According to the World Health Organization, about 4. 5 billion people are infected with one type of parasite or another. In these cases, it is often not clear that a "solution" has occurred. Signs of parasites are not always obvious; sometimes it is similar to the symptoms of other diseases, from which they can be distinguished using different examination methods.
Types of parasites and their localization in the body
Many types of parasites have now been discovered. Some of them can be found quite often in your body.
pinworms
Quite common in young children and teenagers. They live in the large intestine. The length is no more than 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 while sleeping, eats little, and gets tired quickly. These parasites can enter a child's body through dirty hands, toys, toilet seats, dishes, and other children's underwear.
Toxocars
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 go from there through human hands, and can also stick to clothes and shoes. After this, 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. Parasites reach 40 cm in length. Females lay up to 200 thousand eggs per day. They end up in the ground, where they can last for years. If the penetration of parasites occurs through food, they penetrate the intestines, spread through the bloodstream through capillaries, into the liver, brain, lungs, eyes, constantly multiplying. Roundworms feed on red blood cells and nutrients derived from human food. As a result, a person often experiences various types of anemia, disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system occur, and allergic reactions occur. When roundworms penetrate 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 pulmonary vessels, hemoptysis and other unpleasant symptoms reminiscent of dry cough.
Often the site of parasite damage is the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, causing disruption in the normal function of these organs. In very difficult cases, the following may occur: intestinal obstruction, purulent process.
Wide tapeworm
This type of parasite can reach a length of 10 m. In the patient's body it is in a twisted state. Its benefits come from the nutrients taken by humans. As a result, a person experiences body fatigue, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, morning vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of strength, and drowsiness.
Infection with this type of parasite most often occurs through raw fish.
Beef tapeworm (pork).
Tapeworm infection occurs through meat products - raw or undercooked. The length of this parasite reaches from 2 to 7 meters. 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 with soil, through water. Parasitic larvae penetrate the body and spread throughout the bloodstream, affecting various internal organs: kidneys, liver, brain, as well as the lymphatic and skeletal systems. In addition, echinococcal larvae can degenerate into cysts, growing to such a size that they compress nearby internal organs. Symptoms depend mainly on the location of the parasite.
General symptoms of pathological conditions
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 discomfort syndrome, gastric;
- dysbacteriosis;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- bile stagnation;
- weight changes;
- problem skin;
- allergies;
- pain in the joints, muscles;
- anemia;
- decreased immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- sleep disorders, nervousness;
- chronic fatigue;
- oncology.
Abdominal discomfort is one of the signs of parasites
Intestinal or stomach discomfort
Many types of parasites are located in the upper or lower part of the intestine, which leads to inflammation of this area, disruption of its function, and flatulence. In this case, nutrient absorption is reduced. If the location of the parasite is in the upper part of the intestine, then the fat is not broken down, but enters the lower part, causing cramps, alternate constipation and diarrhea.
In addition, these symptoms are usually accompanied by:
- pain in the epigastric region;
- pain on the left and right side under the ribs;
- nausea, heartburn;
- lack of appetite or complete;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- dysbacteriosis;
- intestinal/biliary colic.
If the digestive tract does not work well, other accompanying symptoms are also observed, which affect the condition of the skin:
- rashes of various types (pimples, pimples);
- pigmentation;
- decreased tone, frequent formation of wrinkles;
- dehydration, dry skin;
- changes in the skin - pale, dull tone.
Bile stagnation
Parasites located in the bile ducts or nearby organs, due to their large size, can block the ducts, which creates blockage of the normal ducts and difficulties in the outflow of bile, causing obstructive jaundice.
This problem also has a negative effect on the condition of the skin.
Weight changes
Weight changes can either increase or decrease. This is the result of a parasitic disease. Weight loss occurs due to the consumption of nutrients by "sub-settlers". Obesity is also caused by the fact that parasites eat everything that a person eats, which is why he has a false sense of hunger. A feeling of dissatisfaction also occurs due to the fact that the helminth poisons the body of the "host" with its feces and a drop in blood sugar occurs.
Changes in body weight are a sign of possible parasites
Muscle and joint pain
Parasites find the most suitable place for themselves and sometimes "settle" in joints or muscles. As a result, tissue injury or an immune response to its presence in the body occurs. This causes a person to experience muscle or joint pain.
Allergies
Parasites interfere with the functioning of the digestive system, as a result of which pieces of undigested food enter the lower intestine. The immune system responds to this by activating the body's protective cells - eosinophils, which contribute to the development of allergic reactions. Parasites also contribute to increased secretion of immunoglobulin E, which also contributes to increased allergic reactions.
Decreased immunity
The presence of parasites in the body affects immunity. The synthesis of immunoglobulin A, which also maintains the level of immunity, decreases. As a result, the body becomes vulnerable to the negative influence of various bacteria and viruses.
Therefore, patients are often infected with colds, viruses and other diseases.
Sleep disturbances, nervousness
The parasite's toxic secretion negatively affects the functioning of the central nervous system, causing constant restlessness, worsening the quality of sleep. Patients often experience night awakenings between 2 and 3 am, which is caused by the body's "desire" to get rid of toxic substances secreted by the parasite through the liver.
If the brain is damaged by parasitic larvae, the following signs are possible:
- difficulty reading;
- hyperactivity;
- attention deficit 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
The signs include:
- general weakness;
- the decrease or increase in body temperature is not due to any reason;
- emotional instability;
- depression;
- indifference to all aspects of life;
- impaired concentration;
- poor memory;
- losing one's mind;
- rapid fatigue with minimal physical activity.
These symptoms may also be caused by other diseases 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 method was stool analysis and duodenal intubation. This study makes it possible to determine the presence of fragments of parasites, their eggs and larvae. But this method does not always give reliable results. Currently, an examination is being carried out that helps determine the presence of parasites with almost 100% guarantee.
- stool analysis (at least 3 times);
- ELISA test;
- enzyme immunoassay;
- ultrasound examination of internal organs;
- serological examination method;
- computed tomography;
- PCR diagnostics, which involves analysis for parasites using DNA analysis;
- endobiopsy.
If there are signs of parasites, a stool test is prescribed
This research method not only helps determine the presence of parasites, but also identifies various diseases and disorders in the functioning of systems and organs, as well as assesses 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 is possible to detect "settlers" in time and protect yourself from their negative effects on the body.
Common questions
What are the signs that 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 non-specific symptoms.
What types of parasites can live in the human body?
Parasites that live in the human body can be diverse, including helminths (roundworms 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 parasite and its habitat.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Pay attention to changes in weight and appetite in you and your pet, as these may be signs of parasites.
Tip #2
Learn about different types of parasites such as roundworms, flatworms, mites, fleas, etc. so you can prepare 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 an area with high infestation rates.