Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Hookworm Symptoms
The term 'hookworm' is used to refer to an infection that is caused by the parasite which has the same name. This parasite attacks the small intestine of the host, which can be a mammal, common being dog, cat or human. Among all the species of this parasite, there are two which are known to commonly affect humans. They are Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. The infection is known to be common in developing countries, where the importance of proper sanitary measures is not seen as a priority. Coming to hookworm symptoms in humans, some people do not exhibit any of them, while some experience extreme pain and discomfort.
Hookworm Symptoms in People
Common hookworm symptoms which may signal that the infection has set in, in some people are as follows:
Presence of blood in feces
Sputum may also contain blood in it
Cough
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Unexplained fever
Gas problems
Skin rash (itchy at most of the time)
Poor feeding
Nausea/vomiting
Changes in the skin color (also known as palor)
Discomfort in the abdominal area
Mode of Infection
The infection of hookworm in humans begins with the larvae of the parasite penetrating the skin. That is why the itchy skin rash is caused in the area which has been chosen as the entry point. Now using the bloodstream as the medium, the parasite travels up to the lungs. Later it spreads into the airways and this is what gives rise to coughing. Once the parasite gets into the wind pipe, it is swallowed and caused to reach the small intestine. It is there that the real infection begins and is manifested by all such hookworm symptoms, I have mentioned above. Now to survive, these parasites attach themselves to the walls of the intestines and feed on blood, which in turn causes a serious complication known as anemia. So some of the hookworm symptoms may be those of anemia, like fatigue, pallor (as mentioned), and a general feeling of being ill.
Hookworm Treatment
The treatment lays its focus in curing the infection, preventing complications of anemia and improve nutrition. Albendazole, mebendazole or, pyrantel pamoate are known to be the prescribed medications which are used to eliminate the intestinal parasite from the body. As far as the complications of anemia are concerned, they are treated when they surface a few days after the infection begins. Apart from medications, patients are also advised to increase the protein intake in their diet, in order to deal with the repercussions of anemia. Prognosis of the infection tends to be brighter if treatment is initiated early before any complications develop.
Hookworm Prevention
As far as prevention is concerned, there are a few simple measures which when followed diligently, are good enough to keep the infection at bay. It is advised not to defecate in places which are not meant for the purpose. Use of proper washrooms is mandatory. People must not make use of night soil as a means of manure for agriculture, nor they must walk bare foot in areas which are prone to infection. Although, hookworms in animals rarely infect humans, their larvae has the potential to cause itchy skin rash on the skin. So it is also important for you to get your pets dewormed.
You got to know from this article about hookworm symptoms, the main cause that sets off the infection, how is the infection caused and a few aspects about the treatment methods. Most importantly, you became aware of the importance of prevention, especially in developing countries, where the incidence of the infection is high. Hope the article has been informative enough, and would come in handy in case you are looking for ways to deal with it.
Hookworm Symptoms in People
Common hookworm symptoms which may signal that the infection has set in, in some people are as follows:
Presence of blood in feces
Sputum may also contain blood in it
Cough
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Unexplained fever
Gas problems
Skin rash (itchy at most of the time)
Poor feeding
Nausea/vomiting
Changes in the skin color (also known as palor)
Discomfort in the abdominal area
Mode of Infection
The infection of hookworm in humans begins with the larvae of the parasite penetrating the skin. That is why the itchy skin rash is caused in the area which has been chosen as the entry point. Now using the bloodstream as the medium, the parasite travels up to the lungs. Later it spreads into the airways and this is what gives rise to coughing. Once the parasite gets into the wind pipe, it is swallowed and caused to reach the small intestine. It is there that the real infection begins and is manifested by all such hookworm symptoms, I have mentioned above. Now to survive, these parasites attach themselves to the walls of the intestines and feed on blood, which in turn causes a serious complication known as anemia. So some of the hookworm symptoms may be those of anemia, like fatigue, pallor (as mentioned), and a general feeling of being ill.
Hookworm Treatment
The treatment lays its focus in curing the infection, preventing complications of anemia and improve nutrition. Albendazole, mebendazole or, pyrantel pamoate are known to be the prescribed medications which are used to eliminate the intestinal parasite from the body. As far as the complications of anemia are concerned, they are treated when they surface a few days after the infection begins. Apart from medications, patients are also advised to increase the protein intake in their diet, in order to deal with the repercussions of anemia. Prognosis of the infection tends to be brighter if treatment is initiated early before any complications develop.
