Contents
Diarrhea is frequent and fluid defecation that results from an imbalance between the mechanisms responsible for controlling secretion in the gut and the absorption mechanisms, while accelerating the intestinal transit. Parasitic diarrhea occurs as a result of infection with parasites, mainly lamblia (Giardia lamblia), amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica) and Cryptosporidium parvum.
Diarrhea of parasitic origin
This is diarrhea caused by an infectious agent. The most common cause of this type of diarrhea is parasite infection in the form of:
- red amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica),
- Cryptosporidium small
- lambliiGiardia lamblia.
1. Giardia lamblia – is a protozoan that lives in the small intestine and occurs all over the world. It occurs primarily in humans and sometimes in animals. Infection with this parasite occurs through contact with a sick person, consumption of dirty water and contaminated food. Several dozen cysts can cause giardiasis. Factors that increase the risk of infection:
- travel to developing countries,
- decreased immunity,
- non-compliance with hygiene rules,
- staying in large groups of people every day (e.g. kindergarten, school, work, public transport),
- overuse of preparations that increase the pH.
2. Red trefoil – it lives in the large intestine and is most common in the tropical and subtropical zones. Infection with this parasite occurs due to contact with infected people, and even through contact with objects that were used by these people (e.g. money). In addition, contaminated water and food may be the cause of infection. The disease usually develops from a few days to several weeks after infection.
3. Cryptosporidium minor – is a parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis. This disease is spread by the fecal-oral route, and its main symptom is the occurrence of diarrhea.
High-risk foods consumed while traveling:
- raw vegetables,
- raw fruit,
- unboiled water,
- smoked fish,
- offal,
- soft-boiled egg,
- undercooked meat,
- unpasteurized milk and its products.
Do you want to get rid of parasites from your body? We recommend Against parasites – the Panaseus dietary supplement, which combines the healing power of herbs and has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system. You can also order Worms – a mixture of herbs that naturally supports the body in the fight against parasites.
Symptoms of parasitic diarrhea
The main ailment of giardiasis, which is also the most troublesome, is watery diarrhea, which is often accompanied by general weakness and a feeling of discomfort in the abdominal cavity. Ailments should not be ignored, because long-term illness may consequently lead to disorders of fat absorption and digestion, which results in fatty diarrhea. In addition, cholangitis, lactose intolerance or, rarely, arthritis may develop.
Amoebiasis, on the other hand, is characterized by slightly more severe symptoms because the diarrhea is accompanied by discharge in the form of blood or pus. It happens that the pain is very strong and is usually located below the navel, where you can feel the “tumor”. Patients also complain of fever, headache, nausea and general weakness. In addition, ulceration of the intestine may be accompanied by ulceration of organs such as the kidneys and the liver.
Diarrhea occurs in cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, accompanied by other additional symptoms such as high body temperature and vomiting. Ignoring ailments and not receiving proper treatment can lead to weight loss. The disease is especially dangerous in immunocompromised people, as long-term infection with the parasite can even cause death.
Do you have symptoms that may be caused by parasites? Go to Medonet Market and order a fecal parasite by mail order now.
Diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diarrhea
In all cases, the diagnosis is based on the examination of the patient’s stool, which is analyzed for the presence of parasites. A mail-order test of the intestinal microflora and intestinal markers for parasites is available from Medonet Market. Another useful examination (especially in amoebiasis) is endoscopy, during which a section is taken and analyzed successively under the microscope. Considering the fact that microbiological examinations of the table and determining the parasitic agent are expensive, they are performed only in the case of:
- high temperature,
- dehydration,
- collective poisoning,
- immunity disorders,
- infections of other organs,
- chronic or bloody diarrhea,
- people who have had homosexual intercourse.
In addition, the medical history with the patient and the physical examination are important.
The basis for the treatment of diarrhea is adequate hydration of the patient (both oral and intravenous). In addition, it is important to adhere to dietary recommendations and symptomatic treatment. Some cases require hospitalization, but the most common are elderly people or children who have become severely dehydrated.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe special preparations to relax the smooth muscles of the intestines. They bring relief and reduce intestinal motility. Such drugs include, for example, No-Spę or No-Spę forte. Another medication for watery diarrhea is loperamide, which slows down the gastrointestinal motility and acts directly on the smooth muscle in the gut. However, it should be remembered not to use this drug in diarrhea with bloody discharge and high temperature. Each time you take the preparation, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Note: From the moment diarrhea begins, it is important to implement measures to prevent dehydration! Do not implement the antibiotic yourself.
It is worth reaching for herbal mixtures composed to support the functioning of the digestive system. We recommend, for example, For diarrhea – a herbal mixture of Klimuszko’s father available at an attractive price on Medonet Market.
Is it possible to cure diarrhea completely?
Yes, in most cases the patient fully recovers. However, there are situations in which the digestive tract to fully stabilize takes up to several months.
How can I prevent diarrhea?
In the prevention of diarrhea, it is important to:
- developing resistance to the factor that caused it (prophylactic drugs to prevent the disease, e.g. in the case of travelers’ diarrhea),
- taking care of personal hygiene (washing hands before eating and preparing food),
- correct heat treatment during preparation, e.g. of raw meat,
- cleanliness in the place of food storage,
- thorough washing and peeling of vegetables and fruits (plants and soil may be contaminated with faeces),
- keeping food in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.