parasites on here. My father in law is very sick, He drank some water with a parasite in it, but no one knows what to do. He had doctors from three Mayo clinics take a look at him, and they won't do anything until friday. He has lost about 40 pounds, unable to eat anything, as it comes out the other in the form of water. He took a trip to North Carolina about 2 months ago, that's when he got sick. Please help, we don't want to lose him.
2007-10-16 13:50:59 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
he's in the hospital right now, my niece took him in yesterday.
2007-10-16 14:14:18 · update #1
what i'm not understabding is why they can't pinpoint the real cause. he has been in vietnam, has the agent orange problem, takes meds for that. we are just scared for him. and we know he scared for us. why are the docs having such a hard time, and why can't they do anything until friday? all of the bllodwork and such was done last week.
2007-10-16 14:47:17 · update #2
i just got home from work and found out, that their sending him home to die!!!!!!!!!!!! can someone please help?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-10-17 14:07:29 · update #3
What is Diarrhea?
The definition of diarrhea depends on what is normal for you. For some, diarrhea can be as little as one loose stool per day. Others may have three daily bowel movements normally and not be having what they consider diarrhea. So the best description of diarrhea is "an abnormal increase in the frequency and liquidity of your stools.
Dehydration and Diarrhea
Diarrhea may cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.
Who gets Diarrhea?
People of all ages can get diarrhea. The average adult has a bout of diarrhea about four times a year.
What are the symptoms of Diarrhea?
Symptoms usually start with cramps, abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. This usually lasts a few days but can last longer in some cases. When diarrhea last more than 2 weeks, the condition is known as chronic diarrhea.
What causes Diarrhea?
Gastrointestinal (GI) infections usually cause diarrhea - frequent and watery bowel movements.
Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can all cause diarrheal infections.
Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease.
More information on the common causes of diarrhea:
Bacterial infections
Several types of bacteria, consumed through contaminated food or water, can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.
Viral infections
Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, (which usually causes explosive, watery diarrhea )Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis.
Food intolerances
Some people are unable to digest a component of food, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk. This may result in diarrhea.
Parasites
Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include
Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and
Cryptosporidium.
Reaction to medicines, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antacids containing magnesium.
Intestinal diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) or celiac disease.
Functional bowel disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), in which the intestines do not work normally.
Non - bloody diarrhea is usually caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites or by ingestion of a toxin (poison) produced by bacteria.
Many of the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause diarrhea also cause other symptoms, such as: fever,loss of appetite,abdominal cramps,nausea and vomiting. weight loss and dehydration.
He must have consumed some contaminated water with parasites while in North Carolina. And if he's on meds for the Agent Orange, his immune system is depressed. This exfoliant and herbicide is known to cause cancers,among other things.
Parasitology courses (study of human parasites) are usually offered by a tropical disease department which explains why the medical community generally perceives parasites as primarily a foreign concern. In addition, it is difficult to accurately diagnose the problem because the parasite’s own reproductive cycle in which eggs or cysts are passed at irregular intervals makes diagnoses tricky.
Most likely, if they suspect infection or have unsuccessfully treated for a problem, it is worth doing some specific parasite cleansing.
However, you shouldn't be too concerned. Being in a hospital setting, your father-in-law will be closely observed by Specialists.. They will run battery of tests such as stool specimens, and culture. Any possible dehydration problem would be properly addressed with IV infusion. Besides, if they are parasites, you want to starve them. Drs from Mayo clinic are specialists and they would be able to pinpt the parasites soon. Dysentery and diarrhea caused by parasites, are quite common in the Third World countries. Therefore Drs there are quite familiar with these type of diseases.
Hang in there! .
2007-10-16 14:14:53 · answer #1 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take him to the Emergency Room, if the Dr.'s cant do anything until friday at least have him under hospital care. Get him some help. Good luck!
2007-10-16 20:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by krmzjt21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considered a Chinese Medicine doctor?
They are quite skilled with this and have several formulas
for parasites, which are routine in many places.
Just a thought!
2007-10-16 20:58:36 · answer #3 · answered by Debra H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Request a stool sample be taken on him and tested for Giardia.
2014-01-27 12:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