About this topic
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a tiny germ or parasite. You can get this infection by eating food and drinking water that is contaminated with stool from an infected person. If you have this infection, you may or may not have any signs. Young children and older people are more likely to have signs of this infection. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Follow all of the doctors orders.
- Take your drugs as ordered.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids each day to avoid very bad fluid loss.
- Get rest when you feel tired.
- Heat may help with belly pain. Put a heating pad on your sore part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Drink carbonated water to encourage you to burp. This may help get rid of gas and ease bloating.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more tests. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent and fight an infection
- Ease the signs of loose stools
- Prevent throwing up
Will physical activity be limited?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
- Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals
- Wash fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs with care before using them in cooking and meal preparation.
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Practice proper sanitation and throwing away of stool.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before cooking or eating.
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, boil it for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash, peel, or cook raw fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
- Cook your foods with care. Cook meals at 145 ‚ °F (63 ‚ °C) to 165 ‚ °F (74 ‚ °C).
- Avoid eating raw foods, especially seafood.
- Clean your bathroom sink and toilet often with a product containing bleach.
If you are traveling: ‚
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Avoid drinking fluids with ice.
- Avoid eating raw meats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Drink bottled water.
- Use bottled water when brushing your teeth.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
- Loose stools for more than 2 days
- Very bad pain in your belly
- High fever
- Stool has blood or pus
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have belly pain, loose stools, or fever.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