Ascariasis

Overview

A healthcare provider can diagnose the infection using a stool sample once the worms have reached your intestines. They’ll check for eggs or worms inside your poop.

Ascariasis is harder to diagnose when the infection hasn’t spread beyond your lungs yet. If your provider suspects an infection, they may order a chest X-ray to check for changes that may indicate the larvae inside your lungs.

Other imaging tests — including ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging scans) — can produce detailed images that show worms in places like your ducts. They can show how severe your infection is.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.