B83.3: Syngamiasis
Gapeworms occur in South America and the Caribbean, for example. Gapeworms are parasites that infect ruminants such as cattle and buffalo. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. You can become infected if the worms get into your mouth along with contaminated food, for example.
Gapeworms affect the respiratory system. When we breathe, the air gets into the body via the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract can be divided into the upper and the lower respiratory tracts. The nose and throat form part of the upper respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract begins at the larynx. This includes the trachea and the bronchia. Gapeworms can cause a dry cough. It may feel as though you have a foreign body in your throat. You may also feel short of breath.
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