According to research, amebiasis can cause a variety of symptoms, but it can also cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.The parasites that cause amebiasis are calledamoeba histolytica.In tropical areas, the infection is most common when you accidentally put something in your mouth that has been contaminated with feces.According to experts, only 10% to 20% of people with amebiasis show symptoms, which include loose stool, abdominal pain, and stomach pains.Your doctor can give you treatment to help you recover from these symptoms.
Step 1: If you have traveled to an endemic area, you should see your doctor.
In Africa, Mexico, India, and parts of South America, a common health problem is amebiasis.Most cases don't show active symptoms.You might not even know you have it.When in doubt, it's best to seek a professional opinion.Your doctor can perform blood tests or stool tests if you suspect you have amebiasis.
Step 2: The symptoms of amebiasis can be seen when they are present.
There are some things that include: bloody or mucoid diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/or scurvy.
Step 3: If you have been diagnosed with amebiasis, you should get treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment can speed recovery and prevent problems.The lining of your colon can be invaded by parasites, which can cause severe and disabling colon troubles, as well as extra-intestinal disease.The most common location for extra-intestinal disease is the liver, which requires medical treatment and sometimes surgery as well.If you have been diagnosed with amebiasis, it is best to seek the advice of your doctor on how to proceed with treatment.
Step 4: Ask your doctor about your medication.
Even if you don't have active symptoms of the infection, treatment is still helpful to ensure public safety.Everyone with active symptoms is treated.Paromomycin, iodoquinol, and diloxanide furoate are some of the drugs used for treatment.Discuss these options with your doctor.It is necessary for more intense medications to be used for an infection that has spread to other parts of the body.Most of the time, the most common medication used is metronidazole.It is an antibiotic that works very well against parasites.
Step 5: Monitor the amount of fluid loss.
It is possible that you are losing fluids and becoming dehydrated if you have a lot of diarrhea.Always consult your doctor in these cases.It is possible that you will need to be hospitalized to get IV fluids.
Step 6: In some cases, medical treatments are insufficient.
There are times when surgical procedures are needed.If your symptoms don't improve after a trial of medication, speak to your doctor about other options and whether or not surgery is needed.
Step 7: If your doctor recommends surgery, listen to his or her advice.
The times when surgery would be needed include uncontrollable and disabling bowel symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation, as well as excessive bleeding from your digestive tract spread of the infection to other areas of your body.
Step 8: If you need to get your liver treated, get it done via medication or needle drainage.
The most common organ to be affected by an extra-intestinal disease is the liver.Small infections can be treated with medication alone.In more severe cases, your doctor will likely use a needle to remove the infection.
Step 9: Have your colon checked.
Sometimes severe bowel symptoms can't be treated with medications alone.A portion of the colon may need to be removed.If your colon has been broken open, you will need to have it repaired.When surgery is needed, follow the advice of your doctor.
Step 10: You should be aware ofbacterial superinfection.
As your body's immune system is busy fighting off the parasites that have led to amebiasis, otherbacteria may have the chance toinfecting you simultaneously.Your doctor may give you more powerful antibiotic treatment if you have infections at the same time.
Step 11: Listen to what your doctor has to say.
Prevention is a key part of treatment.It's important to prevent the infection from being passed on to your family and friends.It's a public health concern to make sure that proper precautions are taken.It's important to protect yourself from getting the infection again because you don't become immune to it.
Step 12: When travelling to endemic areas, use preventative measures.
Safe sexual practices include avoiding sexual activities with people who may be infectious as this increases the chances of catching it yourself.If you need to drink water, always use bottled water or boil it.Try to eat cooked foods or fruits you can peel to avoid being contaminated.Non-pasteurized milk, cheese and other dairy products should be avoided.If you eat raw vegetables, you should soak them in a solution of water and vinegar for at least 10 minutes.Street vendor foods are not evaluated for health practices and should be avoided.Hand washing is important at home and abroad.
Step 13: You should follow up with your doctor after treatment.
It's important to get your stool tested to make sure the amebiasis is gone from your body.Careful follow-up ensures that you are healthy, and that others won't catch it from you.