MyMediktor - Intestinal helminthiasis

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It is an infection caused by parasites known as helminths, which lodge in the human gastrointestinal tract. These helminths include worms such as pinworms, ascaris, whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms and others.

The cause is due to ingestion of helminth eggs or larvae that are present in undercooked food, contaminated water or soil.

Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can lead to malnutrition and stunting.

Diagnosis is based on assessment of the patient and testing for parasite eggs, larvae or segments in stool samples.

Treatment is based on the use of anthelmintic drugs to help eliminate the worms from the body.

Bibliographic references

Intestinal helminth infections among school children in the Serian District of Sarawak. Med J Malaysia 1999; 54 (1): 996-101.
CDC-Centers for Disease Control, & Prevention. (2010). CDC - Soil-Transmitted Helminths.
Soil-transmitted helminth infections. (s/f). Who.int. Recuperado el 28 de agosto de 2023, de https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infection
Mishra, P. K., Palma, M., Bleich, D., Loke, P., & Gause, W. C. (2014). Systemic impact of intestinal helminth infections. Mucosal Immunology, 7(4), 753–762.

Author

Dr. Abel Andrés Orelogio

Copyright

Symptoms

Localised abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Increase in abdominal size

Weight loss

Vomiting

Symptoms to watch out for

Intense abdominal pain that unables doing day-to-day life activities

If in the diarrhoea there is snot, blood or pus.

High fever (39 ºC or more)

Dehydration signs: more fatigued than usual, dizziness, dry mouth and tongue.

Difficulty breathing

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.

Maintain hydration of 2 litres per day.