Strongyloidiasis is characterized by symptoms such as skin allergies, diarrhea, abdominal pain, poor appetite and dry cough, and is an intestinal worms caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, This infection can also have a more serious variant, which causes fever above 38ºC, vomiting, inflammation in the lung and shortness of breath, and it happens in people with weakened immunity, as in malnourished people.
The contamination by the larva of this parasite happens, mainly, through the skin, through which it crosses, reaches the blood circulation and spreads through the body until it reaches the intestine, where it can grow and multiply.
Main symptoms
Strongyloidiasis symptoms are manifested depending on where in the body the larva is. The main ones are:
- Allergies on the skin and reddish spots; Abdominal pain; Diarrhea; Lack of appetite; Feeling sick; Gases and flatulence; Dry cough.
In people with weakened immunity, as in people with AIDS, malnutrition or cancer, this infection can develop a more serious variant, which happens when the larva passes through the circulation and into the lungs, causing fever above 38ºC, severe pain in the belly, diarrhea persistent, vomiting, shortness of breath, cough with discharge or even blood.
In the presence of symptoms, one should consult with the general practitioner, who will order stool and blood tests to confirm strongyloidiasis. Treatment is carried out with vermifuges such as albendazole, mebendazole, nitazoxanide for 3 to 5 days, or ivermectin in a single dose.
Learn more about the causes and how strongyloidiasis infection happens.
How to prevent strongyloidiasis
Strongyloidiasis larvae reach the environment through the feces of infected people, and the infection happens 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 feces, 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 parasites from your body.
