Know All About
AMOEBIASIS
Definition:
It is a parasitic infection of the large intestine, and may affect the Liver too.
Signs & Symptons
- Intermittent diarrhea with bad smelling stools. Diarrhea is often preceded by constipation in early stages.
- Gas and abdominal bloating.
- Abdominal cramps and tenderness.
- Fever.
- Mucus and blood (sometimes) in the stool.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle aches.
If the liver is involved:
- Tenderness over the liver and upper right side of the abdomen.
- Jaundice (sometimes).
Causes
A microscopic parasite known as Entamoeba histolytica, which spreads by flies, cockroaches and direct contact with hands or food contaminated with infected feces. The most common sources of infection are:
- Food handlers.
- Raw vegetables or fruit fertilized with human feces or washed in polluted water.
- Many people harbor the amoebae without symptoms. They are known as carriers. Symptoms occur when the parasite invades tissues of the large intestine.
- Symptoms may be very vague.
Risk Increases With
- Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
- Travelers due to consumption of affected food/ water.
Prevention
- Teach your child to wash your hands frequently — ALWAYS before eating.
- If you live in an area where food or water may be contaminated, the following measures are necessary:
- Boil drinking water for 5 minutes.
- Don’t use water that may have raw sewage for any purpose.
- Don’t eat unpeeled fruit or raw vegetables.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- History and physical exam by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies of stool and blood serum.
Possible Complications
- Hepatitis or liver abscess (commonest).
- Rare – Peritonitis
- Lung abscess.
- Infection of the pericardium.
- Brain abscess.
Probable Outcomes
In most cases without complications, Amoebiasis is curable in 3 weeks with treatment. In the carrier state, this disease may not cause any symptoms. In severe cases, it may cause dysentery that requires hospital treatment.
TREATMENT
General Measures
Be extra careful about cleanliness. Bathe your child frequently and ensure hand wash with warm water and soap after each stool.
Medication
Your doctor will prescribe antiamoebic drugs.
Activity
Rest in bed during an acute attack. Resume normal activities when fever disappears and diarrhea improves.
Diet
Soft diet progressing to normal diet.
Contact your Doctor
- Your child has symptoms of Amoebiasis.
The following occur during treatment:
- Abdominal cramps continue longer than 24 hours.
- Diarrhea or blood in stool increases.
- Vomiting begins.
- Pain begins over liver or jaundice occurs.
- A skin rash appears.
- Irritability or a severe headache develops.