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Yellowing is the popular name given to hookworm, also known as hookworm, which is an infection caused by parasitesAncylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, that stick to the intestine and cause anemia, diarrhea, malaise and fever.
The infective larvae of the parasites responsible for yellowing can be found in the soil, which is why the most common form of transmission of this disease is through the penetration of the skin, mainly through the feet, buttocks and back.
It is important that the yellowing is identified and treated quickly to avoid complications for the person, mainly because these parasites get stuck in the intestine and lead to the appearance of more serious symptoms.
Yellowing symptoms
The first sign and symptom indicative of yellowing is the presence of a small red and itchy skin wound, which is indicative of the parasite entering the body.
As the parasite reaches the circulation and spreads to other organs, the appearance of other signs and symptoms can be seen, which are usually more severe when the number of larvae is very large. Thus, the main signs and symptoms of yellowing are:
- Paleness or yellowish color on the skin;
- Generalized weakness;
- Moderate diarrhea;
- Abdominal pain;
- Fever;
- Anemia;
- Loss of appetite;
- Slimming;
- Tiredness;
- Loss of breath without effort;
- Desire to eat earth, called geophagy, which can happen to some people;
- Black and smelly stools due to the presence of blood.
The parasites remain attached to the intestine and feed on blood, which is why the symptoms of anemia are verified, in addition to the possibility of local hemorrhage, decreasing the amount of blood cells and worsening anemia, which can be quite serious, since that the oxygen supply is also compromised and there may be complications involving the brain.
However, these complications are not frequent and happen when the yellowing is not identified and treated correctly. Therefore, from the moment that signs and symptoms of yellowing are identified, it is important that the person consult the general practitioner or infectious disease so that the diagnosis is made and treatment begins.
Yellow bell in the newborn
Despite its name, yellowing in the newborn has no relation to infection byAncylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, but it corresponds to another situation, called neonatal jaundice, which is characterized by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood due to the liver's inability to carry out the metabolism of this substance. Learn more about neonatal jaundice.
How is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of yellowing is made by the doctor based on the evaluation of signs and symptoms presented by the person, in addition to blood and stool tests.
When the yellow blood cell is suspected, it is usually requested by the doctor, as it is common for people who have infection with this parasite to have an increase in the number of eosinophils.
In addition to the blood test, a parasitological stool test is requested, which aims to identify parasite eggs in the stool, making it possible to complete the diagnosis. See how the stool test is done.
How transmission occurs
The transmission of yellowing occurs from the person's contact with the infectious form of the parasite's larvae present in the soil, which enter the organism through the feet, buttocks and back, causing an irregularly shaped eruption at the site of penetration.
As soon as it enters the body, the parasite reaches the circulation and is able to spread to other parts of the body and lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms of the disease. Understand the life cycle of Ancylostoma.
Treatment for yellowing
The treatment for yellowing must be done according to the doctor's guidance and usually involves the use of antiparasitic agents, such as Albendazole and Mebendazole, which should be used according to the recommendation, even if there are no more apparent signs and symptoms. Know other remedies for parasites.
In addition, as yellowing usually leads to anemia, the doctor may also indicate iron and protein supplementation, especially when the infection occurs in children or pregnant women.
Yellowing is a disease characteristic of underdeveloped countries where sanitation and hygiene conditions are precarious.Thus, it is important to always wear shoes, avoid touching the earth and adopt basic hygiene measures, such as washing your hands before eating and before and after going to the bathroom. It is also important not to drink or eat any food that is unfit for consumption.
Learn some home remedies to fight this worm in this video: