According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4. 5 billion people are infected with one type of parasite or another. In this case, it is very often unclear whether "adjustment" has occurred. Signs of parasites are not always obvious; they are sometimes similar to the symptoms of other diseases, from which they can be differentiated using different testing methods.
Types of parasites and places of their localization in the body
Now many types of parasites have been discovered. Some of them can be found in your body quite often.
Pinworms
Fairly common in young children and adolescents. They live in the large intestine. Their length does not exceed 1-1. 5 cm. Their peculiarity is that, living in the folds of the large intestine, they lay eggs on underwear and skin folds. Egg maturation occurs within 6 hours. In this case, the child feels severe itching, grinds his teeth in his sleep, eats little and gets tired quickly. This parasite can enter a child's body through dirty hands, toys, toilet seats, dishes and other children's underwear.
Toxocar
Carriers of this parasite are domestic animals: dogs and cats. In their body it reaches 30 cm. Toxocara eggs can survive for a long time in soil and sand. From there they get through human hands and can also stick to clothes and shoes. They then enter the body, where they spread through vessels and internal organs, but are not eliminated.
Ascaris
This pathogenic organism is the most common; it is found in 100 million people every year. It spreads through food, soil, water, dirty hands. The parasite reaches 40 cm in length. The female lays up to 200 thousand eggs every day. They end up in the soil, where they can persist for many years. If the penetration of parasites occurs through food, they penetrate the intestines, spread into the bloodstream through the capillaries, into the liver, brain, lungs, eyes, constantly multiplying. Roundworms feed on red blood cells and nutrients that come from human food. As a result, a person often develops various types of anemia, disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system occur, and allergic reactions occur. When roundworms enter the respiratory tract into the deeper layers of the skin and lungs, diseases such as bronchial asthma, neurodermatitis, arthritis, convulsions, fever and other symptoms similar to bronchitis or pneumonia develop. If the lungs are affected by roundworms, the following are possible: rupture of the pulmonary vessels, hemoptysis and other unpleasant symptoms reminiscent of tuberculosis.
Often the location of the sites of parasitic damage is the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, kidneys, causing disturbances in the normal functioning of these organs. In particularly difficult cases, intestinal obstruction, purulent processes may occur.
Broad tapeworm
This type of parasite can reach 10 m in length. In the patient's body it is in a twisted state. Its nutrition comes from nutrients consumed by humans. As a result, a person experiences exhaustion of the body, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, morning vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of strength and drowsiness.
Infection with this type of parasite occurs most often through raw fish.
Bovine tapeworm (pork).
Tapeworm infection occurs through raw or undercooked meat products. The length of this parasite reaches from 2 to 7 meters. It can live in the human body for up to 20 years. The main danger of this parasite is that it can infect the brain and eyes.
Echinococcus
Infection with this type of parasite occurs from infected animals, contaminated fruits or berries from the soil, through water. The larvae of parasites enter the body and spread into the bloodstream, affecting various internal organs: kidneys, liver, brain, as well as the lymphatic and skeletal systems. Furthermore, echinococcus larvae can degenerate into cysts, reaching such a size that they compress nearby internal organs. The symptoms mainly depend on the location of the parasites.
General symptoms of the pathological condition
There are many common signs of this pathology, but each of them may or may not appear depending on the location and type of parasite.
- intestinal, gastric discomfort syndrome;
- dysbacteriosis;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- bile stagnation;
- weight change;
- problem skin;
- allergy;
- pain in joints, muscles;
- anemia;
- decreased immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- sleep disorders, nervousness;
- chronic fatigue;
- oncology.
Stomach discomfort is one of the signs of parasites
Intestinal or stomach problems
Many types of parasites are found in the upper or lower intestine, which leads to inflammation of this area, disruption of its functioning and swelling. In this case, nutrient absorption decreases. If the location of the parasites is in the upper part of the intestine, the fats are not broken down, but enter the lower sections, causing spasms, alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Additionally, this symptom is usually accompanied by:
- pain in the epigastric region;
- pain on the left and right side under the ribs;
- nausea, heartburn;
- decreased or complete lack of appetite;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- dysbacteriosis;
- intestinal/biliary colic.