Hookworm Prevention
As far as prevention is concerned, there are a few simple measures which when followed diligently, are good enough to keep the infection at bay. It is advised not to defecate in places which are not meant for the purpose. Use of proper washrooms is mandatory. People must not make use of night soil as a means of manure for agriculture, nor they must walk bare foot in areas which are prone to infection. Although, hookworms in animals rarely infect humans, their larvae has the potential to cause itchy skin rash on the skin. So it is also important for you to get your pets dewormed.
You got to know from this article about hookworm symptoms, the main cause that sets off the infection, how is the infection caused and a few aspects about the treatment methods. Most importantly, you became aware of the importance of prevention, especially in developing countries, where the incidence of the infection is high. Hope the article has been informative enough, and would come in handy in case you are looking for ways to deal with it.
Threadworm Symptoms
Threadworms are parasitic worms that live in the human intestines. They are also called as pinworms or seatworms and look like cotton threads. They are really small intestinal parasites that are just about 2 to 12 mm long. The female can reach a length of about 12 to 13mm and male threadworms reach a length of 5mm. Their eggs are so tiny, that is actually impossible to spot them with the naked eye. They are called as Enterobius vermicularis and belong to the class of parasites helminthes. They usually infect infants and children. We shall discuss the threadworm symptoms and treatment options in the following paragraphs.
Threadworm Transmission
Threadworms in humans are passed on into the bowel or gut by consumption or inhalation of the eggs. One can come in contact with an infected person or in contact of an object or surface that had come in contact with an infected person. The eggs are not visible to the human eye. Therefore, they may be present on the toilet seat, furniture, door handles, etc. When one comes in contact with these objects, the eggs are transferred into the body of an healthy person. If the eggs become airborne, they can be present in the air and inhaled. Contracting threadworm infection is does not always indicate poor hygiene. Learn more about intestinal parasites in humans.
As soon as the threadworm eggs enter the body, they start with their life cycle. The eggs hatch in the small intestine and the larvae begin to move around in the large intestine. Males and females mate within 2 to 6 weeks of ingesting the eggs. Once copulation is completed, the male worm dies immediately afterward. The female on the other hand, emerges out of the anus and begins to lay eggs. The females come out usually at night when the infected person is asleep. She lays her eggs on the perianal skin. A sticky mucus like glue is secreted by the female that keeps the eggs attached to the skin. When the eggs are able to remain on the skin till they hatch, the tiny worms that emerge tend to crawl back into the anus. If, the person scratches the anus, the eggs are transferred back into the mouth, where they hatch and mate within the intestines. Thus, the person is reinfected again and again till the worms remain on or within the body. You can read in detail about the intestinal parasites symptoms.
Threadworm Symptoms
The threadworm symptoms are usually overlooked as they are mostly very subtle or almost non-existent. However, the threadworm symptoms in children include:
Tiny white thread like moving worms in the stools
The child continues to itch his bottom
After the child falls asleep, he will continue to scratch his bottom, especially around the anus at night
The threadworm symptoms in adults include the following:
Intense itching around the anus
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Sleeping problems due to severe itching at night
Restlessness
Irritability
Secondary bacterial infection due to excessive scratching
Urinary tract infections
Vaginitis in girls and women
How to Detect Threadworm Infections
If you suspect your child or yourself having a threadworm infection, you can carry out a sellotape test. As soon as the child or you get up in the morning, take a sellotape and stick the sticky end between the fold of the anus. When you pull it out within a few seconds, you will observe small white eggs sticking to the tape. At night, after your child is asleep, take a torch and flash light between the folds of his buttocks. You will observe the worms glowing under the torch light.
Threadworm Treatments
Once you are sure of the threadworm symptoms, you need to seek immediate treatment. Treadworms are extremely contagious and can easily spread within the family. You can speak to your doctor or visit a pharmacist for over the counter medications. Pregnant women and children below two years of age should not take any medications without the advice of their medical practitioner. The medications help in killing the worms in the gut, but you need to make sure the eggs present on the perianal skin and fallen around the house are removed as well. This will avoid reinfection. You need to vacuum the bed linen, below and around the bed. The eggs and worms can survive for two weeks outside the body. Therefore, wash your hands immediately after you wake up in the morning. This is to get rid of any eggs sticking on your fingers and nails when you might have scratched your anus in your sleep. Take a bath every morning and clean the anal area thoroughly. Wear tight fitting clean, cotton underwear to avoid touching your skin at night in sleep. Wash you hands after you use the restroom, change nappies or before preparing food. Never bite your nails and keep the nails of your kids small to avoid transmission of eggs. Do not share towels and other clothes with others. Your toothbrush should be rinsed thoroughly before use every morning and night.
