What are the symptoms of schistosomiasis?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, symptoms of schistosomiasis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and liver cirrhosis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Schistosoma is a type of parasitic worm; after infection, adult worms reside in the human intestine, causing diarrhea that may last for weeks or months, characterized by watery or muddy stools, along with abdominal discomfort and indigestion.
In general, symptoms of schistosomiasis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), liver cirrhosis, etc. Patients are advised to receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Diarrhea
Schistosoma is a type of parasitic worm. After infection, adult worms reside in the human intestine and may cause diarrhea, which can last for several weeks or months. It typically presents as watery or muddy stools, accompanied by abdominal discomfort and indigestion. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as praziquantel tablets or montmorillonite powder for treatment.
2. Abdominal Pain
As schistosomes migrate across the surface of the liver, they continuously damage liver tissue, leading to localized fibrosis and resulting in abdominal pain. In severe cases, this may manifest as intense abdominal pain. Under medical supervision, patients may be treated with medications such as artemether tablets or cyclosporine soft capsules.
3. Anemia
Chronic schistosome infection leads to schistosomiasis, causing mechanical damage to the liver and shortening the lifespan of red blood cells, thereby inducing anemia. Under medical guidance, patients may take iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets or ferrous fumarate tablets for treatment.
4. Hepatosplenomegaly
Since schistosomes primarily inhabit the liver, they can cause hepatic tissue damage, subsequently impairing liver function and further leading to enlargement of both the liver and spleen. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as albendazole tablets or compound glycyrrhizin tablets for treatment.
5. Liver Cirrhosis
Following schistosome infection, large numbers of eggs accumulate in the liver, leading to schistosomal liver cirrhosis. Under medical guidance, patients may be treated with medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets or furosemide tablets.
In addition to the above, infertility may also occur. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended that they seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
