The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Chagas disease includes the 49 symptoms listed below:
Research symptoms & diagnosis of Chagas disease:
Review the available symptom checkers for these symptoms of Chagas disease:
Review the available Assessment Questionnaires for the symptoms of Chagas disease:
Review medical complications possibly associated with Chagas disease:
Do I have Chagas disease?
Home medical tests related to Chagas disease:
The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Chagas disease includes:
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
More information about symptoms of Chagas disease and related conditions:
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
There are three stages of infection with Chagas disease; each stage has different symptoms. Some persons may be infected and never develop symptoms.
Acute:
Acute symptoms only occur in about 1% of cases. Most people infected do not seek medical attention. The most recognized symptom of acute Chagas infection is the Romaña’s sign, or swelling of the eye on one side of the face, usually at the bite wound or where feces were rubbed into the eye. Other symptoms are usually not specific for Chagas infection. These symptoms may include fatigue, fever, enlarged liver or spleen, and swollen lymph glands. Sometimes, a rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting occur. In infants and in very young children with acute Chagas disease, swelling of the brain can develop in acute Chagas disease, and this can cause death. In general, symptoms last for 4-8 weeks and then they go away, even without treatment.
Indeterminate:
Eight to 10 weeks after infection, the indeterminate stage begins. During this stage, people do not have symptoms.
Chronic:
(Source: excerpt from Chagas Disease: DPD)Ten to 20 years after infection, people may develop the most serious symptoms of Chagas disease. Cardiac problems, including an enlarged heart, altered heart rate or rhythm, heart failure, or cardiac arrest are symptoms of chronic disease. Chagas disease can also lead to enlargement of parts of the digestive tract, which result in severe constipation or problems with swallowing. In persons who are immune compromised, including persons with HIV/AIDS, Chagas disease can be severe. Not everyone will develop the chronic symptoms of Chagas disease.
When considering symptoms of Chagas disease, it is also important to consider Chagas disease as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Chagas disease may cause:
Incubation period for Chagas disease: Symptoms may occur within a few days to weeks. Most people do not have symptoms until the chronic stage of infection, 10-20 years after first being infected. (Source: excerpt from Chagas Disease: DPD)
These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Chagas disease. This signs and symptoms information for Chagas disease has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Chagas disease signs or Chagas disease symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Chagas disease may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Chagas disease symptoms.
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (4:25)
