Prevention of Developing Ascariasis

Introduction:

Probably everyone has heard about parasites, but not many people know that there are three different types of parasites. One such type is the parasitic worm, and one of the most common parasitic worm infections is Ascariasis. Ascariasis is caused by a type of roundworm known as Ascaris lumbricoides. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, but it can also be found in a more temperate climate. Ascariasis is spread through contact with feces, and it is the most common parasitic worm infection in the world. The good news is that Ascariasis is relatively easy to treat with medication. It can be quite serious if left untreated. Recognition of the symptoms of the infection and immediate contact with the health care provider is important.

What Are the Causes of Ascariasis?

Ascariasis is caused by a type of roundworm called Ascaris lumbricoides. This worm is found in the soil and can be swallowed with unwashed and uncooked food by humans. Once inside, the worm travels to the lungs, where it matures and lays eggs. From there, the eggs travel back up to the throat and are swallowed, leading to a new cycle of infection. This worm infects the small intestine and takes nutrients from the host's intestine. Ascaris lumbricoides is a soil-transmitted helminth. Eggs of the roundworm pass into the stool and spread if an infected person defecates in an open place.

If people use unwashed vegetables and crops or do not cook them properly, there is a high chance of getting infected with Ascaris lumbricoides. And this is how Ascariasis gets spread from one person to another.

What Are the Symptoms of Ascariasis?

In most cases of Ascariasis, people do not feel discomfort until it becomes very severe.

Symptoms of Ascariasis are listed below

• Abdominal pain or discomfort.

• Loss of appetite.

• Worms visible in the stool.

• Vomiting.

• Impaired growth in children.

• Weight loss.

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Irregular bowel movements.

If the worms inspect the lungs, the person might experience the following symptoms.

• Discomfort in the chest.

• Gagging cough.

• Bloody mucus.

• Shortness of breath.

• Wheezing.

• Fever.

• Aspiration pneumonia.

What Is the Life Cycle of Ascaris Lumbricoides?

After entering the human body, the eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides progress the life cycle in the following stages -

• Eggs turn into larvae in the human intestine and travel to the lungs through the bloodstream.

• The larvae started progressing in the lungs and then moved to the throat.

• While coughing, these larvae can come out from the throat. If a person swallows the larvae, it moves to the small intestine and matures.

• The female parasites start producing eggs. These eggs are more than two lakhs every day. When an infected person passes the stool, these eggs come along with the stool and spread. It affects people if they use contaminated water or food. Children can also get infected if they swallow contaminated soil while playing.

How to Diagnose Ascariasis?

Most people who are infected with the parasite will not show any symptoms. This is the reason it is so important to get tested. People think that they have been exposed to the parasite or have experienced any symptoms. Ascariasis is a very serious infection, and seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. The most common way to detect the presence of worms is through a stool test. If based on non clinical symptoms, the doctor suspects that the patient has Ascariasis, they will likely order a stool test to look for eggs of the worms. There are other methods of diagnosis, such as if the patient has abdominal pain, then the doctor may do an ultrasound or a CT scan to look for the presence of the worms. In case of pregnancy, the doctor may ask for a blood test to look for antibodies to the worms. Imaging tests such as endoscopy, CT scan, and X-rays help counter the worms and locate them.

What Are the Treatments for Ascariasis?

There are a few different treatments for Ascariasis, Depending on the severity of the infection. If the patient has a mild case, then the doctor might prescribe anti-parasitic drugs to kill the worms. If the patient has a more serious infection, may require to be admitted to the hospital to receive medication intravenously. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to remove the worms from the body. This is a fairly rare occurrence, but it can happen if the infection is severe and the worms are blocking the intestine. No matter what treatment the patient needs, it is important to get rid of the worms as quickly as possible so that they do not cause any further damage to the patient's body.

What Are the Complications of Ascariasis?

Ascariasis Is a relatively harmless infection. But in some cases, the worms can cause serious health problems. For example, it can move to other body parts, such as the lungs, and cause pneumonia. They can also move into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to a condition called Ascaris lumbricoides syndrome. This syndrome can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and even death.

How to Prevent Ascariasis?

Ascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. It is the commonest parasitic infection worldwide. Following are some preventive measures to reduce the risk of ascariasis:

1. Good Hygiene Practices: Practicing good personal hygiene is crucial in preventing ascariasis. This includes regular handwashing with soap and clean water, before eating food, after using the toilet, or after being in areas with potential contamination.

2. Proper Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean and sanitary toilet facilities is essential to prevent the spread of ascariasis.

3. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, especially pork.

4. Do not drink treated water.

5. Keep the surroundings clean and free of trash.

Conclusion:

Ascariasis Is a parasitic worm infection that can cause serious health problems. People should avoid drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food. They should always eat properly washed and cooked corpses. It is required to get aware of the symptoms and get treated properly if a person thinks they might have Ascariasis. Several effective treatments are available, and taking proper medication completely cures ascariasis.