Tag Archives: Azithromycin

Laryngitis

Causes and Treatment of Laryngitis

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Laryngitis is caused by an inflammation of the voice box (larynx). Swelling of the voice box can be triggered by an infection, such as bronchitis, cold, or flu. The problem could also be something as simple as overuse.

With proper treatment, Laryngitis should go away in no more than 3 weeks. Sometimes, this condition lasts longer and becomes chronic, but there are ways to help yourself feel better. 

strep throat

What Are The Symptoms Of Laryngitis?

In most cases, the symptoms of laryngitis last less than a couple of weeks and are caused by something minor. Less often, laryngitis symptoms are caused by something more serious or long-lasting. Laryngitis symptoms can include:

  • Weak voice or voice loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Sore throat
  • Dry throat
  • Dry cough
  • Tickling sensation and rawness in your throat

What Causes Laryngitis?

There are two types of Laryngitis with different causes:

Acute Laryngitis

Most cases of laryngitis are temporary and improve after the underlying cause gets better. Causes of acute laryngitis include:

  • A vocal strain that is caused by yelling or overusing your voice
  • Viral infections similar to those that cause a cold
  • Bacterial infections, even though these are less common
smoking cigarettes

Chronic Laryngitis

Chronic laryngitis lasts longer than three weeks. This type of laryngitis is generally caused by exposure to irritants over time. Chronic laryngitis can cause vocal cord strain and injuries or growths on the vocal cords. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by:

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens, or smoke
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Habitual overuse of your voice (such as in singers or cheerleaders)
  • Smoking

Less common causes of chronic laryngitis include:

Other causes of chronic hoarseness include:

  • Cancer
  • Bowing of the vocal cords
  • Vocal cord paralysis can cause nerve injury due to surgery, cancer, injury to the chest or neck, nerve disorders, or other health conditions

Diagnosis for Laryngitis

Laryngitis is characterized primarily by hoarseness. Voice changes can range from mild hoarseness to almost complete voice loss, depending on the severity of infection or irritation. Symptoms and medical history may be reviewed by your doctor if you have chronic hoarseness. Your doctor may listen to your voice and examine your vocal cords, and you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. 

These techniques sometimes are used to help diagnose laryngitis:

  • Biopsy – if there are any suspicious areas, your doctor may use this technique 
  • Laryngoscopy – your doctor can visually examine your vocal cords by using a light and a tiny mirror to look into the back of your throat

Treatment for Laryngitis

Laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week. Self-care measures, such as voice rest, drinking fluids, and humidifying your air, also can help improve symptoms. 

Medication used for this condition:

  • Azithromycin – this is proven to be effective to treat Laryngitis. Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. 
Prostatitis

Symptoms and Causes of Prostatitis

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Prostatitis is a condition of the prostate gland usually accompanied by inflammation. This condition often causes difficult or painful urination, and pain in the groin, genitals, or pelvic area. Bacterial infections cause some but not all cases of Prostatitis. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut located below the bladder in men. It surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder.

What are the symptoms of Prostatitis?

back pain

Symptoms of Prostatitis depend on the type of disorder. They may include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination especially at night 
  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating 
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back
  • Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum 
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches or flu-like symptoms 

Causes of Prostatitis vary depending on their type:

What causes Prostatitis?

  • Acute bacterial prostatitis: This is usually caused by common strains of bacteria and may have spread from other parts of the urinary or reproductive systems. 
  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This generally has the same cause as acute bacterial infection and may occur when treatment for an acute infection fails to kill all the bacteria.
  • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Research suggests that there are various factors may collectively play a role. These include previous infection, immune system dysfunction, nervous system dysfunction, irregular hormone activity, or psychological stress.
  • Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: This is generally found only during an exam for other medical conditions and is not treated. 

Who is at risk of having Prostatitis?

Risk factors for prostatitis include:

  • Having a history of prostatitis
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Young or middle-aged adulthood
  • Infection of the urinary or reproductive system
  • Use of a tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder 
  • A diagnostic sampling of prostate tissue
  • Psychological stress
  • Nerve damage in the pelvic region due to surgery or trauma
Blood tests

How to diagnose Prostatitis?

The symptoms of Prostatitis can be caused by various conditions. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, review your symptoms and medical history, and order tests to identify the cause and rule out certain conditions. 