This was all about threadworm symptoms and treatment. You need to take precautions to avoid reinfection of the threadworms. If one person in the family is detected with a threadworm infection, make sure all the other members too are treated for the infection. This is to be done whether or not they show threadworm symptoms. If you have any further queries, speak to your healthcare provider for more details.
Symptoms of Worms in Humans
Incidences of ingestion of improperly cooked meat, drinking infected water, and skin absorption are known to be the common ways through which humans are exposed to worms. Tape worms, round worms and pinworms, are the ones which seem to the common worries of most people. Needless to say, keeping the information on symptoms of worms in humans handy, helps in seeking timely medial treatment. And to help you with it, here is a data sheet for your reference.
Worms in Humans Symptoms
Perhaps, the most prominent of all symptoms of worms in humans is the occurrence of allergies. Worms infection cause the tissues to get inflamed and also cause reactions to foods. Skin rashes, accompanied by blisters occur in the form of such allergies.
Even itching is one of the early symptoms of intestinal worms in humans. This symptom tends to affect mainly the anal and vaginal regions of the affected person. The itching may start off as a mild tickling sensation and gradually become painful. This symptom occurs as a result of the worms causing skin irritations.
Then comes stomachache, another classic symptom of worm infestation. The pain can arise anywhere in the abdominal area. However, this symptom can be caused by other medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, acidity and other kinds of stomach diseases.
Appetite loss occurs in several medical conditions in the body and it is again one of the common symptoms of worms in humans. Accompanying this, other symptoms of worms in humans are nausea and vomiting.
The onset of diarrhea is also an important symptom to consider and so is that of constipation. When accompanied by bloody discharge, this symptom raises serious concerns.
The presence of worms or their eggs in stool is a sure sign of worm infection. So, if one has all the above symptoms, he must keep a watch for this one, as well. This is an extremely important symptom to consider as the ones cited above can be caused by other conditions also.
So this was about the common symptoms of worms in humans you must be abreast with. Now, as a concluding part, here are some tips on how to treat such problems.
Home Treatment of Intestinal Worms In Humans
Use of coconut has been a popular and reliable remedy for taking care of the symptoms of worms in humans. In the morning, a tablespoon of freshly ground coconut must be taken. After a period of 3 hours, this must be followed by a mixture of castor oil (30 - 60 ml) mixed with lukewarm milk (250 to 375 ml).
A natural and inexpensive antibiotic is garlic, which has been used by many civilizations for taking care of intestinal worms. In ancient times, people used to place fresh cloves of this medicinal spice in their shoes. As they walked, the cloves got crushed and the extracted oil was absorbed by the skin. So, if you do not prefer the taste of raw garlic, you can use this method, because either way, it solves the problem.
Make a mix of juice of raw papaya, honey and hot water. Take this solution whenever you are troubled by the symptoms mentioned above. Then post two hours, take a mix of castor oil and lukewarm milk in quantities already mentioned above. Even taking powdered papaya seeds with a cup of milk or water helps a lot in expelling parasitic worms in humans.
To conclude, for another of the home remedies for the symptoms of worms in humans, a decoction of fresh bark or the root of a pomegranate tree, and a handful pumpkin seeds boiled in water offer great deal of help in killing the worms and relieving the symptoms.
Worms in Humans Symptoms
Perhaps, the most prominent of all symptoms of worms in humans is the occurrence of allergies. Worms infection cause the tissues to get inflamed and also cause reactions to foods. Skin rashes, accompanied by blisters occur in the form of such allergies.
Even itching is one of the early symptoms of intestinal worms in humans. This symptom tends to affect mainly the anal and vaginal regions of the affected person. The itching may start off as a mild tickling sensation and gradually become painful. This symptom occurs as a result of the worms causing skin irritations.
Then comes stomachache, another classic symptom of worm infestation. The pain can arise anywhere in the abdominal area. However, this symptom can be caused by other medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, acidity and other kinds of stomach diseases.
Appetite loss occurs in several medical conditions in the body and it is again one of the common symptoms of worms in humans. Accompanying this, other symptoms of worms in humans are nausea and vomiting.
The onset of diarrhea is also an important symptom to consider and so is that of constipation. When accompanied by bloody discharge, this symptom raises serious concerns.
The presence of worms or their eggs in stool is a sure sign of worm infection. So, if one has all the above symptoms, he must keep a watch for this one, as well. This is an extremely important symptom to consider as the ones cited above can be caused by other conditions also.
So this was about the common symptoms of worms in humans you must be abreast with. Now, as a concluding part, here are some tips on how to treat such problems.
Home Treatment of Intestinal Worms In Humans
Use of coconut has been a popular and reliable remedy for taking care of the symptoms of worms in humans. In the morning, a tablespoon of freshly ground coconut must be taken. After a period of 3 hours, this must be followed by a mixture of castor oil (30 - 60 ml) mixed with lukewarm milk (250 to 375 ml).
A natural and inexpensive antibiotic is garlic, which has been used by many civilizations for taking care of intestinal worms. In ancient times, people used to place fresh cloves of this medicinal spice in their shoes. As they walked, the cloves got crushed and the extracted oil was absorbed by the skin. So, if you do not prefer the taste of raw garlic, you can use this method, because either way, it solves the problem.
Make a mix of juice of raw papaya, honey and hot water. Take this solution whenever you are troubled by the symptoms mentioned above. Then post two hours, take a mix of castor oil and lukewarm milk in quantities already mentioned above. Even taking powdered papaya seeds with a cup of milk or water helps a lot in expelling parasitic worms in humans.
To conclude, for another of the home remedies for the symptoms of worms in humans, a decoction of fresh bark or the root of a pomegranate tree, and a handful pumpkin seeds boiled in water offer great deal of help in killing the worms and relieving the symptoms.
Parasites in Humans - Symptoms
Parasites are microscopic organisms that live in the body of the host. They depend entirely on the host for their nutrition and shelter. Some of them do not harm the host, but there are others that can cause a series of infections. Parasites can be of any size from the microscopic protozoa to the worms that can be seen with naked eyes. These parasites can live in any part of the body. Most of the individuals are affected by intestinal parasites or worms that live in the small or large intestine of the body. Parasites in humans symptoms are unlikely to be identified since it takes several weeks and even months for the signs of an infection to surface. Some of the most common types of parasites that affect human beings are tapeworms, liver flukes, ringworms, and heartworms etc. There are many media through which a parasite can enter the body. Contaminated food, water and polluted air are some of the common media from where the parasites enter a body and cause infections. Let's learn more about parasites in humans symptoms, the ways to prevent their infestation and methods of treating the symptoms. Also read about intestinal parasites symptoms.
Symptoms of Parasites in Humans
After the parasites enter the body, they release certain toxins that can cause several types of infections and health related disorders. The parasites that are present in the intestinal tract can cause inflammation of the inner lining or the mucosa membrane of the intestines. The toxins can also cause malfunctioning of certain organs like the kidneys and liver. Given below are some parasites in human symptoms:
Allergies: The presence of certain parasites in the body can cause allergies. Some parasites irritate and perforate the inner lining of the intestinal tract, leading to intestinal permeability (also known as a leaky gut). The presence of these pathogens in the body leads to the over production of the body's defense cells called eosinophils. An excess of these fighter cells in the body can cause allergic reactions. The presence of these allergy producing parasites can also trigger the over production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a type of antibody.
Anemia: The presence of certain types of worms like taenia solium (tapeworm), ascaris lumbricoides (round worm) and liver flukes attach themselves to the mucosal membrane of the intestine and suck the nutrients from the body. If there are many worms present in the intestinal tract, then they also tend to suck blood causing iron deficiency anemia or perinicious anemia.
Bloating and Gas: The inflammation caused due to the toxins, produced by the pathogens living in the small intestine can lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating and gas. This can also lead to the indigestion of high fiber foods like beans, vegetables and raw fruits. The symptom of this condition is a recurring distention of the abdomen. This symptom can last for a few months to many years till the parasites are completely eliminated from the body.
Constipation: Some parasites are so large that they tend to block the intestinal passage restricting proper bowel movement. The infestation of worms can cause constipation, which can cause the elimination of waste materials from the body difficult and infrequent.
Diarrhea: Certain protozoa like entamoeba histolytica can cause the over production of an enzyme called prostaglandin, which leads to the loss of sodium and chloride from the body. This condition can develop into diarrhea, or amoebiasis where the person may experience loose, watery stools. This condition may also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Joint and Muscle Pain: The parasites tend to travel to other parts in the body and sometimes even in the muscles. This can lead to muscle stiffness, pain, irritation and inflammation of the joints.
