Chagas Disease – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Chagas disease is a prevalent disorder happening in America. It is an infection produced by protozoan parasite. It causes inflammation of the skin tissues known as Chagomas. Such swelling can be produced in intestinal and heart muscles. The cause of this disease is endemic. It can be acquired if one goes to live in countries like of central, South America, and Mexico. Approximately 8-11 million persons are affected with this ailment in these countries.
These parasites gain an entry into skin of the sufferer through a bug which carries them. So, apart from the bites of the bug, these parasites can also be transferred through inhalation. When these parasites are introduced into the bodies, redness develops in the vicinity of the lips and the eyes which is their excreta. The Triatominae bugs, which cause this ailment, are known as kissing bugs.
They have fetched this name because the color of the skin is altered due to extensive kissing. The parasites can also enter the organs after the bug bites. So, they multiply inside the organs. Here they produce fallacies like cardiac arrhythmias, which can also lead to death later. This ailment is found in people who live in below than average housing conditions, which act as the habitat of these bugs. When humans occupy such houses, they infiltrate the bug’s living space and get the disease.
Apart from humans, bugs can also transfer this disease to pets.
The incidence of this disease is distinct in different individuals. In some, it has no symptoms and has the duration of some weeks to almost two months. In the intermediate phase of this ailment, it does not have many symptoms and can exist for 10-20 years or even more.
However, the chronic phase of this disease is more destructible which involves organ damage. This damage occurs in the heart and intestine although other organs can also bear the brunt. The symptoms of this phase exist for the lifetime of the victim. One of the most annoying symptoms is arrhythmatic heartbeats and palpitations. The patient can even experience fainting.
This chagas disease is accompanied with many other symptoms which include pain in the stomach along with constipation and a stretched colon. Even some problems in swallowing can exist because of it. Patient can also get a stroke because of this ailment. One can get rid of this disease through many methods. The first method is to ensure that patients are given antiparasitic treatments.
This can ensure that they can be treated easily. However, now the use of these drugs has become controversial. In fact, the CD has said that adults who are more than 50 years of age cannot be treated with this drug. In fact, their treatments should be decided uniquely.
Although these drugs are beneficial for the intermediate state, they are no use in the chronic stage. However, treating this disease is necessary which even continues for the lifetime for the patient. Cardiac transplantation is important for patients who suffer from irregular heartbeat.