  • Digital rectal exam
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood test
  • Cystoscopy
  • Transrectal ultrasound

Treatment and Medication for Prostatitis

Antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause Prostatitis. Rarely, men may also need surgery to drain an abscess on the prostate. The entire course of antibiotic treatment is usually 4 to 6 weeks or longer in some cases. Taking all the prescribed medication is important for eliminating the infection and reducing the risk of chronic bacterial prostatitis. 

Medications used for the treatment of Prostatitis and managing its symptoms:

In addition, your health care provider may recommend psychotherapy with a mental health care professional to help you manage stress, anxiety, and depression that may be associated with chronic pain. 

Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough

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Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. The name of the disease comes from the whooping noise you might make when you try to breathe in after coughing. Whooping cough is very contagious and can affect anyone. But it can be especially serious in babies who did not yet get the vaccine. About half of babies under age one who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.

What Causes Whooping Cough?

A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough. If a person with whooping cough sneezes, coughs, or laughs, small droplets that have the bacteria may fly through the air. If you breathe in the droplets, you may get sick. 

When the bacteria get into your airways, they attack the tiny hairs in the lining of the lungs. The bacteria then causes swelling and inflammation which may lead to a long-lasting cough and other cold-like symptoms. 

stuffy nose

What Are The Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

When you are infected with whooping cough, it may take 7-10 days for the symptoms to appear. They’re usually mild at first and resemble those of a common cold:

After a week or two, symptoms worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways which may cause uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may:

  • Result in a red or blue face
  • Provoke vomiting
  • Cause extreme fatigue
  • End with a high-pitched whoop sound during the next breath of air

How to Diagnose Whooping Cough?

Diagnose Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough diagnosis in the early stages can be difficult because the symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses. Sometimes, doctors diagnose this condition simply by asking about the symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis including:

  • A nose or throat culture and test. Your doctor takes a swab or suction sample from the area where the nose and throat meet. 
  • A chest X-ray. Your doctor may order an X-ray to check for the presence of inflammation or fluid in the lungs.
  • Blood tests. A blood sample is to check your white blood cell count because white blood cells help the body fight infections.

Treatment and Medication for Whooping Cough

Infants are usually hospitalized for treatment because whooping cough is more dangerous for that age group. If your child can’t keep down liquids or food, intravenous fluids may be needed. Your child will also be isolated from others to prevent the infection from spreading. Treatment for older children and adults usually can be managed at home.

Medications that can be used for whooping cough:

Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing whooping cough and help speed recovery. Exposed family members may be given preventive antibiotics.

STD

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is an infection that is commonly acquired by sexual contact. Most are fairly common and effective treatment is available, especially in the early. 

Some STDs are benign, but others may lead to severe complications without treatment. This infection may affect anyone, regardless of the individual’s sexual orientation or hygiene standards. Lots of STDs can spread through non-penetrative sexual activity. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

herpes

STDs have a range of symptoms, including no symptoms at all. That’s why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. 

Symptoms that may indicate STD may include:

  • Pain during sex
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding 
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge 
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Painful or burning urination 
  • Core or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  • A rash over the trunk, hands, or feet
  • Fever
  • Lower abdominal pain 
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes 

These symptoms may appear a few days after being exposed to the infection. However, it might take years before you have any noticeable complications. 

What Causes Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Infections, including STDs, can take many forms. STDs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. STDs caused by viruses include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by parasites.

STD-causing germs can be found in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Vaginal, anal, or oral sex is the most common way for these organisms to spread, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may spread through skin contact. Hepatitis B can be contracted by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.

Needle sharing 

Who Are At Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to an STD. factors that may increase the risk may include:

  • Needle sharing 
  • Being forced to engage in sexual activity 
  • Having a history of STD
  • Having sexual contact with multiple partners
  • Having unprotected sex 

How to Diagnose Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

If your sexual history and current symptoms suggest that you have STD, your doctor will do a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of infection. 

Laboratory tests may identify the cause and detect coinfections you may also have. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine samples
  • Fluid samples

Treatment and Medication for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

STDs caused by bacteria are commonly easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but are not always cured. Treatment for STD usually consists of the following depending on the infection:

1. Antibiotics

2. Antiviral Drug 

If you’ve had this infection, ask your doctor how long after treatment you need to be retested. Getting retested will make sure that the treatment worked and that you haven’t been reinfected. 

Strep Throat

Diagnosing Strep Throat

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Strep Throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. This infection accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If left untreated. Strep throat can cause complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you have signs and symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for promo testing and treatment.

