The signs of parasites in the human body depend on the type of parasite in question and its waste products. One of the most common signs of parasites in the body is intestinal and stomach problems.
According to WHO statistics, about 95% of the total population of the Earth is infected with parasites - microorganisms that exist and feed on other organisms. Often, signs of the presence of parasites in the human body go unnoticed because some of them have adapted very well and the signs can be confused with other diseases.
Types of parasites that commonly infect the human body
The human body is most often inhabited by:
- roundworms;
- pinworms;
- hookworms;
- Giardia;
- whipworms;
- beef tapeworm;
- wide tape;
- pork tapeworm;
- echinococci;
- Trichinae.
Helminths are the general name for worms that occur in a living organism. Simply put: worms. They are classified into the following types: tapeworms (cystodes), flukes (flukeworms) and roundworms (nematodes). The most common type of helminth is roundworms.
They are round in shape and live mainly in the intestines and its various parts. Some of the representatives, for example Trichinella, can migrate through the body. The intestine is the main habitat of roundworms. Representatives of tapeworms include beef and pork tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci. The size of the parasites in question can be several meters long. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.
Biohelminths go through a phase of maturation and development in animal organisms. These are, for example, Toxocara, cattle and pork tapeworms, etc. The soil is the habitat of geohelminths. Geohelminths develop in the soil. And they get into people through the skin or by being swallowed. These include many types of roundworms. Contact parasites enter a person through direct contact with another person. Enterobiasis is one of the diseases transmitted by contact parasites, pinworms.
How does infection occur?
You can become infected with parasite larvae by eating unprocessed foods (fish, cape), poorly washed raw vegetables and fruits, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household methods, drinking raw water, as well as swallowing water from pets when swimming in reservoirs, through the soil.
General signs of the presence of helminths
Very often it is quite difficult to detect the presence of the pests in question in a person's body. And many symptoms can be mistaken for a chronic illness and treated unsuccessfully. Symptoms of the disease can vary depending on the type of worms, their location and their quantity. However, there are general signs of the presence of parasites in the human body.
allergy
Through metabolic processes, worms secrete toxic elements that penetrate the blood system and contribute to the appearance of allergic manifestations. The rash may appear and disappear periodically. This allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological remedies.
Allergies can manifest themselves:
- Tearing, eyelid pain and conjunctivitis
- Chronic runny nose
- Shortness of breath, cough
- Rash, peeling and redness, burning
- Rosacea, eczema
- Stuckness in the corners of the mouth and inflammation at the edge of the mouth
- Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood
- Scabies in the anal area (pinworms) and on the body
- problematic skin and acne
- Asthma and dry cough (hookworms)
- Hair loss
Stomach and intestinal discomfort syndrome
Many parasites inhabit a person's large and small intestines. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the organs. The function of absorbing nutrients, especially fatty substances, is impaired
Using laboratory methods, a large amount of fatty elements can be detected in feces.
Stagnation of bile
Due to their enormous size, some parasites can block the bile ducts and cause biliary dyskinesia. These signs can cause other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block the bile ducts, which can negatively affect the liver
constipation
Worms can block the intestinal lumen. Signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are often manifested by symptoms such as constipation and can even lead to intestinal obstruction. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of helminth infestation. Prostaglandins produced by parasites cause frequent watery stools.
Dysbacteriosis
Due to intestinal dysfunction, symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and excessive gas formation occur, which can be mistaken for dysbacteriosis. However, in this case, treatment with antibiotics and probiotics does not produce positive results. Reduced immunity Parasites feed on what people eat. They absorb most of the digested nutrients.
Weak immunity can be a consequence of the activity of parasites in the body
Due to the constant reaction of the immune system to the presence of "strangers", the body's defenses are weakened and the immune system weakens. This is manifested by frequent colds, unreasonable rise in temperature, body aches, etc.
Pain in joints and muscles
Worms can affect various organs. Trichinella, for example, lodge in muscle tissue and can damage it. This is the body's response to the vital activity of parasites.
