Crypto written here infers no secret code, instead it expresses Cryptosporidium parasite causing cryptosporidiosis disease. Commonly, the parasite and disease are interchangeably referred to as Crypto.
Cryptosporidium is a frequent cause of waterborne diseases in the U.S. Likely because Crypto is highly resistant to chlorine and survives a long time outside the body.
Swallowing water contaminated with fecal matter is its primary means for causing cryptosporidiosis small intestine infection. Consequently, animal handlers are considered at a greater risk for cryptosporidiosis.
The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is large volume excretion of watery diarrhea. Further symptoms you may experience entail:
- fever
- fatigue
- weakness
- weight loss
- dehydration
- malnutrition
- stomach pain
- abdominal cramps
- nausea & vomiting
If you are healthy, achieving wellness is by way of fluid replacement without any additional treatment.
However, crypto can cause serious problems via a more severe and prolonged illness for those with weak immune systems. If you are suffering from AIDS, cryptosporidiosis is ofttimes not curable. Best to discuss this issue with your health care professional if this is your case.
Young children, babies and pregnant women may be more prone to dehydration due to large diarrheal fluid and electrolyte losses. A rehydration solution might be medically advised in these infection instances.
Treatment with prescription antidiarrheal medication may reduce your diarrhea temporarily. Pay a visit to your health care professional for this slow down info.
Caveat ~ Crypto can hang around in your digestive system for up to a month.
Potential cryptosporidium causing cryptosporidiosis aggravations:
- hepatitis
- pancreatitis
- inflamed bile duct
- wasting syndrome
- severe malabsorption
- gallbladder inflammation
A couple of lifestyle considerations to minimize your peril of a crypto infection are:
- frequent hand washing
- wash or peel fresh fruit & vegetables
- don’t drink suspicious, unboiled water
As with most health related issues, your best fundamental approach is to improve or maintain a healthy immune status.