Symptoms Of Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a sand fly bite. It’s frequently found in southern Europe, as well as in most tropical or subtropical areas. The disease can cause patients to present with one of two forms of the infection. The least serious of these is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is known to cause sores on the skin. The more severe form is called visceral leishmaniasis, and it can affect virtually any of the internal organs, but the most likely ones are the liver and spleen, as well as bone marrow. Get to know the key symptoms of leishmaniasis now.

Pancytopenia

Pancytopenia is a condition that causes the body to have limited numbers of platelets, as well as red and white blood cells. Platelets are what allows blood to clot in an individual's body, while red blood cells transport oxygen and white blood cells help the body fight off various types of infection. If a patient is suffering from pancytopenia, symptoms can be wide-ranging. It’s also important to note mild cases don't usually cause any noticeable symptoms, so by the time a patient presents with these problems, the case is already fairly advanced. Some of the more common symptoms include bruising easily, as well as uncontrolled bleeding from what should be minor cuts or scrapes. Patients may also experience frequent nosebleeds or rectal bleeding. In some cases, patients start to get purple spots on the skin that grow larger over time, due to bleeding just under the skin. Patients may also experience a loss of color as well as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Reveal more leishmaniasis symptoms now.

Severe Weight Loss

One of the reasons patients routinely experience weight loss of a severe nature is because the body is at a significant disadvantage due to the drop in red and white blood cells as well as platelets. The body needs a healthy blood supply to function. When that supply is compromised, every system and organ in the body suffers. If this occurs rapidly, it is often fatal. Even if it occurs at a slower pace over a longer period, the body can only take so much stress before it starts to give out. One of the main signs the body is no longer compensating is severe weight loss. In addition, the loss of white blood cells means the body is far more susceptible to all kinds of infections, all of which further stress the patient. The fact there are fewer red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body only serves to make the body work that much harder. It all comes together to create the perfect storm, resulting in a rapid and often significant amount of weight.

Get to know more symptoms of leishmaniasis now.