{"id":6470,"date":"2019-05-07T03:15:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T03:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6470"},"modified":"2021-04-05T17:53:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-05T17:53:38","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-toxoplasmosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-toxoplasmosis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Typically found in cat feces or in raw and undercooked meat, the toxoplasmosis carrying parasite, known as Toxoplasma gondii, is a nasty little critter that can transmit the infection to any warm-blooded mammal, and that obviously includes humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people in the world live with the infection for years a time, suffering little by way of symptoms, owing to their functioning immune systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxoplasmosis can become dangerous however when it is transmitted to someone with a depleted immune system and particularly to pregnant women. Pregnant women must avoid contact with cats and cat feces wherever possible, given that the effects of toxoplasmosis infection on an unborn baby can be highly dangerous, resulting in birth abnormalities and even fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people who do suffer from symptoms caused by toxoplasmosis, these tend to fall under two categories. Symptoms which are mild and short-lived, to symptoms which are far more serious and long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.     Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first in the list of relatively mild symptoms, which only usually last up to a month, a fever <\/a>from toxoplasmosis will more often than not resolve on its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resembling any typical fever, an infected person will go through a series of temperature fluctuations, highlighted by their verbal complaints of either being too hot or too cold and further evidenced by observations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These observations may include the noticing of a person shivering, or indeed sweating profusely. For infants, young children and impaired adults, watching for the signs are important as the person may not be able to verbally communicate their symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference between a toxoplasmosis fever and a regular fever is that the fever caused by toxoplasmosis usually sticks around a little while longer. The fever is responsive to over the counter fever reducers and it is recommended that a person\u2019s temperature is periodically checked and recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.     Swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second of the relatively mild symptoms associated with toxoplasmosis, swollen lymph nodes<\/a>, especially those in the neck, can be another common occurrence in people struck down by the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen lymph nodes can often alarm sufferers and taking to the internet in search of a quick search engine diagnosis is not recommended. This could either leave the research completely reassured that everything is fine or coming to terms with the fact that they have just days to live. Swollen lymph nodes are more of an annoyance and a cause of discomfort than anything to be too concerned over when they are caused by toxoplasmosis. Careful monitoring is necessary, and medical help should be sought if the swellings become increasingly painful or start to throb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you do though, don’t make your mind up that you’ve got lymphoma based on a couple of quick click visits to good old Dr. Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.     Headache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common symptom regularly experienced by toxoplasmosis sufferers, headaches <\/a>are common and frequent amongst sufferers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you will read later on, serious complications of toxoplasmosis can affect the brain, but in most cases, headaches are mild to moderate, responding well to hydration, avoidance of light and over the counter medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many people with toxoplasmosis, a headache and a slight fever will be the very worst symptoms they ever experience, and for that, they should perhaps be grateful. As previously stated though, a great number of people, the world over, live with toxoplasmosis day in, day out, completely none the wiser. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the actual cause of a headache, they still cause the person a fair amount of suffering and misery from their onset to their departure, and so sensitivity is encouraged toward anyone complaining of having a bad head. Avoiding triggers such as dehydration and invasive non-natural light sources remains a good bit of advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.     Muscle aches and pains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coming towards the end of the mild category of toxoplasmosis symptoms, we reach the dreaded muscle aches and pains. For many fit and active people, a good bit of muscle pain can signal that they were targeting all the right muscle groups a few days previously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pains and aches <\/a>in the muscles and joints that come on for no defined reason though are a real pain in the proverbial, metaphorically and literally. Pain can range from mild to severe and toxoplasmosis triggered muscle pain can affect a person anywhere on their body. It varies from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the likely presence of other mild symptoms such as headaches and fevers, the muscle ache caused by toxoplasmosis can often be misdiagnosed as an upper respiratory infection. Due to the mild nature of the symptoms, this is not usually a great issue for a patient, however proper identification of what is actually causing the symptoms can speed up a proper cure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.     Sore throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last in a list of five relatively mild toxoplasmosis symptoms, a sore throat<\/a> joins headaches, fevers, muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes as things to be concerned about rather than to panic over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sore throat can make a person feel really down in the dumps, as it not only robs them of their wellness but oftentimes it steals away their voice. The raspy tones of someone with a sore throat may appeal to a certain demographic of people, but there really isn’t anything attractive about a sore throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen and inflamed tissues at the back of the throat mimic the feeling of swallowing razor blades, not that too many people have experienced that in real life. I suppose it\u2019s a bit like that something tastes like poop. How do you know? Ignore the comparisons if you like, they aren\u2019t particularly helpful. Just know that sore throats hurt, a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.     Brain inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned previously, there is a second category when it comes to common symptoms of toxoplasmosis<\/a>. For this group of symptoms, the word \u2018common\u2019 only applies once a certain watershed has been breached. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, the three symptoms detailed here are common in HIV patients who develop toxoplasmosis, as their immune systems are already depleted, whereas the symptoms are much less commonly experienced by the general population as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first of these symptoms, inflammation of the brain can be a very traumatic symptom causing pounding headaches to develop. These headaches, which will not respond to usual headache remedies, can be followed by seizures, spells of absence and confusion. Some of the more serious cases of brain inflammation can result in a person going into a coma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they don\u2019t slip into one naturally, sometimes the decision can be made to medically induce a coma. This is an incredibly serious eventuality, whenever it is reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.     