How to Identify Trichinosis
Caused by roundworms, which are parasites, trichinosis is a disease that is frequently contracted through the consumption of undercooked food, especially pork. It can damage a wide variety of body tissues and is marked by fever, sore muscles and uncomfortable swelling in the area surrounding the eyes. It can also be accompanied by thirst, chills, fatigue, chest pain and extreme levels of perspiration. It is important to identify this disease quickly, as it can be fatal if left untreated.
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Instructions
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Identifincation Stage--One Symptom of Trichinosis
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Take note of any abdominal pain or cramping that you cannot trace to another illness.
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Watch out for nausea and diarrhea. Both of these unpleasant symptoms tend to begin one or two days after ingesting the parasite. These symptoms, along with abdominal discomfort, mark the first stage of the disease.
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Notice any constipation. This sometimes accompanies other digestive-related symptoms of trichinosis.
Identification Stage-Two Symptoms of Trichinosis
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Notice any muscle aches that are not associated with an increase in physical exercise. This is one of the most common symptoms of stage-two trichinosis. Second-stage symptoms usually appear about two to eight weeks after the parasite has been ingested.
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Take note of any increase in itchiness.
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Be on the lookout for fever and chills that are not related to another illness.
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Pay close attention to new breathing difficulties and heart problems.
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Call a doctor immediately if you start to have trouble with coordinating your body movements.
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Tips & Warnings
If you think you may have trichinosis, don't rely solely on your symptoms to identify the disease. Instead, visit your doctor for a blood test, exam and/or a muscle biopsy. This is the only way to be sure you have the disease.
Though untreated trichinosis can be fatal in some cases, its symptoms sometimes disappear on their own after a few months. However, it is still best to seek medical attention if you believe you may have been infected.
If you become infected with trichinosis, you may develop a partial immunity to the disease. However, you should still continue to take precautions to avoid consuming the parasite that causes it.
You can prevent the disease by cooking pork and other meat products thoroughly. The internal temperature of meet should reach 170 degrees F before you eat it. Make sure the juices of the meat run clear before you eat it.
As an added precaution, you may freeze thinner cuts of pork (6 inches or less in thickness) for 20 days. Keeping the meet at 5 degrees F or less should kill any worms that are present in it.
Trichinosis can be particularly dangerous to unborn babies. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of trichinosis or have eaten undercooked or raw meat, see your doctor without delay.
