Symptoms and Treatment of Ascariasis
(434 Words)
Ascariasis is an infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a parasitic roundworm. The most common intestinal worm infection, it is caused when one eats contaminated food or drink. Anyone can get the condition, but children are affected worse.
People do not consume the mature worm but instead the eggs, which then hatch within the body to become larvae. They move from the intestines to the lungs. When they are in the lungs, the individual may cough. In rare cases, this can even form eosinophilic pneumonia. Individuals may experience shortness of breath and wheezing during this time. The worms then travel through the bronchial tube and to the throat. They are swallowed and enter the small intestines, where they lay eggs.
In most cases there are no symptoms of ascariasis. However, in some cases one or more of the following symptoms may be present: bloody sputum, low fever, worms in stool, rash, abdominal pain, worms in vomit and worms in the mouth or nose.
Another symptom may be malnutrition. Infected people may find that they are not hungry. They could also experience abdominal distension. They may have intestinal or biliary tract blockage. If the intestines get blocked, the pain can be very severe and there can be a perforation in the wall of the intestines or appendix. Hemorrhage or appendicitis can occur. Patients also face exhaustion.
Ascariasis may be detected through an x-ray of the abdominal area, blood work or a stool ova and parasites exam. When the case is mild, treatment may not be necessary. The worms may even die on their own. With symptoms, medical intervention usually occurs. A variety of anti-parasite medications are the first choice. These include Albendazole (Albenza), Ivermectin (Stromectol) and Mebendazole. These medications only need to be taken a single time and kill adult worms. Mild stomach pain and diarrhea are the side effects.
Sometimes the infestation requires more intervention. They may perform surgery to remove the worms or address further problems. For instance, if you suffer from intestinal obstruction or perforation, bile duct obstruction, or appendicitis, surgery may be required.
It is important for re-infection to be avoided. Children should wash hands thoroughly, especially after handling dirt. Veterinarians should check animals for worms. Any items that have been contaminated such as clothing should be thoroughly sterilized. People should try to find the source of contamination if possible and change habits to avoid re-infection.
It is important to understand the symptoms and treatment of ascariasis, as well the ways in which it can be prevented. Prompt treatment can minimize the damage of this potentially serious condition.
Resources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001652
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ascariasis/DS00688
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/ascariasis.html