N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 42 of 204 Parasitic Infections Parasitic infections are caused by parasites and are also known as helminthic infections. There are several different types of parasites, such as ascariasis (roundworm), trichinosis, schistosomiasis (blood flukes), teniasis (tapeworm), enterobiasis (pinworm), and hookworm. Parasitic worms have many different symptoms and can cause poor nutrition and under development of children. They can also cause other complications and are uncomfortable to deal with. They are highly contagious, but mostly easy to treat once diagnosed. They are common in daycare centers, families with multiple small children, and schools. They are transmitted via the fecal-oral route and are a direct result of poor hand washing. Enterobiasis (pinworms): Pinworms are a common infection among children and people with improper hygiene. It occurs after using the restroom and not washing the hands. The female pinworm lays eggs outside the rectum at night and causes severe itching. Pinworm eggs are then transferred from the rectal area to the oral area where they hatch in the gastrointestinal tract. Trichinosis: This is caused by eating undercooked pork and other meats. After ingestion, they enter the bloodstream and can affect many areas of the body. Schistosomiasis: Blood flukes live in contaminated water and can penetrate the skin and affect the liver. Complications are severe and these parasites need to be treated promptly. Ascariasis (roundworms): The roundworm lives in contaminated soil, on contaminated vegetables, and in contaminated water. Eating the roundworm larvae causes them to go through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. They hatch in the respiratory tract and are then swallowed back into the gastrointestinal tract. They can cause both gastrointestinal and respiratory complications. Hookworm: These worms live in feces contaminated soil and enter the body through the feet. Once in the body, they travel into the lymphatic system and then on to the pulmonary system. These worms rob the body of nutrients and oxygen and can cause cardiac complications. Taeniasis (tapeworm): Tapeworms are found in undercooked pork, fish, and beef. Once eaten, they stay attached to the intestinal wall and cause CNS complications, malnutrition, and dehydration. There are different symptoms for each type of parasitic worm. Some can be very dangerous and some are very mild, but uncomfortable. The symptoms of different types of parasites are below. Symptoms of ascariasis (roundworm): • Cough • Gastrointestinal obstruction • Respiratory issues • Abdominal pain