Lymphatic filariasis is another name for elephantiasis. It is caused by parasitic worms and can be transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes. Elephantiasis is characterized by enlargement of the scrotum, legs, or breasts.
Elephantiasis is a tropical illness that is often overlooked (NTD). It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, such as Africa and Southeast Asia. Elephantiasis is thought to affect 120 million individuals.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ELEPHANTIASIS?
Swelling of bodily parts is the most prevalent sign of elephantiasis. The edema usually occurs in the:
- Legs
- Genitals
- Breasts
- Arms
The most usually afflicted region is the legs. Body swelling and expansion can cause discomfort and movement difficulties.
The skin is also damaged and may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Dry
- Thick
- Ulcerated
- Darker than usual
- Pitted
Additional symptoms, including as fever and chills, are experienced by some persons.
Elephantiasis has an impact on the immune system. People with this disease are also more likely to get a subsequent infection.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ELEPHANTIASIS?
The parasitic worms that cause elephantiasis are spread by mosquitoes. There are three kinds of worms at work:
- Wuchereria bancrofti
- Brugia malayi
- Brugia timori
Worms have an impact on the body's lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is in charge of eliminating waste and pollutants. It does not adequately remove waste if it becomes clogged. This produces a buildup of lymphatic fluid, resulting in edema.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ELEPHANTIASIS?
Elephantiasis can strike at any age. It can be found in both males and women. It is more frequent in tropical and subtropical climates, such as:
- Africa
- Southeast Asia
- India
- South America
Elephantiasis is commonly caused by the following risk factors:
- Living in tropical and subtropical locations for a long period
- Having a high mosquito exposure
- Residing in unclean surroundings
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ELEPHANTIASIS?
Without medical treatment, tiny parasites can remain in the lymphatic system for years, inflicting devastation and harm.
The lymph system is in charge of moving surplus fluid and proteins as well as battling infections. When it does not operate properly, fluid accumulates. Fluid buildup causes tissue edema and a reduction in immunological function.
Elephantiasis is linked to a number of physical and emotional issues, including:
- Disability: Elephantiasis is a prominent cause of irreversible impairment around the globe. It may be difficult to move the afflicted body parts, making work or domestic duties more challenging.
- Secondary infections: Fungal and bacterial infections are common in elephantiasis patients due to lymph system dysfunction.
- Emotional distress: People with the disorder may be concerned about their looks, which can contribute to anxiety and sadness.
HOW IS ELEPHANTIASIS DIAGNOSED?
A doctor will do the following tests to diagnose elephantiasis:
- Collect a medical history
- Inquire about your symptoms.
- Conduct a physical examination
To confirm a parasite infection, a blood test will be performed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roundworms are most active at night in most regions of the world, thus the blood sample must be taken during this period (CDC).
Alternative tests for parasite detection may be employed, however these may provide negative findings since symptoms might appear years after the initial infection.
X-rays and ultrasounds may also be performed to rule out other possible causes of the swelling.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ELEPHANTIASIS?
People who are infected with worms in their blood can take drugs to kill the worms. These drugs prevent the transmission of the disease to others, but they do not totally eliminate the parasites.
The following antiparasitic medications may be prescribed:
- Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
- Ivermectin (Mectizan)
- Albendazole (Albenza)
- Doxycycline
Other symptoms that can be managed include:
- Antihistamines
- Analgesics
- Antibiotics
Not everyone with elephantiasis will require treatment. This is because, despite the appearance of symptoms, people may no longer have the worms in their system. In these circumstances, people can control the swelling and skin infections by:
- Every day, gently cleanse the swollen and injured skin with soap and water.
- Skin moisturizing
- As instructed by a doctor, exercise on a regular basis to assist the lymphatic system.
- As directed by a doctor, bandage the limbs to avoid additional swelling.
- Lifting swelling limbs to increase fluid and lymph flow
- Wound disinfection to avoid subsequent infections
In rare circumstances, surgery may be needed to remove damaged lymphatic tissue or alleviate pressure in specific regions, such as the scrotum.
Some elephantiasis patients may seek emotional and psychological assistance in the form of:
- Individual guidance
- Support groups
- Online resources
WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR ELEPHANTIASIS?
Elephantiasis is a mosquito-borne illness. Prevention may be accomplished by:
- Avoiding mosquitos or adopting preventative measures to limit your chance of mosquito bites
- Removing mosquito breeding grounds
- Using mosquito nets
- Putting on insect repellant
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers in mosquito-infested areas
- Using diethylcarbamazine (DEC), albendazole, and ivermectin as a prophylactic medication before going to infection-prone locations
Short-term travel to tropical or subtropical regions reduces the risk of elephantiasis. Long-term residence in certain places may raise your risk.
HOW CAN ELEPHANTIASIS BE PREVENTED?
Avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective strategy to prevent elephantiasis.
Visitors and residents of high-risk countries should:
- Sleep with a mosquito net
- Conceal their skin with long sleeves and trousers
- Apply insect repellent
CONCLUSION
Elephantiasis is a tropical illness that is spread through mosquito bites. People who live in impacted tropical or subtropical areas are the most vulnerable to illness. According to the CDC, short-term visitors to these places have a very minimal chance of contracting elephantiasis or other associated illnesses.
People experiencing signs of the illness, such as swelling and skin thickening, should consult their doctor right once. Medications, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support can all help to treat elephantiasis symptoms.