Strongyloidiasis is characterized by symptoms such as skin allergies, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and dry cough, and is an intestinal verminosis caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis,
This infection may also have a more serious variant, which causes fever above 38 ° C, vomiting, inflammation in the lung and shortness of breath, and occurs in people who are weakened immunity, as in malnourished people.
Contamination by the larva of this parasite happens mainly through the skin, where it crosses, reaches the bloodstream and spreads through the body until it reaches the intestine, where it can grow and multiply.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of strongyloidiasis manifest themselves depending on the location of the body where the larva is found. The main ones are:
- Allergies on the skin and reddish spots;
- Abdominal pain;
- Diarrhea;
- Lack of appetite;
- Nipple;
- Gases and flatulence;
- Dry cough.
In people with weakened immunity, such as in people with AIDS, malnutrition or cancer, this infection may develop a more serious variant, which occurs when the larvae pass through the circulation and lungs, causing fever above 38 ° C, severe pain in the belly, diarrhea persistent vomiting, shortness of breath, coughing up discharge or even blood.
In the presence of symptoms, one should consult with the general practitioner, who will request fecal and blood tests, to confirm strongyloidiasis. Treatment is done with vermifugs such as albendazole, mebendazole, nitazoxanide for 3 to 5 days, or ivermectin in a single dose.
Learn more about the causes and how the infection causes strongyloidiasis.
How to prevent strongyloidiasis
Strongyloidiasis larvae come into the environment through the feces of infected people, and infection occurs because they penetrate the skin, especially the feet, so it is important to avoid walking barefoot, especially in places with sand and mud.
Due to the risk of contamination of food and water with faeces, it is also recommended to always wash your hands after using the toilet, wash your food well before eating and drink filtered or boiled water.
Learn some homemade recipes to help eliminate the parasites in your body.