Change in body weight
One of the signs of helminthiasis is weight loss or obesity. Weight loss occurs due to the inability to obtain nutrients from the foods consumed. And weight gain as a result of the body's reaction is the need to create "food reserves for future use. " Therefore, before deciding to gain or lose weight, a full examination for the presence of parasites in the human body is necessary.
anemia
Some parasites, for example Trichomonas, can infect various human organs, including the blood. By feeding on their cells, helminthiasis leads to anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person suffers from a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins, resulting in vitamin deficiency. This is a consequence of the gluttony of the parasites.
Nervousness, sleep disorder
Insomnia, poor short sleep, can be a reaction of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths come out through the anus at night to lay larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, causing you to wake up frequentlyand not being able to fully rest.
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"
Against the background of general intoxication of the body, a lack of vitamins and nutrients absorbed by parasites, constant fatigue, reduced concentration, apathy and loss of memory may occur.
oncology
The presence of parasites does not have the best effect on the human body as a whole. The normal functioning of all organs is disrupted, inflammation occurs, health worsens, and immunity decreases. Disruption of normal body function due to the influence of parasites can have serious consequences
It is important to know that all of these signs, with prolonged action, can provoke the formation of tumors and neoplasms.
Inflammation of the larynx and respiratory tract
Worms can travel throughout the body. Once they reach the respiratory tract, they cause severe coughing, sore throat and fever. Their vital activity can even cause asthma or pneumonia.
You should not ignore symptoms that indicate a malfunction in the body. At the first appearance of signs of any of the diseases, you must immediately consult a doctor and undergo an examination for parasites. This allows you to receive timely treatment and prevents the destructive effects of toxins from harming your body. The long-term presence of worms in the human body can lead to the development of serious diseases, including cancer or chronic forms of existing diseases.
Specific symptoms of a parasite infestation
In addition to the general ones, there are a number of special signs of the presence of parasites in the human body, which are characteristic of women and men separately.
For women applies:
- disruption of the regular menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dysbiosis, mycosis;
- Inflammation of the ovaries, kidneys, bladder;
- uterine fibroid;
- Infertility.
In men, the disease in question manifests itself as follows:
- sexual dysfunction;
- the presence of sand or stones in the kidneys or bladder;
- inflammation of the prostate;
- mental disorders.
Differences in symptoms between children and adults
When parasite larvae invade, they encounter a three-tier protective barrier:
- Saliva;
- gastric juice;
- local intestinal immunity.
This protection may not work in a child's still fragile body. And it is children who are most vulnerable to the disease in question. In summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of helminth infection is very high. Anything can be in the sand if its cleanliness is not monitored. There are more than enough ways of infection for children: children's sandboxes, pets, fruits and vegetables that are not always washed, swimming in ponds. In addition, there is a desire, especially among the little ones, to try everything.
The habit of sucking your thumb only increases the likelihood of developing helminthic infestation. The most common types of parasites in children include pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and Toxocara. Pinworms are small white worms no larger than 1 cm. They hatch and lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of such parasites is always accompanied by itching in the anus area. Roundworms are larger, their length can reach up to 40 cm!
Please note that the phenomenon of "bruxism" (teeth grinding) is considered one of the signs of the presence of parasites in the human body and often disturbs children's sleep. Parents should pay attention to this circumstance and have their child examined for the presence of parasites. VeryWorms often live in the intestines, so children can experience stool problems, flatulence, vomiting and upper abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of parasites
The main problem with diagnosing parasitic diseases is that they masquerade as chronic diseases and it is very difficult to identify the true causes of the symptoms.
How to determine the presence of parasites
When one or another organ or tissue is damaged, characteristic features dominate.
In the intestines
The most favorable habitat for parasites: high humidity, warm temperature, pH-neutral environment. Symptoms of intestinal damage:
- Constipation;
- Diarrhea;
- Flatulence;
- intestinal obstruction;
- cramping pains, cramps in the abdomen;
- weight loss;
- vomit;
- Nervousness;
- Lack (or increase) of appetite.