Lung infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second of the more severe symptoms associated with toxoplasmosis is a lung infection. Lung infections <\/a>can last a very long time and be very difficult to treat. Initially starting out as a long-lasting and troublesome cough, a lung infection may develop rapidly or over a longer period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, a fever is something that comes hand in hand with a lung infection and one of the implications can be shortness of breath. Given that fevers and coughs are listed in the less severe bracket of toxoplasmosis conditions, it is especially pertinent for caregivers to monitor these symptoms and keep an eye for them evolving or worsening in some way, as this could be indicative of the toxoplasmosis moving towards much more worrying symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of early toxoplasmosis symptoms, will prevent the development of more serious issues like this, but it is also important to bear in mind how one thing can lead to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.     Eye infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given the emotional value we all place on our eyes, as our windows to the world, it can be an especially daunting symptom of toxoplasmosis when the illness affects one or both of a person\u2019s eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The infection is a more serious incarnation that has the potential to cause blurred vision and fairly significant eye pain. The pain can usually be treated by home remedies or over the counter medications<\/a>, but it is the effect on a person\u2019s vision which can have the most damaging effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When unable to see properly, every part of a person\u2019s life is impacted upon, from the moment they open their eyes in the morning, until they fall asleep at night. This can result in time off work, mean that a person is unable to drive and can have a huge impact on things like exercise or socializing. Without treatment, the blurred or double vision isn\u2019t likely to improve, but acting fast can mean the eye infection is cleared up as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients that develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis notice a fever as one of the first signs of infection. Since doctors can attribute the presence of this symptom to many different diseases, they typically wait for other symptoms to arrive before making their diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chills <\/a>often accompany a fever, especially when it starts to exceed temperatures over 99F. It\u2019s a strange sight to see someone amid a fever, with a temperature of over 100F, complain that they are feeling cold. How is it possible that the patient could feel cold when they are burning up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the brain induces a fever, it calls for an escalation in pyrogen production., these proteins attach to nerves and tell the nervous system to increase the body temperature setpoint. The idea behind a fever is that the body provides a hostile environment for the pathogen to stop its spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chills will subside after the fever breaks, and the patient starts to return to normal levels of health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Increase in Risky Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The parasite <\/a>has an interesting effect on behavior. Studies show that rats infected with toxoplasmosis parasites tend to take on risky behavior. For the parasite to survive, it relies on the cycle of infected rats, which are caught by cats who eat the rodents. As a result, the parasites transfer into the gut of the cat, where they infect their owners with the parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research into the behavior changes in rats indicates that infection with the toxoplasmosis parasite causes the rodents to engage in risky behavior that leads to the cat catching it and eating the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies also show that this may affect human behavior, as well. Researchers looked at the bloodwork of individuals that died in high-speed motorcycle accidents and found that a significant amount of the individuals infected with toxoplasmosis parasites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, medical professionals recommend that anyone with cats analyze their behavior, and note if they are taking risky actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Swollen Lymph Nodes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lymphatic system runs through the body, circulating lymphatic fluid that absorbs pathogens from the bloodstream. When the body experiences an infection, the lymph nodes<\/a> swell due to the extra activity needed to filter the toxins out of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may find that they start to notice their lymph nodes sell to the size or Rice Krispies, and they become tender to touch. The nodes may also change color, with a light pinkish or red tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen lymph nodes are also another sign of toxoplasmosis infection that is common in many other diseases. Therefore, your doctor will have to analyze your other symptoms to determine the cause for your condition and diagnose toxoplasmosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no treatment available for swollen lymph nodes, and anti-inflammatory medications will not reduce their size. However, the nodes calm down after the infection clears, with no additional complications that affect your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. No Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people who experience toxoplasma infection may display no symptoms <\/a>at all. They become carriers of the disease, and it may remain undetected in their system for decades. Eventually, the patient may come across a trigger that causes the onset of the disease and the start of symptoms in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s quite common for people to exhibit no symptoms, other than minor changes in their behavior \u2013 such as increased risk-taking. However, the changes are so subtle that the patient may not realize anything is wrong, and they continue with their life, unaware that they are dealing with a parasitic infestation in their gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 60-percent of all patients with the disease show no symptoms for extended periods. However, it\u2019s important to note that toxoplasmosis does not spread through contact with others. Therefore, people infected with the parasite don\u2019t have to worry about giving it to others when they shake their hands or share a sandwich.
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13. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis infection does not present any adverse health complications that arise as a result of the parasitic infestation<\/a>. However, pregnant women should consult with their doctor if they are concerned about the parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxoplasmosis parasites can disrupt pregnancies, leading to all sorts of adverse complications with the host and the health of the unborn child. Toxoplasmosis parasites can transfer from the mother to the baby, resulting in low birth weights and changes to the size of the child\u2019s head. Toxoplasmosis affects the brain, eyes, heart, and lungs of babies, introducing numerous issues with their health in their early years of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms may show up after birth, including learning disabilities, seizures, and delays in their development. Studies show that babies infected in the early stages of pregnancy have more severe complications than those that contract the parasites in the second or third trimester. Some children may be born with hearing loss and vision problems as well.
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14. Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most patients that experience toxoplasmosis infection don\u2019t show any signs of the disease other than changes in their risk-taking behavior. It\u2019s for this reason that doctors will recommend avoiding treatment <\/a>for the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that no cure will rid the body of the parasite, and once infected, the patient will most likely have to deal with the infection for the rest of their life. However, doctors can use some medications to help manage symptoms, especially is they are persistent.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that treatment with the drugs sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, (Daraprim). Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic medication, and Daraprim is an anti-malaria medication. While these drugs are not explicitly designed to treat Toxoplasma infection, they do have some benefit in reducing the activity of the parasite, especially in cases where the patient is exhibiting symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have compromised immune systems may need to rely on these drugs for the rest of their lives to avoid the reoccurrence of symptoms related to the toxoplasmosis infection.
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