After suffering from persistent itching for a year, the man discovered a large liver abscess caused by eating raw or undercooked food.

A male patient presented with generalized itching and a rash that had lasted for nearly a year. Despite seeking medical attention at numerous clinics and using various medications, his condition did not improve.

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that it recently admitted a 53-year-old male patient (residing in Hanoi ) with persistent generalized itching, streaky rashes, and intermittent pain in the right lower rib area.

The symptoms lasted for almost a year, and despite the patient visiting many doctors and using various medications, there was no improvement.

Because its main symptoms are itching and redness, the disease is easily mistaken for common dermatological conditions, leading to prolonged diagnosis. However, the true cause stems from the patient's unsafe eating habits.

According to accounts, Mr. T. frequently consumed raw or undercooked dishes during business meetings, such as blood pudding, raw meat, raw goat meat, raw fish salad, animal offal, raw vegetables, and various aquatic vegetables that were not hygienically prepared. These are common sources of infection for liver flukes, roundworms from dogs and cats, and many other parasites.

"Unsafe eating habits are the leading risk factor for parasitic infections in patients," emphasized Dr. Vu Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Center for On-Demand and International Medical Examination and Treatment.

Laboratory and imaging results showed the patient was positive for giant liver fluke and roundworm.

Notably, doctors discovered a liver abscess measuring nearly 5cm, along with elevated inflammatory markers and eosinophil counts.

"Large abscesses, if left untreated, can rupture and cause sepsis," Dr. Huong explained.

The patient was prescribed abscess aspiration, specific antiparasitic medication, antibiotics, and close monitoring of inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, and eosinophils.

After inpatient treatment and outpatient monitoring, eosinophil counts returned to normal, the abscess shrank, and there was no longer any pus. The fever and right lower abdominal pain significantly decreased, and the itching symptoms almost disappeared. The patient's health is now stable.

According to doctors, parasitic infections are persistent diseases that are easily overlooked because the initial symptoms are vague, often manifesting only as prolonged itching.

When parasites invade internal organs, they can cause liver abscesses, eye damage, or spread to the brain, leading to headaches and seizures – dangerous complications if not detected early.

Mr. T's case serves as a warning about the dangers of being careless with raw or undercooked food and animal organs, which can lead to severe parasitic infections, causing damage to the liver and other organs.

After treatment, patients are advised to completely change their eating habits and have regular follow-up appointments to prevent reinfection.

To prevent parasitic infections, doctors recommend:

- Always eat cooked food and drink boiled water; absolutely avoid raw or undercooked dishes.

- Wash vegetables thoroughly before cooking.

- Maintain personal hygiene, wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.

- Deworm regularly as directed.

- Maintain environmental hygiene and prevent water sources from becoming polluted.

- If you experience persistent symptoms such as itching, abdominal pain, digestive disorders, or have risk factors for exposure, you should proactively seek medical attention for early detection and treatment.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ngua-dai-dang-ca-nam-nguoi-dan-ong-phat-hien-o-apxe-gan-lon-do-an-do-tai-song-post1082492.vnp