Q. What are some common symptoms of amoeba in adults?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica that affects the large intestine and can spread to other organs. It is estimated to affect about 10% of people in some countries, and it is especially common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America.
In adults, amoebiasis typically presents as a mild gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea or constipation being the most common symptom. Other symptoms include abdominal pain or cramps, excessive gas/bloating, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite. Stools may contain mucus or even blood if there has been damage to the intestines from the amoebas (dysentery). In rare cases an abscess may form which can cause fever and tenderness around your abdomen when you touch it (known as peritonitis).
In addition to these general symptoms, some people infected with Entamoeba histolytica may be at risk of developing liver abscesses which cause right-upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating toward their shoulder blades; vomiting; jaundice; fever; chills; malaise; deep breathing discomfort due to inflammation of their diaphragm - known as wandering-liver syndrome - fatigue. Untreated cases can lead to liver failure in serious cases.
Treatment for amoebiasis usually involves taking antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole for several days combined with anti-diarrhoeals like loperamide for symptomatic relief during this period. However if an individual shows signs of a severe infection then hospitalization might be necessary for intensified treatment including fluids intravenously for hydration purposes plus stronger medication like paromomycin injections - depending on what physician assesses are required on a case-by-case basis..
It’s important that individuals suffering from amoebaisis practice good hygiene habits before eating food such as washing hands thoroughly after visiting bathrooms and avoiding contaminated water supplies since transmission also occurs through contact with faecal matter containing E histolytica cysts – preventative measures are essential!
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