About this topic
Filariasis is a disease caused by roundworms. It is spread by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites the skin of an infected person and becomes infected. Next, the mosquito bites some other person. It passes the young roundworms into the bloodstream. They grow and develop in the blood. The worms spread to the lymph system, which is a system in the body that has vessels and nodes that carry lymph fluid to the blood. This can cause serious problems. ‚
Filariasis needs care right away. Serious infection may lead to permanent and long-term disability. Treatment includes drug therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery in case of heavy infestation. ‚
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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.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to treat the infection. Your doctor may also give drugs for your other signs. Take all the drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Keep the skin and wounds clean and dry. Wash them with soap and water each day and cover them with bandages.
- Avoid tiring activities and lifting heavy objects for a few weeks.
If you have swelling: ‚
- Raise your legs. Put a pillow under your leg when you sit or lie down.
- Wrap your leg with compression stockings or bandage to lower swelling. If your feet become numb or begin tingling, loosen the bandage.
- Do not cross your legs when you sit.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Keep your legs clean and dry. Use lotion to keep the skin moist.
- Wear a pair of shoes when you go out.
- Cut your toenails straight across. This will help avoid ingrown toenails.
If you have swollen genitals (hydrocele): ‚
- Apply a cold compress in between your thighs for 20 to 30 minutes every hour. This will help ease swelling.
- Wear supporting underwear like fitted briefs or a jock strap to protect your genitals.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Kill the roundworms
- Stop the infection from spreading
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Swelling of the scrotum
- Enlargement and thickening of the skin
- Infections of the skin
- Build-up of fluids due to swelling of the lymph nodes
- Blindness
- Problems with your kidneys
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed. ‚
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
Protect yourself. ‚
- Apply or spray mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your house windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Avoid wearing scents like perfumes or colognes that may attract mosquitos.
- Use air conditioning if possible. Mosquitos are attracted to warm air.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Very bad swelling
- Problems with eyesight
- 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 ways to help with swelling.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, swelling, or problems with my eyesight.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/116/viewAbstract ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/lymphatic_filariasis/en/ ‚
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. ‚