Skin Conditions: The toxins produced by the parasites can create allergic reactions on the skin like hives, weeping eczema and rashes etc. The infestation of protozoa can lead to dermatitis, swelling, sores and lesions on some parts of the body like face, area around the eyes, and feet.
Other Symptoms: Some other parasites in human symptoms are tumors, sleep disorders, grinding of teeth, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysfunction of the immune system and nervousness etc.
Prevention and Treatment for Parasites Symptoms in Humans
In order to prevent infections, one must practice clean habits like washing hands and legs after coming from outside, using a disinfectant and drinking boiled water. Washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them is also a necessity to ward off any infections. For diagnosis, the doctor may tell you to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) to detect the presence of worms. A stool sample may also be taken in case of intestinal worms. In case you are infected by parasites or protozoa, get some antibiotics and other drugs.
Read more on:
Parasites in the Human Body
Intestinal Parasites in Humans
Colon Parasites
Symptoms of Parasites in Humans
After the parasites enter the body, they release certain toxins that can cause several types of infections and health related disorders. The parasites that are present in the intestinal tract can cause inflammation of the inner lining or the mucosa membrane of the intestines. The toxins can also cause malfunctioning of certain organs like the kidneys and liver. Given below are some parasites in human symptoms:
Allergies: The presence of certain parasites in the body can cause allergies. Some parasites irritate and perforate the inner lining of the intestinal tract, leading to intestinal permeability (also known as a leaky gut). The presence of these pathogens in the body leads to the over production of the body's defense cells called eosinophils. An excess of these fighter cells in the body can cause allergic reactions. The presence of these allergy producing parasites can also trigger the over production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a type of antibody.
Anemia: The presence of certain types of worms like taenia solium (tapeworm), ascaris lumbricoides (round worm) and liver flukes attach themselves to the mucosal membrane of the intestine and suck the nutrients from the body. If there are many worms present in the intestinal tract, then they also tend to suck blood causing iron deficiency anemia or perinicious anemia.
Bloating and Gas: The inflammation caused due to the toxins, produced by the pathogens living in the small intestine can lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating and gas. This can also lead to the indigestion of high fiber foods like beans, vegetables and raw fruits. The symptom of this condition is a recurring distention of the abdomen. This symptom can last for a few months to many years till the parasites are completely eliminated from the body.
Constipation: Some parasites are so large that they tend to block the intestinal passage restricting proper bowel movement. The infestation of worms can cause constipation, which can cause the elimination of waste materials from the body difficult and infrequent.
Diarrhea: Certain protozoa like entamoeba histolytica can cause the over production of an enzyme called prostaglandin, which leads to the loss of sodium and chloride from the body. This condition can develop into diarrhea, or amoebiasis where the person may experience loose, watery stools. This condition may also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Joint and Muscle Pain: The parasites tend to travel to other parts in the body and sometimes even in the muscles. This can lead to muscle stiffness, pain, irritation and inflammation of the joints.
Skin Conditions: The toxins produced by the parasites can create allergic reactions on the skin like hives, weeping eczema and rashes etc. The infestation of protozoa can lead to dermatitis, swelling, sores and lesions on some parts of the body like face, area around the eyes, and feet.
Other Symptoms: Some other parasites in human symptoms are tumors, sleep disorders, grinding of teeth, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysfunction of the immune system and nervousness etc.
Prevention and Treatment for Parasites Symptoms in Humans
In order to prevent infections, one must practice clean habits like washing hands and legs after coming from outside, using a disinfectant and drinking boiled water. Washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them is also a necessity to ward off any infections. For diagnosis, the doctor may tell you to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) to detect the presence of worms. A stool sample may also be taken in case of intestinal worms. In case you are infected by parasites or protozoa, get some antibiotics and other drugs.
Read more on:
Parasites in the Human Body
Intestinal Parasites in Humans
Colon Parasites
Intestinal Problems
Civilization has changed man forever. It started off, with the primitive man's instinct for survival and now it is all about, the civilized man's effort to elude infections. Nevertheless, the human body is known for its superiority over other forms of living beings. This has been conveniently turned into a garbage dump, merely to be infested with bacteria and viruses which has over a period of time abused our body to the extent of no repair. Ignorance prompts man to do things that he regrets later. The food that he eats, turns into poison in his stomach, defeating the very purpose of survival.
