Hepatic amebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery, generally occurs as a complication of intestinal amebiasis, as there is an infection in the intestine caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.
This parasite is found in tropical areas, and the development of the disease is almost exclusively in warm regions. Although this parasitosis can occur at any age and in both sexes, in men, it is more frequent, and there are rare cases in children, but it becomes more severe than in adults. The transmission of this pathology is via the fecal-oral route or through food or drinks that are contaminated with the parasite. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain the symptoms, causes and treatment of hepatic amebiasis.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of hepatic amebiasis
Generally, intestinal infections do not cause any specific symptoms, but in hepatic amebiasis, there is an exception, and it can produce any of the following symptoms:
- To.
- Severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may spread to the right shoulder.
- Weightloss.
- Fever and chills
- Have no appetite
- Diarrhea.
- Have constant hiccups without stopping.
- Excessive sweating
- The liver can become enlarged.
Usually, the parasite Entamoeba histolytica does not invade the body; it only stays in the intestine. But if this happens, it can lead to something more dangerous such as a liver injury or abscess, causing necrosis of liver cells and bleeding. If this abscess grows and ruptures, it affects the membrane that covers the thoracic cavity, the lungs, and the pericardium; it can also invade other organs, such as the brain, through the bloodstream, giving rise to further complications.
Causes of hepatic amebiasis
Hepatic amebiasis can be contracted through the following situations:
- You are not having a good education regarding hygiene. Do not wash your hands after using the bathroom or before eating.
- Consume drinks or food contaminated with this parasite.
- In sexual intercourse, with oral contact in the anal area of a contaminated person.
- The hands are in connection with the mouth without an excellent previous cleaning.
In addition, different risk factors generate a greater predisposition to contract hepatic amebiasis; these are:
- Cancer.
- Malnutrition.
- Alcoholism.
- Pregnancy.
- VIH.
- Advanced age.
- Those who use steroids or have traveled to tropical regions.
In most cases, hepatic amebiasis develops through intestinal amebiasis that went unnoticed as there were no symptoms.
Treatment for hepatic amebiasis
A doctor should be consulted for a correct diagnosis and an indicated treatment. Usually, to improve this pathology, antibiotics are used. In addition, to eliminate all existing amoebae in the intestine, the specialist may recommend paromomycin or diloxanide; in this way, the disease is prevented from reappearing.
The treatment will probably need to be supplemented with other medications that relieve the symptoms, such as diarrhea or fever. On the other hand, if it is essential or drug treatment has not worked, it will be treated surgically; the intervention often consists only of draining the abscess. However, this treatment has been used in less than 7% of cases with liver abscesses.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hepatic amebiasis: symptoms, causes, and treatment, we recommend entering our Digestive System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.