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Intestinal Parasite

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:43:50 +0000

Intestinal parasites are parasites that settle in a human’s or animal’s gastro-intestinal tract. They prefer to live in the intestinal wall, although they can live throughout the body. They can be caused by drinking infected water, ingesting undercooked or raw meat, or through the skin. The two main types of intestinal parasites are protozoa and helminths. Children who come into contact with infected soil in areas like school playgrounds and sandboxes are more susceptible than others, as are people who live in developing countries.

Symptoms

An intestinal parasite may cause a wide range of symptoms. Sometimes intestinal parasites do not cause any symptoms, or symptoms may be inconsistent (come and go). The most common are coughing, abnormal pain, diarrhea and flatulence, bloating and cramping. Other common symptoms include abdominal pain, impairment to the central nervous system, chest pains, chronic fatigue, chills, dizziness, headaches, fever, joint pain, weakness, weight loss because of malnutrition, lung congestion, night sweats, memory loss, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Just because you have one or a few of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an intestinal parasite. You may want to check with your doctor just to make sure, however.

Causes

Swallowing contaminated water is probably the most common way to become infected with an intestinal parasite. Contaminated water can be found anywhere, such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, municipal wells, water supplies, swimming pools, water parks, cisterns and spas. Generally people in developing countries are more at risk because their water supply may not be clean. People who live in developed countries are usually safer, although water contamination can still happen. You can also get an intestinal parasite by eating contaminated food. The raw produce may be washed with contaminated water, or food handlers may not wash their hands thoroughly. Either way, a parasite can get into the food product, and then into your system. Person to person contact can also lead to an intestinal parasite. Hands can become contaminated with fecal matter, so parents who need to change a baby’s diaper are more at risk.

Prevention

An intestinal parasite can be prevented by adding certain foods to your diet. There are many foods available that help eliminate intestinal parasites. Garlic is one of them. It can be eaten in salad, garlic bread, or pasta. Another food that eliminates intestinal parasites is papaya. Both the seeds and the fruit itself are effective. Carrots are also known to cure many types of intestinal parasites. Adding foods to your diet is not enough, however. You also want to eliminate certain foods that can cause intestinal parasites. Raw fish is known to cause parasites, so you may want to avoid sushi (or at least an excessive intake of sushi). Unwashed vegetables can also cause intestinal parasites. Make sure to wash all your fruit and vegetables before eating them, and make sure they are washed with clean water, as contaminated water can also cause intestinal parasites. Keeping up your hygiene also helps protect you against parasites. Washing your hands frequently with soap and making sure all food is cooked are important measures to take.

Treatment

If you are infected with an intestinal parasite, typically prescription drugs are administered to remove the parasites. Anti-parasitic drugs are effective in curing intestinal parasites.

Leo Galland, M.D., a practicing physician and author, has more information about intestinal parasites through a blog on The Huffington Post.

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Meningitis

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:43:29 +0000

Meningitis is a disease where the protective membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain are inflamed. The inflammation can be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or other micro-organisms. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of its proximity to the spinal cord and brain, although it can get better on its own in just a few weeks. It can lead to serious long-term consequences including epilepsy, cognitive deficits, deafness, and hydrocephalus, and is classified as a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of meningitis may develop over a few days or several hours. It is important to seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of meningitis. These symptoms include sudden high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, nausea or vomiting, difficulty waking up, seizures, sensitivity to light, skin rash, and a lack of interest in eating and drinking. In newborns, parents should look for constant crying, inactivity, high fever, excessive sleepiness, a bulge in the soft spot on the baby’s head, poor feeding, and stiffness in the baby’s neck and body. Viral meningitis generally improves without treatment, but bacterial meningitis can strike quickly and is very serious, requiring antibiotic treatment to fully recover. The Meningitis Research Foundation has more information about the symptoms of the disease.

Causes

Meningitis can result from a bacterial infection, although it usually occurs because of a viral infection. Acute bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the spinal cord and brain. It can occur as a result of a sinus or ear infection, and sometimes a skull fracture. There are a number of strains of bacteria that can cause acute bacterial meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia or sinus and ear infections, which can lead to meningitis. This is a common infection in the United States. Neisseria meningitis occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream from an upper respiratory infection. This is a highly contagious infection and affects mainly young adults and teenagers. Viral meningitis is generally mild and often clears on its own. A group of viruses called enteroviruses causes most viral meningitis cases in the United States. Viruses such as HIV, herpes, West Nile, and mumps can also cause viral meningitis. Chronic meningitis occurs when the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain is invaded by slow-growing organisms. Meningitis can also result from non-infectious cases, such as drug allergies, chemical reactions, and certain types of cancer.

