How to Treat Strongyloidiasis

What is strongyloidiasis disease? Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Generally these worms live in tropical climates. If not treated immediately Strongyloides worm infection can last a very long time in the body. For that, how to treat strongyloidiasis must be done immediately.

A person can get strongyloidiasis if the person has direct contact with soil containing roundworm larvae. So someone who often walks on the ground barefoot will have a higher risk of developing this disease. In addition, people who do not maintain cleanliness can also be at risk of developing this disease.

Strongyloides worm larvae in soil can enter through the skin, then into the bloodstream and carried to the lung cavity. From the lungs, the larvae then ascend to the upper respiratory tract and enter the esophagus.

After that, the larvae will be swallowed and enter the intestine along with the food. In the intestine, the larvae will grow up and lay eggs. New larvae that hatch in the intestine can be expelled with the feces or grow up in the intestine. Usually, the larvae that are excreted in the feces can re-enter the bloodstream through the anal skin.

What Are The Symptoms Of Strongyloidiasis?

Some people with strongyloidiasis have no symptoms. However, over time, Strongyloides larvae and Strongyloides adult worms in the body can cause symptoms according to the organs they pass through: Itching of the skin of the legs where the larvae of worms enter.

• Coughing and breathing are tight if the worms are inside the lungs or upper airway.
• The upper abdomen is painful, as the worms get to the intestines.
• Vomiting, diarrhea and constipation alternately.
• Weight becomes lost as nutrients in the intestines are taken by worms.
• Itching of the skin around the anus where the re-entry of worm larvae.

In more severe cases of strongyloidiasis it can cause paralytic ileus, malabsorption syndrome, obstruction of the small intestine in the duodenum, and also bleeding in the digestive tract.

Strongyloidiasis that occurs in someone whose immune system is weak, such as cancer patients, HIV/AIDS sufferers, kidney failure patients, if not treated immediately can spread to various organs, even to the brain. This situation is very dangerous and can threaten safety.

How to Treat Strongyloides In Humans

Strongyloidiasis treatment guidelines are that before treating the doctor will diagnose strongyloidiasis first. The diagnosis is carried out in order to confirm the presence of worms by means of a complete blood test and examination of feces.

Then, what is the treatment for strongyloides? If the results of the examination indicate a Strongyloides worm infection, the doctor will provide treatment that aims to eliminate the worms in the patient's body. The medicines that can be given by doctors to eradicate worms are:

• Ivermectin, taken once a day for 1-2 days.
• Thiabendazole, taken 2 times a day for 2-3 days.
• Albendazole, taken 2 times a day for 7 days.

The doctor will determine the choice of drug and the length of time for taking the drug according to the severity of the disease. For severe disease, the treatment may last longer or the medicine may be given in the form of a combination of more than 1 type of medicine.

Anyone can get strongyloidiasis, especially someone who often doesn't wear footwear when walking on the ground and someone who doesn't maintain personal hygiene. Therefore, you should always wear footwear when traveling outside the house.

To prevent Strongyloides, as much as possible avoid direct contact with soil, feces, or sewage sewers because there may be Strongyloides worm larvae. In addition, apply clean and healthy living habits by diligently washing hands using clean water and soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

How do you get rid of strongyloides? If you experience symptoms of strongyloidiasis such as weight loss for no apparent reason and it is difficult to gain weight, then immediately consult a doctor so that you can get the right treatment.