Understanding Ascariasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Introduction:
Ascariasis, also known as roundworm infection, is a condition caused by roundworms that live in the small intestine of humans. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ascariasis.
Causes:
- Ascariasis is caused by roundworms, which can grow up to about 25-40 cm in length and live for up to one year.
- The female worm lays up to 200,000 eggs, which are passed into the soil with feces and mature there.
- Contact with contaminated soil, consumption of unwashed fruits and vegetables, and poor hand hygiene are contributing factors in transmission.
Infection Process:
- Eggs grow in the soil, mature, and are then swallowed by humans.
- Larvae migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs and are then swallowed again, reaching the small intestine where they develop into mature roundworms.
- This process takes about 14-15 days.
Symptoms:
- Ascariasis symptoms can be divided into two stages: migratory and intestinal.
- Migratory stage: Symptoms include skin rash, itching, coughing, and chest pain.
- Intestinal stage: Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis:
- Stool examination for worm eggs.
- General blood analysis.
Treatment:
- In the migratory stage, Dimedrol, calcium chloride, and calcium gluconate are used.
- Drug treatment includes anthelmintics such as albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, nitazoxanide, and others.
- Prevention includes personal hygiene practices, mass screening, and careful sewage and waste treatment.
Conclusion:
Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ascariasis is important for effectively managing this common medical condition. By following preventive measures and consulting a doctor if infection is suspected, the risk of infection can be reduced, and overall health can be improved.