Strep Throat Symptoms

strep throat
  • Pain when you swallow
  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • Fever
  • Tiny red spots in the roof of the mouth
  • White patches in the throat
  • Swollen and tender lymph nodes at the front of your neck
  • Headache
  • Stomach ache
  • Appetite loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Loss of appetite

Causes of Strep Throat

Strep Throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes or known as group A streptococcus. These types of bacteria are contagious. The spread through droplets when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs, or through shared drinks or foods.

Strep throat can also be contracted by coming into contact with an object contaminated with group A strep bacteria, such as a doorknob or faucet, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is also a way that kids can catch strep throat by putting things in their mouths.

Strep Throat Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat:

  • Being between the ages of 5 and 15
  • Close contact with someone who has strep throat
  • Spending time in crowded settings, like schools, daycare centers, or military facilities
  • Being an adult who has frequent contact with children, like a teacher or healthcare professional
  • Having a school-aged child
Strep Throat Diagnosis

Strep Throat Diagnosis

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, check for symptoms, and might have more tests such as:

  • Throat culture: To obtain a sample of the secretions, a sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils. Gagging may occur, but it is not painful. After the sample is collected in a laboratory, it is cultured for bacteria, and the results can take as long as two days. 
  • Molecular test: This test is also done using a swab sample from your throat.
  • Rapid antigen test: An antigen test may be performed on a swab sample of your throat by your doctor. By detecting the presence of substances in the throat (antigens), this test detects strep bacteria in minutes. A throat culture might be done if your doctor is still suspicious of strep despite a negative test result.

Strep Throat Treatment and Medications

Antibiotics

Your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic if strep throat is developed. As long as antibiotics are taken within 48 hours of the onset of the illness, they reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the chances of complications and the likelihood of infection spreading. The patient should start feeling better in a day or two after treatment. After 48 hours, call your doctor if they don’t feel better.

Lists of antibiotics you may use:

Dysentery

Dysentery

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Dysentery is an infection in your intestines that causes bloody diarrhea. It can be caused by a parasite or bacteria.

There are two main types of dysentery:

  • Bacillary dysentery or shigellosis – caused by shigella bacteria which is the most common type of dysentery in the UK. 
  • Amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis – caused by an amoeba called Entamoeba histolytica which is mainly found in tropical areas. This type of dysentery is usually picked up abroad. 

Causes of Dysentery

What type you have depends on what caused your infection. 

  • Bacillary dysentery is the most common type of dysentery. It results from bacteria called Shigella. The disease is called shigellosis. 
  • Amoebic dysentery comes from a parasite called E. histolytica. You’re more likely to get this kind of dysentery if you travel to a tropical location that doesn’t have good sanitation.
  • Swimming in contaminated water, such as lakes or pools, is another way you might catch dysentery.
  • You can get dysentery if you eat food that’s been prepared by someone who has it. 
  • You can sometimes carry the bug that causes dysentery for weeks or years without knowing it. 
woman having a glass of water

Risk Factors of Dysentery

Children are most at risk of Dysentery, but anyone can get it at any age. It’s easily spread through person-to-person contact and by contaminated food and drink.

This infection mostly spreads among people who are in close contact with an infected person, such as people:

  • At home
  • In nursing homes
  • In daycare centers
  • In schools

Dysentery is primarily spread by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water in tropical areas that have poor sanitation.

Diagnosis for Dysentery

Seek medical assistance if you or your child has symptoms of dysentery. At your appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms and any recent travels. You should note any travels outside of the country. This information can help your doctor narrow down the possible cause of your symptoms.

Several conditions can cause diarrhea. If you don’t have other symptoms of dysentery, your doctor will order diagnostic testing to determine which bacteria are present. This includes a blood test and a lab test of a stool sample. Your doctor may also perform additional testing to decide whether an antibiotic will help.

Symptoms of Dysentery

person having stomach ache

Symptoms can show up 1 to 3 days after you get infected. In some people, the symptoms take longer to appear. Others never get symptoms.

The most common symptoms of dysentery are related to disturbances of the digestive system and include:

Treatment and Medications for Dysentery

To determine if you have dysentery, your doctor may ask you to provide stool samples for laboratory testing.

Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for dysentery because of bacterial organisms and is highly effective. It is essential to follow your treatment plan for dysentery specifically and to take all of the antibiotics as instructed to avoid recurrence.