Prevention

It is important to maintain a strong immune system. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting a sufficient amount of sleep and maintaining strong sleeping patterns, and including exercise in your daily routine. You may also want to take supplements, such as Vitamins A, C, E, and D. These help you maintain good health and decrease the chances of you developing inflammation around the spinal cord and brain, lowering the risk of meningitis. It is also important to wash your hands frequently, ensuring your hands are free of bacteria. This includes keeping your home clean, especially kitchen and bathroom counters, and other surfaces that people share. You may also want to get a vaccination. Your doctor can advise you what vaccination you should receive, as immunization is one of the best ways to prevent meningitis. Children are usually immunized with Hemophilus influenzae type b vaccine at 18 months, 2, 4, and 6 to help prevent meningitis.

Treatment

Bacterial meningitis that is caused by infection is treated by a combination of antibiotics, depending on your age, the type of bacteria that is suspected, and various other factors. These antibiotics are usually injected into a vein.

People with meningitis may also need supportive treatment like fever-reducing medications and intravenous fluids. Viral meningitis cannot be cured by antibiotics, and most cases will eventually improve on their own. The best way to treat viral meningitis is by consuming plenty of fluids, getting a lot of bed rest, and taking over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve body aches and reduce fever.

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Stomach Flu

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:42:22 +0000

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition that involves both the small intestine and stomach. It is caused by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis has been called a stomach virus or stomach bug, and is more commonly referred to as the stomach flu (although it is unrelated to influenza). Gastroenteritis is developed through the ingestion of contaminated water or food or by coming into contact with an infected person. The illness usually cures itself in only a few days.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of stomach flu are vomiting and diarrhea. You may also suffer from abdominal cramping. Symptoms and signs typically begin within half a day to 3 days after contracting the illness. They generally last only a few days but sometimes may linger for over a week. Other symptoms include: fatigue or sleepiness, blood in the stool, a fever over 101 degrees, dehydration with extreme thirst, little urination, and a dry mouth. Brown University has more information on the stomach flu and its various symptoms.

Causes

The most common way to contract gastroenteritis is drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It is also possible to contract it if you share food, towels, or utensils with an infected person. There are several viruses that can cause stomach flu, including noroviruses. Children are frequently infected when they place their dirty fingers into their mouths. Infected adults may not show any symptoms but can still carry and spread the disease. A vaccine is available in the United States to help fight some versions of the flu and it prevents severe symptoms from developing. Both adults and children are affected by noroviruses. In most cases, the virus is contracted from contaminated water or food. It is more likely to spread among people who live in confined spaces.

Prevention

It is very important to wash your hands every time after you use the bathroom or change a diaper. Stomach flu viruses are abound in stool and washing your hands frequently can help eliminate bacteria. You should also wash all countertops, surfaces, sinks, toilets, and children’s toys with a disinfectant that has a chlorine base, and keep the area around the toilet as clean as possible. If you have young children and are required to change diapers, try to get rid of the diaper in a sanitary and quick manner. Wash your hands before and after changing a diaper. It is also important to wash what you eat, especially vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid eating raw shellfish like oysters. It is very important to make sure you have clean hands before handling or preparing food, as food can become contaminated and lead to food poisoning or stomach flu. People are who are infected should not prepare food for anyone until they have gone at least 3 days symptom free. If any clothes or linens have been contaminated with fecal matter or vomit, make sure to wash immediately and thoroughly, and handle the items carefully to avoid spreading the virus.

Treatment

There is usually no specific medical treatment available for the stomach flu. Overusing antibiotics can cause antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria to form, and antibiotics are rarely effective against viruses to begin with.

Usually symptoms clear within a few days. Sometimes rehydration is administered, typically through oral rehydration therapy. If dehydration is severe enough, intravenous delivery may be offered. This is an effective treatment for both adults and children. Some doctors may also prescribe you antiemetics if you cannot stop vomiting. If your symptoms do not clear up within 3-4 days, you should see your doctor to see if any of these treatments are available for you.

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