A person is overwhelmed by weakness, fatigue and unwillingness to move.
In the stomach
In the event of a parasite infestation, the following signs should be taken into account:
- nausea;
- belching;
- Salivation;
- Feeling of heaviness and bloating in the stomach;
- Diarrhea;
- bleeding during bowel movements;
- Itching in the anal area due to pinworms;
- Cough due to irritation of the neuroreceptors of the stomach.
With intestinal acne, sputum can be separated from blood fractions.
In the liver
Symptoms:
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- belching;
- nausea;
- allergic urticaria;
- yellowing of the sclera, oral mucosa and skin;
- loss of hair follicles;
- Weakness;
- Irritability;
- Anemia.
There is pronounced swelling of the legs and abdomen.
In the blood
Distinctive symptoms:
- Fever;
- Thickening, enlargement, pain of lymph nodes;
- rash on body;
- dizziness, headache;
- Thirst;
- lethargy, sleepiness;
- dyspnea;
- Circulatory disorders, which manifest themselves in numbness and a feeling of coldness of the extremities.
Anemia inevitably occurs because many parasites destroy red blood cells.
In case of heart damage
There are always signs of pulmonary and heart failure.
- Cough;
- dyspnea;
- nervousness, fear;
- Weakness;
- chest pain;
- arrhythmia, bradycardia;
- Temperature, fever alternating with chills;
- blood pressure changes;
- Sweat;
- Paleness of the face and neck;
- Anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, nasolabial triangle and oral mucosa.
In the lungs
Characteristic symptoms:
- dyspnea;
- difficulty breathing;
- Attacks of dry cough at night;
- asthmatic bronchospasms;
- allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
- chest pain;
- rapid pulse;
- nausea.
It is possible to separate sparsely foamy sputum containing blood cells.
Under the skin
External symptoms:
- itchy red small rash, large swollen blisters on the skin;
- ulcers, abscesses, warts, eczema;
- Fever;
- night sweats;
- dense mobile tumor-like areas under the skin;
- Anemia.
Allergic coughs and runny noses often occur.
In the eyes
Distinctive symptoms:
- Inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
- Pain in the eyes and pain when moving your gaze to the side, up;
- flying flies, cloudy threads in front of the eyes;
- dry mucous eyes;
- blurred vision of objects, double vision;
- headache, dizziness;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- blue under the eyes.
There is a significant deterioration in visual acuity.
Parasitosis disguises itself as thousands of diseases, so it is impossible to determine it visually without laboratory tests. The duration of healing depends on the accuracy of diagnosis and identification of parasites at the earliest stage of infection.
In the blood
Parasites that live in the blood can live in red blood cells, plasma and white blood cells. Types of pests:
- Mansonella is a worm that can grow up to 8 centimeters. Causes dizziness, headache and joint pain, fever, skin problems, numbness in the legs.
- Hemosporidia are single-celled organisms that live in red blood cells.
- Trypanosomes are single-celled organisms that cause Chagas disease and sleeping sickness.
- Malaria plasmodium.
Symptoms of diseases caused by parasites
Very often the disease is named after the parasite that causes it.
Ascariasis
The causative agent of the disease is the roundworm, which is localized in the human intestine. The degree of the disease depends on the age of the patient, the severity and duration of the parasite infestation.
The symptoms of ascariasis are as follows:
- an allergic rash localized on the patient's feet, hands and body;
- increased temperature, fever;
- general weakness and malaise;
- Sweating at night and during the day;
- enlarged liver and aching pain in the hypochondrium;
- loss of appetite and nausea; pain and cramps in the abdomen;
- constipation and diarrhea; weight loss or gain;
- Cough, shortness of breath and chest pain occur during the migration of roundworms and their localization in the lungs;
- Insomnia;
- decreased cognitive abilities;
- cramps;
- obstructive jaundice and intestinal obstruction.