Antibiotic medications that are effective in the treatment of dysentery include:

Buy Azithromycin

Azithromycin

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Azithromycin is a potent antibiotic. It is proven to be effective against several varieties of bacterial infections such as:

  • Ear infections
  • Skin infections
  • Respiratory infections
  • Sexually transmitted disease like urethritis and cervicitis
  • Acute pelvic inflammatory disease

It is commonly used in both children and adults. It’s often prescribed in pill form but it is also available in liquid form for children who do not know how to take the pill form. It’s approved to treat pediatric conditions like:

  • Strep throat
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Acute bacterial sinusitis
  • Tonsillitis
  • Laryngitis
  • Acute otitis media
  • Urinary tract infections

It’s often used off-label by doctors to treat other mild to moderate pediatric infections caused by susceptible bacteria like:

  • Pertussis or whooping cough
  • Pneumonia
  • Chronic bronchitis with a secondary bacterial infection

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the bacteria that cause infections in the body. It prevents the bacteria from growing by inhibiting their ability to make proteins. However, it should not be use in treating infections caused viruses. 

Why Buy Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a versatile antibiotic. It can treat wide varieties of bacterial infections. It’s a good choice for children who are allergic to penicillin. The generic name has been popular because it is less expensive than the brand names available in the market.

How to Take Azithromycin?

Your dose depends on your condition, your age and your weight. The typical dose for an adult is 500 mg to 2000 mg in multiple doses. For children, the dose is based on their weight. The recommended dose is 10mg per kg.

Take this medication exactly as directed. Take it with or without food with a glass of water. If you are using the liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before each use. Use a measuring dose or cup and not the average household spoon. Keep using this medication even if you feel well. Finish the entire course of your treatment. Do not stop taking this medication.

Things to Remember

  • This medication may cause nausea and vomiting just like any other medicines of its kind. However, the side effects can be mitigated by taking the medicine with foods.
  • Patients with heart problems must use this medication with care. This drug can cause heart rhythm disorder and sudden death.
  • Azithromycin may cause severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. It may also cause other serious side effects like severe diarrhea and liver problems. If this happens, seek medical attention right away.
  • Do not take other medicines unless prescribed by your physician.
Buy Azithromycin

Medication Prescribed For Throat, Lung, Ear and Skin Infections

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Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic.  It is prescribed by doctors for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It is commonly used for the treatment of conditions like:

  • Throat infections
  • Lung infection like pneumonia. bronchitis
  • Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Skin infections
  • Ear infections

It is also often used along with other antibiotics to prevent and treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. MAC is a type of infection that affects people with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. It can treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups due to bacteria. It works by stopping the bacteria from replicating and spreading. This kills the bacteria and treats the infection.

Azithromycin is available in oral suspension and tablet, eye drop and intravenous form. It is available as a generic and as a brand-name. This drug only works against bacterial infection. It does not work for flu, colds and other infections caused by viruses.

How to use Azithromycin?

Your dose is based on your condition and the severity of your condition. For the treatment of lung and skin infection, the recommended dose for an adult is 500mg taken on the first day followed by 250mg on the next 4 days.  For COPD flare-ups, the recommended dose is 250 mg daily for three days. For the treatment and prevention of MAC, the recommended dose is 1200mg once a week.

For children weighing 34 kg or less, their dose is based on their body weight or as determined by the doctor. The duration of the treatment and the daily dose vary depending on the type of infections. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow the prescription label carefully. Finish the entire course of the treatment even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication unless you are told to do so or you will experience side effects that are bothersome. In this case, call your doctor right away.

What are the side effects of Azithromycin?

Some of the side effects are:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain and discomfort

Serious side effects are:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Liver problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing

Important Information

  • Do not use this medication if:
    • You are allergic to its active ingredient
    • You are allergic to erythromycin
    • You have severe kidney and liver problems
  • Misuse of this drug may lead to bacterial resistance. Do not use antibiotics without your doctors’ prescription.
  • Do not use antibiotics to treat viral infections like colds and flu.

Chlamydia: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, Prevention, Treatment & Medication

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Chlamydia is a condition considered as a sexually transmitted disease. It is cause by a bacteria “Chlamydia trachomatis”. This condition affects both men and women. It can transmit from one person to another without even noticed.

The disease can cause cervicitis in women. While in men it causes urethritis and proctitis. This can also lead to serious problems. Such as ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.