If the digestive tract is not functioning properly, other associated symptoms are also observed that affect the condition of the skin:
- skin rashes of various types (acne, pimples);
- pigmentation;
- decreased tone, frequent formation of wrinkles;
- dehydration, dry skin;
- change in complexion: yellowish and dull tone.
Bile stagnation
Parasites located in the bile ducts or nearby organs, due to their large size, can obstruct the ducts of the tract, creating a blockage of the common duct and difficulty in the outflow of bile, causing obstructive jaundice.
This problem also negatively affects the condition of the skin.
Weight change
The change in body weight can be increasing or decreasing. This is a consequence of a parasitic disease. Weight reduction occurs due to the consumption of nutrients by the "sub-colonist". Obesity is also due to the fact that the parasite consumes everything a person eats, which is why he has a false feeling of hunger. The feeling of insatiability also occurs due to the fact that the helminth poisons the host's body with its feces and a drop in blood sugar occurs.
Changes in body weight are a possible sign of parasites
Muscle and joint pain
Parasites look for the most convenient place for themselves and sometimes "settle" in joints or muscles. As a result, tissue injury or an immune reaction occurs to their presence in the body. This causes a person to experience muscle or joint pain.
Allergy
Parasites disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, as a result of which pieces of undigested food enter the lower intestine. The immune system reacts by activating the body's protective cells: eosinophils, which contribute to the development of an allergic reaction. Parasites also contribute to increased secretion of immunoglobulin E, which also contributes to an increase in allergic reaction.
Decreased immunity
The presence of a parasite in the body compromises immunity. The synthesis of immunoglobulin A, which also maintains the level of immunity, decreases. As a result, the body becomes susceptible to the negative influence of various bacteria and viruses.
Therefore, patients are often infected with colds, viral and other diseases.
Sleep disorders, nervousness
Toxic secretions of parasites negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system, cause constant nervousness, worsening the quality of sleep. Patients often experience nocturnal awakenings between 2 and 3 am, caused by the body's "desire" to rid itself of toxic substances secreted by parasites through the liver.
If the brain is damaged by the larvae of the parasite, the following signs are possible:
- reading difficulties;
- hyperactivity;
- attention disorder.
Sleep disturbances are a possible symptom of the presence of parasites in the body
Constant lack of sleep, nervousness and anxiety negatively affect the condition of the entire body, including the skin.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Its signs include:
- general weakness;
- decrease or increase in body temperature not due to any reason;
- emotional instability;
- depression;
- apathy towards all aspects of life;
- reduced concentration;
- poor memory;
- distraction;
- rapid fatigue with minimal physical activity.
These symptoms can also be caused by other diseases caused by the presence of the parasite.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosing the presence of parasites is quite difficult, especially in the first period after their "invasion". Previously, the most effective methods were stool analysis and duodenal intubation. These studies made it possible to determine the presence of fragments of parasites, their eggs and larvae. But these methods did not always give reliable results. Tests are currently being carried out that help determine the presence of parasites with an almost 100% guarantee.
- stool analysis (at least 3 times);
- ELISA test;
- enzyme immunoassay;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- serological examination methods;
- computed tomography;
- PCR diagnostics, which involves analyzing parasites using DNA analysis;
- endobiopsy.
If there are signs of parasites, a stool test is prescribed
These research methods not only help to determine the presence of parasites, but also identify various diseases and disorders in the functioning of systems and organs, as well as assess the condition of internal organs.
If there are several signs of damage by parasites, you should immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe all the necessary examinations. In this way it will be possible to identify the "colonist" in time and protect ourselves from its negative effects on the body.
Frequently asked questions
What signs indicate the presence of parasites in the body?
Signs of parasites may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, digestive problems and other nonspecific symptoms.
What types of parasites can live in the human body?
Parasites living in the human body can be different, including helminths (round worms and flatworms), protozoa, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.
What methods are used to diagnose parasites in the body?
To diagnose parasites in the body, stool tests, blood tests, molecular diagnostic methods, ultrasound and other methods can be used, depending on the type of parasites and their habitat.
Useful tips
Tip number 1
Pay attention to changes in weight and appetite in you and your pets, as these could be signs of parasites.
Tip no. 2
Learn about the different types of parasites such as roundworms, flatworms, mites, lice, etc. so that you are prepared for possible infections.
Tip no. 3
Visit your doctor and veterinarian regularly for parasite checks and testing, especially if you travel or live in areas with high infestation rates.