What bugs carry Chagas disease?

What bugs carry Chagas disease?

Kissing bugs are insects that may be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. People also call them cone-nose bugs or chinches. Kissing bugs feed on blood from people and other animals. Kissing bugs are mostly active during the night.

Is Chagas disease a concern in the US?

Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, has become a concern in the United States as a result of human emigration from Latin America where Chagas disease is endemic (1).

Where is Chagas disease found?

People who have Chagas disease can be found anywhere in the world. However, transmission of the disease by kissing bugs (vectorborne transmission), only occurs in the Americas. Most people with Chagas disease became infected in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Where is Chagas in the US?

Vector-borne transmission of Chagas disease occurs in the Americas, including the southern half of North America, where the specific vector insects (triatomines), T. cruzi, and infected reservoir mammalian hosts are found.

Is there a blood test for Chagas disease?

In addition to the microscopic exam, laboratory blood testing also can be very accurate in diagnosing acute Chagas disease. This is done with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which detects the DNA of T. cruzi in the blood sample.

How is Chagas diagnosed?

During the acute phase of infection, parasites may be seen circulating in the blood. The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites.

How long does Chagas disease last?

If untreated, infection is lifelong. Acute Chagas disease occurs immediately after infection, and can last up to a few weeks or months. During the acute phase, parasites may be found in the circulating blood. This phase of infection is usually mild or asymptomatic.

Should I get tested for Chagas?

A specific test is necessary for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. The test detects the presence of the infection through analysis of a blood sample. Anyone who suspects that they may have Chagas disease should ask their doctor to order this test.

What are the symptoms of Chagas disease in humans?

What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?

• Mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
• Rash.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Swelling or a sore near the eye or on the side of the face where the bite or infection occurred (visible in fewer than half of infected people)
• Enlarged glands.

How do you know if you got bit by a kissing bug?

Bite Marks Kissing bugs are so named because they like to bite around the mouth or eyes. You’ll often see 2-15 bite marks in one area and maybe redness and swelling. It might be hard to tell them apart from other bug bites, minor skin irritations, or infections.

How does Chagas disease cause achalasia?

Chagas disease is an infectious disease with esophageal functioning that mimics achalasia. This condition is caused by the protozoan T cruzi, which is transmitted by a reduviid (kissing) bug bite.

What is a Megacolon?

Megacolon is a general term that means the abnormal dilation of the colon. Toxic megacolon is a term used to express the seriousness of the condition. Toxic megacolon is rare.

What is diffuse esophageal spasm?

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by, simultaneous, uncoordinated or rapidly propagated contractions that are of normal amplitude and accompanied by dysphagia.[1] It is defined manometrically as simultaneous contractions in the smooth muscle of the esophagus alternating …

What is Pseudoachalasia?

Pseudoachalasia is a term used to describe the clinical picture of gastroesophageal junction obstruction, most classically by tumor. This condition is present in as many as 5% of patients with the manometric and radiologic diagnosis of achalasia.

What is type1 achalasia?

Achalasia is a heterogeneous disease categorized into 3 distinct types based on manometric patterns: type I (classic) with minimal contractility in the esophageal body, type II with intermittent periods of panesophageal pressurization, and type III (spastic) with premature or spastic distal esophageal contractions ( …

What is nutcracker esophagus?

Nutcracker esophagus is an abnormality in which swallowing contractions are too powerful. In up to half of patients, this condition is caused by gastroesophageal reflux.

What is the ICD 10 code for achalasia?

ICD-10 code K22. 0 for Achalasia of cardia is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range – Diseases of the digestive system .

What is the 10 code for GERD?

K21.9

What is Cricopharyngeal achalasia?

Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare clinical entity in which upper esophageal sphincter (cricopharyngeus) does not open adequately during swallowing leading to dysphagia. Barium swallow reveals a smooth posterior impression of cricopharyngeus at C6 level.

What is dyskinesia of esophagus?

Definition. Disorders affecting the motor function of the UPPER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER; LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER; the ESOPHAGUS body, or a combination of these parts. The failure of the sphincters to maintain a tonic pressure may result in gastric reflux of food and acid into the esophagus (GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX).

What does a damaged esophagus feel like?

Painful swallowing. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus (food impaction) Heartburn.

What are the symptoms of esophageal motility disorder?

The symptoms of esophageal dysmotility may include:

• Heartburn.
• Regurgitation.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• The feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest.
• Weight loss and malnutrition.
• Recurrent bouts of pneumonia.

Why does food feel stuck in my chest?

Esophageal dysphagia. Esophageal dysphagia refers to the sensation of food sticking or getting hung up in the base of your throat or in your chest after you’ve started to swallow. Some of the causes of esophageal dysphagia include: Achalasia.

How do you get a burp out that’s stuck?

Here are some tips to help you burp:

1. Build up gas pressure in your stomach by drinking. Drink a carbonated beverage such as sparkling water or soda quickly.
2. Build up gas pressure in your stomach by eating.
3. Move air out of your body by moving your body.
4. Change the way you breathe.
5. Take antacids.