Understanding Chagas Disease: Acute and Chronic Phases

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Chagas Disease, Adult

Chagas disease is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Another name for this infection is American trypanosomiasis.
Chagas disease has two phases. In the initial (acute) phase of infection, you may or may not have symptoms. If the acute phase is not treated, the symptoms may go away, but the infection will not. If the infection has not gone away, it becomes a chronic infection. A chronic infection takes years to develop. Chagas disease can be dangerous because it can cause heart and brain infections.
Chagas disease is rare in the United States. Most infections occur in areas where the insects are common, including Mexico, Central America, and South America, especially in areas where homes may be constructed of dirt, mud, clay …show more content…

• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.

DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider may suspect Chagas disease based on your symptoms, especially if you lives in or have recently traveled to an area where the disease is common. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam. This may include blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT
Chagas disease is treated with oral antiparasitic medicines. These medicines work best against the infection in the acute phase. They work less well the longer you are infected. These medicines can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, rash, and headaches.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take your antiparasitic medicine exactly as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you start to feel better.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is

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