Diagnosis of amebiasis

When the diagnosis of amebiasis has been established, the doctor starts treatment to clear up symptoms and also to eradicate the disease completely. He knows that complete cure is necessary to prevent spread into the liver where abscesses may develop and dangerous generalized infection may be triggered. Also, the doctor knows that without complete cure, the patient may be freed of symptoms and yet remain a carrier who is a danger to his family and others. 

Usually, there is very good response to emetine, chloroquine, and other medications used in treatment of this disease. Since emetine may have dangerous effects on the heart, it is generally administered with the patient in bed either at home or in hospital. Sometimes, medications alone do not cure amebic abscesses of the liver, and surgical drainage may be needed to eliminate the pus.

ANEMIAS 

Blood normally contains 5 million red cells per cubic millimeter. These cells are packed with hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has a great affinity for oxygen and combines with it in the lungs and transports it to all tissues of the body. On the average, each 100 cubic centimeters of blood contains 15 grams of hemoglobin, so that, roughly, there is 1/2 ounce of hemoglobin for 3-1/2 ounces of blood. Anemia is present when either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in them is reduced below normal values. 

There are many types of anemia but some symptoms are common to all types.   In both sexes, hemorrhoids (piles) may lead to anemia. There are many other possible causes such as hiatus hernia, large doses of aspirin or other salicylates, tumors of stomach or intestines which may bleed hook- worm infestation. Failure to ingest enough iron in the diet-as when a person lives on coffee and doughnuts or goes on a prolonged fad diet--can produce iron-deficiency anemia. 

Because there is so little iron in the body, it takes only a regular small loss of blood, especially if iron intake in the diet is limited, to produce this type of anemia.

Frequently, gastrointestinal blood loss will not even make the stool appear bloody, black, or tarry and will be detectable only by special chemical tests on the stool. For treatment, the physician may prescribe an iron preparation to be taken by mouth or may inject an iron compound into the muscles. The balanced, nutritious diet we talk about should provide enough iron for primary.