If asked what some of the common infections that afflict the human population are, it is pretty sure that intestinal infection is included. Apparently, one of the most common infections is Ascariasis which targets the small intestine. This is thought to affect a quarter of the human population in the world. Therefore, learn more to find out about Ascariasis causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Ascariasis Causes

The parasitic worm, Ascaris lumbricoides, is the causative agent of the disease. This roundworm is usually present when the person ingests uncooked food which is contaminated with the eggs of the Ascaris. Most of the time, its mode of transmission is linked to poor sanitation, poor hygiene, tropical countries, and workplace which include handling of human feces as fertilizer.

Ascariasis Signs and Symptoms

Oftentimes, patients do not experience any symptom at all. But some of the notable symptoms of the disese include:

• Passage of worm by the mouth, nostril, and anus
• Low-grade fever
• Bloody sputum
• Abdominal cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Cough

To make a definitive diagnosis, your physician may require abdominal X-Ray, stool test, and complete blood count. The condition is communicable disease and it poses great risks of complications. To name some include – obstruction in the liver (biliary tract) and intestines.

Ascariasis Treatment and Management

While mild cases do not require hospitalization, medication therapy is still needed to treat and prevent any risk and complication that may arise. Oftentimes, the goal on how to cure the disease is aimed at killing the parasitic worms in the intestines. For instance, the primary drug of choice is Albendazole. However, this is contraindicated to pregnant women thus pyrantel pamoate is an alternative. An alternative to albendazole is mebendazole. These aren’t over the counter drugs thus doctor’s prescription is needed.

At times, when the case is severe that it has already caused blockage in the small intestine as a result of a bolus of intestinal worm infestation, surgery and endoscopy may be required to get rid of them.

Finally, prevention is always the nicest thing to do to avoid infestation of such infection. Therefore, make sure that the sanitation in your area is improved. Proper handling of food and cooking it thoroughly are among the ways to prevent presence of roundworm eggs.

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