiffness and slowness of movement.
The impact on cognition and physical function can be significant, so it’s essential to treat UTIs quickly and get back to your usual routine.
2. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and the common cold, can cause severe complications for those with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s already affects your ability to swallow and breathe, so a respiratory infection can make things even worse.
People with Parkinson’s are more susceptible to aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs rather than the stomach.
A respiratory infection can make it more difficult to breathe, increasing the strain on your body and worsening Parkinson’s symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
It can also lead to a longer recovery time, which means you’ll be dealing with a double whammy of both the infection and the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
3. Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections, including stomach bugs, can have a significant impact on people with Parkinson’s.
PD already causes digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and difficulty swallowing. If you get a stomach bug or food poisoning on top of that, it can lead to more discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, making it harder to take in food or liquids.
This can make managing both your Parkinson’s and your infection much more difficult. It’s essential to stay on top of hydration and nutrition, but when your stomach is upset, that’s easier said than done.
Without proper nutrition, your body won’t have the energy it needs to fight off the infection and keep Parkinson’s symptoms under control.
4. Skin Infections
People with Parkinson’s are more prone to skin issues, including dryness, sensitivity, and sores. If you have existing skin problems, getting an infection in that area can worsen your discomfort and make healing much slower.
Skin infections can also lead to more pain, making it harder to move, which only adds to the challenges of managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
How to Manage Infections
Dealing with an infection while managing Parkinson’s disease isn’t easy, but there are ways to make the process more manageable.
Here are some strategies that can help you get through tough times:
1. Take Action Early
If you feel the onset of an infection—whether it’s a cold, fever, or even a UTI—take action right away. Early intervention can prevent the infection from getting worse and exacerbating Parkinson’s symptoms.
Consult your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms, and don’t wait too long to get the proper treatment.
2. Stay on Track with Medications
Infections can make it harder to stick to your usual medication schedule, but consistency is key. If you’re feeling sick and struggling with your Parkinson’s meds, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or timing. It’s important to stay on top of your medications, even if you’re not feeling your best.
3. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body
Dehydration can quickly worsen Parkinson’s symptoms, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If you’re having trouble eating or drinking due to an infection, try small, frequent sips or bites.
Even simple things like broth or smoothies can provide the hydration and nutrients your body needs to recover.
4. Rest and Recover
When you’re sick, your body needs time to recover. Don’t feel guilty for taking a step back and resting. Give yourself permission to take it easy.
Stressing about staying on top of everything can only make things harder, so rest is a critical part of the recovery process.
5. Monitor Your Symptoms
Keep track of your symptoms and how they change when you’re sick. If you notice that your Parkinson’s symptoms are getting worse, or if you’re experiencing new symptoms like confusion or severe fatigue, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
6. Seek Support
If you’re struggling with the physical or mental toll of an infection, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Whether it’s a caregiver, friend, or family member, getting support can make a big difference in how well you cope with both the infection and Parkinson’s disease.
Preventing Infections
While you can’t prevent every infection, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Wash your hands frequently—especially after being in public places or around people who are sick.
- Get vaccinated—flu shots and pneumonia vaccines can protect you from infections that can complicate Parkinson’s.
- Practice good hygiene—keep your living spaces clean and avoid contact with people who are ill.
- Eat a healthy diet—nutrient-dense foods help support your immune system and overall health.
- Stay active—regular exercise boosts your immune system and helps keep your body strong.
Wrapping Up
Living with Parkinson’s disease is already a big enough challenge, and adding an infection to the mix only makes things harder. From the increased inflammation and immune system strain to the complications with medications and hydration, infections can really throw a wrench into the works. But by staying on top of your health, keeping in close contact with your doctor, and using the strategies I’ve shared, you can better manage infections and keep Parkinson’s symptoms under control.
Take care of your body, stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Keep fighting the good fight and don’t let infections get the best of you. You’ve got this!
