Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is trichinosis?
- How common is trichinosis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of trichinosis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes trichinosis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for trichinosis?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for trichinosis?
- What are the usual tests for trichinosis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat trichinosis?
Definition
What is trichinosis?
Trichinosis is a disease caused by infection with nematode parasitic worms that live in the intestines of pigs and other animals. Today, pigs are no longer the main source of this worm infection as they used to be.
Today, bear meat is the main source of this disease. When you eat raw infected meat, the larvae will enter the intestines, develop into worms and grow within a few weeks. Then the worms will produce larvae and larvae will enter your body tissues, even muscles. This is a common disease that usually occurs in rural areas. However, this disease can be prevented easily.
Complications of this disease include congestive heart failure, respiratory system disorders, pneumonia, to kidney, heart and brain damage.
How common is trichinosis?
This disease can affect people of all ages and genders, namely people who eat raw or cooked meat that contains trichinosis in it.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of trichinosis?
Initial symptoms include diarrhea, low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and discomfort in the stomach. About 7-10 days later, the eyelids and face become swollen. Patients will experience myalgia, arthralgia, headache, weakness, shortness of breath, high fever, chills, sensitivity to light, itching, and burning skin. Fatigue, weakness, and diarrhea can last a long time each month. Serious infection can cause death.
There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns regarding this disease, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have mild trichinosis without symptoms, you may not need medical attention. If you have digestive problems, muscle pain or swelling after a week of eating pork or other animal meat, you should see a doctor immediately.
Cause
What causes trichinosis?
This disease is caused by Trichinella spiralis worms. You can become infected with worm larvae when you eat the meat of an animal that has been infected with Trichinella spiralis worms.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for trichinosis?
There are many risk factors for developing this disease, for example:
- Food processing: those who eat raw or undercooked meat are more at risk of developing trichinosis.
- Living in rural areas: trichinosis is more common in rural areas than in urban areas.
- Consuming wild meat: wild animals have a higher infection rate.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for trichinosis?
The doctor will give you a deworming medication to kill the parasitic worms in your intestines. Using acetaminophen and soaking in warm water can help reduce fever. Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone can be used if you have a serious infection or it is causing damage to the brain and nervous system.
Having the right diet is very important. Your appetite may increase, so you should divide your meals into smaller portions per day to ensure that the treatment is effective.
What are the usual tests for trichinosis?
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat trichinosis?
Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with trichinosis.
- Use the drug as prescribed
- Rest is very important until the symptoms are completely gone. You can slowly return to normal activities once you are no longer experiencing symptoms
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief
- Eat small meals to maintain a good diet
- Drink enough water to avoid dehydration
- Call your doctor if you experience side effects. or high fever, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat
- Cook pork and other meat products to kill worms
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.