Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Strongyloidiasis


About this topic


Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by a roundworm. These worms can be found in dirt and other materials with feces. You can catch the infection by direct contact with the infected dirt and feces. The worms enter into your skin. They flow through your blood to your lungs and airways. They move up to your throat and are swallowed into your stomach. ‚  
When this worm lives in your bowels, it lays eggs there. Some eggs are passed out of your body through your stool. Other worms may come back and enter into the skin around your anus. The skin may become red, itchy, and painful. ‚  
Some people with this infection have very mild or no signs. You are more likely to be very sick with this worm if you: ‚  
  • Are a young child or older adult
  • Are taking steroids
  • Have viral infections like HIV
  • Have problems in the blood like leukemia, lymphoma, or cancer
  • Have an organ transplant
  • Have a serious illness like kidney problems or high blood sugar
  • Have a weak immune system


View OriginalView Original

What are the causes?


It is caused by a parasitic roundworm called Strongyloides stercoralis. You can get this from direct contact with infected soil. Very rarely do you get this infection from some other person. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Living or traveling in warm, moist climates
  • Are a refugee, immigrant, or military veteran who lives in an area where this infection is common
  • Walking barefoot in soil or along a beach
  • Contact with feces or sewage
  • Working with soil like farming and mining
  • Poor hygiene

What are the main signs?


This infection may not cause any signs. You can be infected for many years and not know it. Those who have signs may have: ‚  
  • Upset stomach or throwing up
  • Belly pain
  • Loose or hard stools
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing, chronic bronchitis
  • Itchy rash
  • Red hives where the worms enter your skin ¢ ˆ ’ often near your anus
  • Weight loss

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may also ask if you have traveled recently or had your skin exposed to soil. The doctor will check your belly for tenderness and your skin for any rash. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • Stool sample to check for worms
  • Sputum culture
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will give you drugs to kill the infection and treat your signs. Early treatment can help lessen the chance of serious problems. ‚  

Are there other health problems to treat?


  • Lung infection
  • Poor nutrition

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Kill the worms
  • Empty your bowels to help get rid of the worms
  • Treat skin rashes
  • Lower fever

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid walking barefoot. Wear shoes when you are walking on soil or visiting places that may be infected.
  • Practice proper sanitation and disposal 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 eating.
    • Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
  • Wear proper protective clothing when working with soil. Wear hand gloves and shoes when farming or exposed to soil.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/strongyloides/gen_info/faqs.html ‚  
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚  
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/strongyloidiasis/Pages/Default.aspx ‚  
Natural History Museum ‚  
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/species-of-the-day/scientific-advances/disease/strongyloides-stercoralis/disease/index.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. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer