What is Ascariasis, Definition, Reason, Symptom, Treatment

Ascariasis Definition

Ascariasis is a type of parasitic infection caused by roundworms. These worms are parasites that use the human body as a means to develop from larvae or eggs into adult worms. Adult worms, which can reproduce, can reach 30 centimeters in length.

Ascariasis is one type of worm infection that is quite often found in various parts of the world. Most of the infected people are mild cases with almost no signs or symptoms. However, severe infections can cause a variety of signs and symptoms and complications.

This condition is most commonly experienced by children in tropical and subtropical areas, especially areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Ascariasis Reason

Ascariasis is not transmitted directly from one person to another. Instead, when a person comes into contact with soil that has been mixed with human feces containing ascariasis eggs or infected water.

In many developing countries, human feces are used as fertilizer. Or, sometimes there are facilities with poor sanitation where human feces can mix with the soil in open fields, fields, or ditches.

In addition, there is also the possibility of children playing around dirty soil, and infection can also occur if they put their dirty hands in their mouths. Unwashed fruit and vegetables grown on contaminated soil can also cause transmission from ascariasis eggs.

Some of the factors associated with the risk of becoming infected with ascariasis are:

• Age. Most people with ascariasis are 10 years of age or younger. Children in this age group may have a higher risk because they are judged to be exposed to soil or dirt more often.
• Warm weather. Ascariasis is more common in developing countries with warm weather all year round.
• Poor sanitation. Ascariasis is common in developing countries that have areas where feces may mix with local soil.

Ascariasis Symptoms

Most people who have ascariasis have no signs or symptoms. However, in people with moderate to severe infection, various signs and symptoms may occur, depending on the part of the body involved.

After microscopic worm eggs are ingested, the eggs can hatch in the small intestine and the larvae can migrate via the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the lungs. At this stage, the infected person may show signs and symptoms in the respiratory tract, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and so on. After 6 to 10 days in the lungs, the larvae can move up into the throat, where they are coughed up and then swallowed.

Larvae can develop into adult worms in the small intestine, and adult worms generally stay in the intestine until they die. In mild or moderate ascariasis, intestinal infestation may cause unspecified abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea or bloody stools. If the number of worms in the intestine is large, individuals may experience severe abdominal pain, fatigue, persistent vomiting, weight loss, and the presence of worms in vomit or feces.

Ascariasis Diagnosis

Determining the diagnosis of ascariasis is generally done based on the results of a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations. In severe infections, worms can be found after coughing or vomiting, or in the feces.

Some of the supporting tests that can be done are:

• Fecal analysis. The female worms in the intestines can incubate eggs. Eggs found in the digestive tract can be found in feces. To determine the diagnosis of ascariasis, the doctor can examine the stool for microscopic eggs and larvae. However, eggs are not visible in the feces until at least 40 days after infection.
• Blood test. The blood can be checked to evaluate for an increase in a certain type of white blood cell, called an eosinophil. Ascariasis can cause an increase in eosinophils, but it can also be caused by a variety of other health conditions.
• Imaging. X-ray examination using X-rays, ultrasonography (USG), computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be performed if deemed necessary.

Ascariasis Handling

In some cases, ascariasis infection will subside on its own. However, in general, infections that cause complaints will require treatment.

Treatment for ascariasis includes several components, namely:

• Anti-parasitic treatment is the first line of treatment in ascariasis. Doctors can prescribe certain classes of antiparasitic drugs, which can be taken for one to 3 days, to kill adult worms.
• Surgery. In very severe cases of infection, surgical procedures may be required to evacuate the adult worms and repair the damage caused by the disease, including if there is intestinal obstruction or perforation.
• Prevention
• A good way to prevent infection with ascariasis is to apply good hygiene. Some things that can be done are:
• Maintain sanitation. Before touching food, make it a habit to always wash your hands with soap and water. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
• Keep clean while traveling. Use only bottled water, and avoid raw vegetables unless they can be peeled and washed yourself. Try to only eat warm and cooked foods.

Ascariasis Prevention

A good way to prevent infection with ascariasis is to apply good hygiene. Some things that can be done are:

• Maintain sanitation. Before touching food, make it a habit to always wash your hands with soap and water. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
• Keep clean while traveling. Use only bottled water, and avoid raw vegetables unless they can be peeled and washed yourself. Try to only eat warm and cooked foods. Ascariasis, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.