If this condition left untreated, it can come up with different health problems. An early detection has a great big help in treating this condition. Certain medication is given to a person with this disease. And prevention are advised to a person with chlamydia.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHLAMYDIA

Some common symptoms of the disease are the following:

SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
  • A discharge with foul smell
  • Fever
  • Painful Periods
  • Pain while having sex
  • Burning sensation when Urinating
  • Vaginal Itching

SYMPTOMS IN MEN

  • Painful Urination
  • Burning and Itching in the opening of Penis
  • Clear and Cloudy discharge from the tip of Penis
  • Pain in Testicles
  • Pain in the Lower Abdomen

CHLAMYDIA SOURCE OF INFECTION

The cause of the infection is a bacterium called “Chlamydia trachomatis”. If this condition occurs to a person, it can spread to another person. The bacteria can spread through:

  • Oral Sex
  • Vaginal Sex
  • Anal Sex
  • A Pregnant Mother who has this condition

CHLAMYDIA RISK AND PREVENTION

WHO GETS CHLAMYDIA?

The following are risk factors for developing the disease.

  • Having sex with a person who has a disease
  • Not using a condom when having sex
  • Being active in sex before age 25
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Men having sex with Men
  • History of Chlamydia
  • History of a sexually transmitted infection
  • A weak immune system
  • Young Women
  • Pregnant Women

HOW CAN I PREVENT CHLAMYDIA?

You can prevent the disease, by abstaining from sexual contact with others. The listed below are some prevention tip. This can help you reduce your risk of developing the condition.

  • Use a condom for every sexual contact.
  • Limit the number of your sex partners.
  • Get regular screenings.
  • Avoid douching.
  • Use a dental dam during oral sex.
  • Avoid having sex with the same sex.
  • Have sex with a person you had a long-term relationship with.

DIAGNOSIS

Chlamydia is hard to detect because you can’t rely on the symptoms. Your doctor may have suggested you undergo screening for the disease. The screening may apply to the following:

  • A Pregnant Women
  • Men and Women at Risk
  • Women that have been sexually active at the age of 25 or younger

The diagnosis for this condition may include:

  • Swabbing
  • A Urine Test

After the diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe you a medication. Which can help treating your condition.

HOW TO TREAT CHLAMYDIA?

The treatment for this condition is necessary. Because if this left untreated, it can lead to a serious problem. The treatment for chlamydia includes:

  • Azithromycin
  • Doxycycline
  • Erythromycin
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin

BABESIOSIS

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Babesiosis is a rare but a life-threatening infection of the red blood cells. It is caused by the parasite called “Babesia”. The infection is carried by the tick which spreads to human and animal when bitten.

The parasite is named after Viktor Babes a Romanian pathologist. He investigated the cause of a certain disease in cattle and the microorganism in the red blood cells. The disease can cause death in human but this can prevent with proper treatment involving anti-biotic.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The severity of the symptoms may vary. Some may not have symptoms at all. A person who’s infected by this disease may experience the following:

  • Fever and chill
  • A headache
  • Sweating
  • Body aches
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to possible complications like:

  • Abnormal function of the liver
  • Kidney failure
  • Severe hypotension
  • Development of anemia
  • Having a low platelet count
  • Unstable blood pressure
  • Death

RISK FACTOR

The following are at risk of having this disease:

  • People residing in an endemic area
  • Bitten by an infected tick
  • Having outdoor activities during the season of tick activities
  • An adult person
  • A person with no spleen.
  • A person with a weak immune system

TRANSMISSION

A person can get infected through a bite of an infected tick. It can also spread through transfusion of the contaminated blood and transmission from infected mother to her baby during pregnancy.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of this disease is difficult. But doctors may use other methods in diagnosing the disease such as:

  • Blood smear
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
  • Immunofluorescence (IFA)

TREATMENT

The parasite won’t respond to antibiotics alone. Treatment requires the use of azithromycin and antiparasitic drugs like Atovaquone. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe quinine and clindamycin to treat the disease.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

The following are ways to prevent this disease:

  • Wear long sleeves shirts and pants.
  • Wear light-colored clothes so you can easily see the ticks.
  • Spray your shoes, socks and exposed areas with repellent containing DEET.
  • Inspect your body with infected ticks before entering your home.
  • Walk on clear trails when you’re going outdoors.
  • Keep off the place where infected ticks live.
  • Remove right away the ticks that attached to your skin.
  • In removing the tick use a long-handled brush to avoid biting.