According to the World Health Organization, about 4. 5 billion people are infected with one type of parasite or another. In this case, more often than not it is not clear that the "solution" has occurred. Signs of parasites are not always visible, sometimes they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, from which they can be differentiated using different examination methods.
Types of parasites and their locations in the body
Many types of parasites have now been discovered. Some of them can be found quite often in your body.
Red worms
Quite common in young children and teenagers. They live in the large intestine. Their length is not more than 1-1, 5 cm in length. Their peculiarity is that, living in the folds of the large intestine, they lay eggs in the entrails and skin folds of their eggs. Maturation of the eggs occurs within 6 hours. In this case, the child feels strong 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.
Toxokaret
Carriers of this parasite are domestic animals - cats and dogs. In their body it reaches 30 cm. Toxocara eggs can survive for a long time in soil and sand. They get out of there through human hands, and can also stick to clothes and shoes. After that, they enter the body, where they spread through the vessels and internal organs, but are not carried out.
Ascaris
This pathogenic organism is the most common found every year in 100 million people. Spread through food, soil, water, dirty hands. The parasite reaches 40 cm in length. The female lays up to 200, 000 eggs every day. They end up on the ground, where they can stay for many years. If the penetration of parasites occurs through food, they penetrate the intestines, spread through the bloodstream through capillaries, to the liver, brain, lungs, eyes, multiplying continuously. 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 penetrate the respiratory tract in the deeper layers of the skin and lungs, diseases such as bronchial asthma, neurodermatitis, arthritis, convulsions, fever and other symptoms that are 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 parasite 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.
Wide band
This type of parasite can reach 10 m in length. In the patient's body it is in a twisted state. Its food comes from nutrients consumed by humans. As a result, a person experiences exhaustion of the body, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, vomiting in the morning, abdominal pain, loss of strength and drowsiness.
Infection with this type of parasite occurs most often through raw fish.
Beef tape (pork).
Tapeworm infection occurs through meat products - raw or undercooked. 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, fruits or berries contaminated from the ground, through water. Parasite larvae penetrate the body and spread throughout the bloodstream, affecting various internal organs: kidneys, liver, brain, as well as the lymphatic and skeletal system. In addition, echinococcal larvae can degenerate into cysts, growing to such a size that they press on nearby internal organs. Symptoms depend mainly 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.
- bowel, stomach upset syndrome;
- dysbacteriosis;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- biliary stagnation;
- weight change;
- problematic skin;
- allergies;
- pain in the joints, muscles;
- anemia;
- decreased immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- sleep disturbance, nervousness;
- chronic fatigue;
- oncology.
Stomach discomfort is one of the signs of parasites
Intestinal or stomach discomfort
Many types of parasites are located in the upper or lower intestines, which leads to inflammation of this area, disruption of its functioning and bloating. In this case, the absorption of nutrients is reduced. If the location of the parasites is in the upper part of the intestines, then the fats are not broken down, but enter the lower sections, thus causing spasms, alternating constipation and diarrhea.
In addition, 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;
- bloating;
- dysbacteriosis;
- intestinal/biliary colic.
If the digestive system does not work properly, other accompanying symptoms are observed, which affect the condition of the skin:
- rashes of various types (acne, pimples);
- pigmentation;
- decrease in tone, frequent formation of wrinkles;
- dehydration, dry skin;
- change in complexion - pale, dull tone.
Bile stagnation
Parasites located in the biliary tract or nearby organs, due to their large size, can block the ducts of the tract, which creates 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 either up or down. This is the result of a parasitic disease. Weight loss occurs due to the consumption of nutrients by the "sub-settler". Obesity is also due to the fact that the parasite consumes everything that the person eats, which is why he has a false sense of hunger. The feeling of satiety also occurs due to the fact that the helminth poisons the body of the "host" with feces and a drop in blood sugar occurs.
Changes in body weight are a possible sign of parasites
Pain in muscles and joints
Parasites look for the most suitable place for themselves and sometimes "settle" in joints or muscles. As a result, tissue damage or an immune response to their presence in the body occurs. This causes a person to experience muscle or joint pain.
allergy
Parasites disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, as a result of which undigested pieces of food enter the lower intestines. The immune system reacts to this by activating the body's protective cells - eosinophils, which contribute to the development of an allergic reaction. Parasites also contribute to the increase in the secretion of immunoglobulin E, which also contributes to an increase in the allergic reaction.
Decreased immunity
The presence of a parasite in the body damages immunity. The synthesis of immunoglobulin A, which also maintains the level of immunity, decreases. As a result, the body becomes sensitive to the negative impact of various bacteria and viruses.
Therefore, patients are often infected with colds, viral diseases and other diseases.
Sleep disturbance, nervousness
The toxic secretions of parasites negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system, cause constant irritability, deterioration of sleep quality. Patients often experience night awakenings between 2 and 3 am, which are caused by the body's "desire" to get rid of toxic substances secreted by the parasites through the liver.
If the brain is damaged by parasite larvae, the following signs are possible:
- difficulty in reading;
- hyperactivity;
- attention disorder.
Sleep disturbance is a possible symptom of the presence of parasites in the body
Constant lack of sleep, nervousness and anxiety negatively affect the condition of the whole body, including the skin.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Its signs include:
- general weakness;
- decrease or increase in body temperature for no reason;
- emotional instability;
- depression;
- apathy towards all aspects of life;
- impaired concentration;
- poor memory;
- lack of mind;
- rapid fatigue with minimal physical activity.
These symptoms can also be caused by other diseases that are caused by the presence of parasites.
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. Currently, examinations are being carried out that help determine the presence of parasites with an almost 100% guarantee.
- stool analysis (at least 3 times);
- ELISA tests;
- enzyme immunoassay;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- methods of serological examination;
- computed tomography;
- PCR diagnostics, which includes analysis for parasites using DNA analysis;
- endobiopsy.
If there are signs of parasites, a stool test is recommended
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 some signs of parasite damage, you should immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe all the necessary tests. In this way, it will be possible to detect the "inhabitant" in time and protect yourself from its negative effects on the body.
Frequently asked questions
What signs indicate the presence of parasites in the body?
Signs of parasites can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, digestive problems and other non-specific symptoms.
What types of parasites can live in the human body?
Parasites living in the human body can be diverse, including helminths (round and flat worms), protozoa, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.
What methods are used to diagnose parasites in the body?
To diagnose parasites in the body, stool analysis, blood analysis, molecular diagnostic methods, ultrasound and other methods can be used, depending on the type of parasites and their habitat.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Pay attention to changes in weight and appetite in you and your pets, as these can be signs of parasites.
Tip #2
Learn about different types of parasites such as roundworms, flatworms, mites, lice, etc. , so that you are prepared for possible infections.
Tip #3
Make regular visits to your doctor and vet for parasite checks and tests, especially if you travel or live in areas with high infestation rates.