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.
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.