The food ingested gets into our alimentary canal which comprises of the small and the large intestine. The intestines initiate and complete the process of digestion by breaking down the food, and flushes the system by excreting the waste products. Indigestion of the food consumed is the cause of various intestinal problems. Diarrhea, acidity, constipation, intestinal pain after eating, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal blockage, gas production are some of the digestive problems experienced mostly by all of us. We will talk about some of the intestinal problems that are common and affect our day to day activities. Read more on digestive system diseases.
Intestinal Infection
Intake of contaminated food or water causes food poisoning and other food borne illnesses. The presence of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can successfully infect the intestines causing infection of the intestine, generally referred to as gastroenteritis. The bacteria responsible for outbreak of intestinal infections are Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens. The toxins of these bacteria travel through the blood stream and cause different symptoms underlying the infection. There are some intestinal parasites which get into the intestine through various ways; eating uncooked or unwashed foods, contaminated hands or water and physical contact with larva-infected soil. Once inside the intestine, they populate the gastrointestinal tract and colonize the walls of the intestine. Protozoans and helminths are the major groups of parasites that can cause intestinal problems, leading to infection. The most common protozoans are cryptosporidium, microsporidia and isospora. Know more about intestinal parasites in humans and intestinal parasites symptoms.
Intestinal Infection: Symptoms
Bloody stools
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite
Cramps
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Vomiting
Intestinal Infection: Treatment
Usually, this infection runs its course and subsides by itself. If bloody stool is one of the symptoms, it has to be referred to a doctor immediately. The doctor will ideally, prescribe antibiotics after conducting a physical examination. The bacterial infection can be treated at home by following a liquid diet. Buttermilk, lime juice, ginger tea, peppermint tea are highly recommended for a person infected with gastroenteritis. Learn more about intestinal infection symptoms.
Intestinal Blockage
As the name suggests, intestinal blockage, is a complete or partial blockage of the intestine that prevents the waste to transit smoothly through the intestinal passage. The causes of intestinal blockage or obstruction can be attributed to mechanical factors like endometriosis, hernia, inflammatory bowel disease, colon atresia, gallstones, tumors and impacted feces. Pseudo-obstruction is caused by an condition called ileus.
The food ingested gets into our alimentary canal which comprises of the small and the large intestine. The intestines initiate and complete the process of digestion by breaking down the food, and flushes the system by excreting the waste products. Indigestion of the food consumed is the cause of various intestinal problems. Diarrhea, acidity, constipation, intestinal pain after eating, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal blockage, gas production are some of the digestive problems experienced mostly by all of us. We will talk about some of the intestinal problems that are common and affect our day to day activities. Read more on digestive system diseases.
Intestinal Infection
Intake of contaminated food or water causes food poisoning and other food borne illnesses. The presence of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can successfully infect the intestines causing infection of the intestine, generally referred to as gastroenteritis. The bacteria responsible for outbreak of intestinal infections are Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens. The toxins of these bacteria travel through the blood stream and cause different symptoms underlying the infection. There are some intestinal parasites which get into the intestine through various ways; eating uncooked or unwashed foods, contaminated hands or water and physical contact with larva-infected soil. Once inside the intestine, they populate the gastrointestinal tract and colonize the walls of the intestine. Protozoans and helminths are the major groups of parasites that can cause intestinal problems, leading to infection. The most common protozoans are cryptosporidium, microsporidia and isospora. Know more about intestinal parasites in humans and intestinal parasites symptoms.
Intestinal Infection: Symptoms
Bloody stools
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite
Cramps
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Vomiting
Intestinal Infection: Treatment
Usually, this infection runs its course and subsides by itself. If bloody stool is one of the symptoms, it has to be referred to a doctor immediately. The doctor will ideally, prescribe antibiotics after conducting a physical examination. The bacterial infection can be treated at home by following a liquid diet. Buttermilk, lime juice, ginger tea, peppermint tea are highly recommended for a person infected with gastroenteritis. Learn more about intestinal infection symptoms.
Intestinal Blockage
As the name suggests, intestinal blockage, is a complete or partial blockage of the intestine that prevents the waste to transit smoothly through the intestinal passage. The causes of intestinal blockage or obstruction can be attributed to mechanical factors like endometriosis, hernia, inflammatory bowel disease, colon atresia, gallstones, tumors and impacted feces. Pseudo-obstruction is caused by an condition called ileus.
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