Strongyloidiasis

It's worth knowing about strongyloidiasis if you have had digestive discomfort after being in warm, humid areas: it is an infection caused by the worm Strongyloides, which enters through the skin and lodges in the small intestine.

Common symptoms: It may run without discomfort or cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, burning and, at times, skin rashes or cough. In people with weakened defenses the illness can worsen.

When to seek care? A consultation is advisable in the event of persistent digestive symptoms, especially with a history of walking barefoot on contaminated moist soil.

Which specialist studies it? The gastroenterologist assesses prolonged intestinal discomfort and guides the workup to identify the parasite. If the discomfort does not resolve, it's worth seeking that evaluation.