Hookworm disease
The causative agents of the diseases are helminths, hookworms and necators. Symptoms of the disease:
- Urticaria and dermatitis: When the larvae penetrate the skin, a swelling forms at the site of penetration, causing burning and itching;
- Bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis are observed during the migration of parasites through the human body. In this case, the patient suffers from cough, shortness of breath and hoarseness.
- When the larvae reach the intestines, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite occur;
- Irritability, fatigue, insomnia.
Diphyllobothriasis
The disease is caused by the broadband worm. Symptoms of the disease:
- weight loss;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- mild fever;
- increased tiredness and fatigue;
- the presence of worms in the stool in the form of white bands;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- Anemia;
- dizziness and headaches;
- cracks and red spots on the tongue;
- pathological processes in the mouth and esophagus;
- intestinal obstruction;
- Depression.
Taeniasis
The causative agent of the disease is the pork tapeworm, which is localized in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- nausea and vomiting; fragments of parasite larvae can be observed in vomit;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- weight loss and appetite;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- anal itching;
- dizziness and headaches;
- insomnia and irritability;
- When the larvae are in the brain, cysticercosis develops, which is manifested by impaired speech, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations and loss of consciousness.
- When the parasite migrates, it can invade the eyes, heart and lungs.
Echinococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is the Echinococcus tapeworm. The worm is dangerous because it can form a cyst in almost any internal organ: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. The disease is very insidious, since at first it is completely asymptomatic and clinical manifestations are observed already in later stages of the formation of a hydatid cyst.
Symptoms of the disease:
- the appearance of pain at the site of cyst formation;
- weakness, increased tiredness, sleepiness;
- Skin allergies in the form of hives and itching;
- Dysfunction of the affected organ: If the liver is affected, appetite worsens, nausea and vomiting occur; if the lungs are affected, there will be cough, shortness of breath, fever, then epilepsy; occurs, paresis of the arms and legs, with the formation of a cyst in the heart, the development of serious heart diseases is possible;
- When a cyst ruptures, the parasites spread with tremendous speed to all internal organs and systems, which can lead to very serious complications and even death of the patient.
Alveococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is the tapeworm Alveococcus. This disease is considered indolent: 10 or more years can pass from the moment of infection to the development of the disease. Symptoms of the disease: dermatological manifestations:
- skin itching and urticaria;
- bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
- Pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
- liver coli;
- compaction is observed in the liver;
- weight loss;
- weakness and malaise;
- If the parasite is localized in the brain, severe headaches and dizziness are observed.
Giardiasis
The disease arises as a result of infection of the human body with intestinal lamblia. Sometimes asymptomatic transmission occurs without obvious signs of the disease. Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, belching, diarrhea and constipation;
- specific pain in the navel area;
- loss of appetite, flatulence;
- temperature increase;
- general fatigue, reduced performance;
- irritability and nervousness;
- Itching of the skin.
Amebiasis
This disease is caused by histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease are completely absent, sometimes, on the contrary, they appear very clearly. Symptoms manifest themselves in two forms: intestinal and extraintestinal. In the extraintestinal form of amebiasis, the lungs, brain, genitourinary system and skin are affected, but the intestinal form is most common.
Symptoms of intestinal amebiasis:
- painful diarrhea with frequent urges (up to 20 times), sometimes with blood;
- abdominal pain;
- increase in temperature indicators;
- vomiting and nausea;
- Loss of appetite.
After a while, the symptoms of the disease may disappear on their own for a while and then appear with renewed vigor.
Schistosomiasis
The causative agent of the disease is the leech schistosomes. The disease has several stages of development:
- at an early stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which are manifested by skin rashes and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, which is paroxysmal in nature, with general malaise and pain in the joints and muscles;
- If the disease becomes chronic, symptoms are limited to urinary disorders (pain and pain during urination, increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence at night and during the day);
- There are particularly severe cases that lead to the death of the patient.
There are a variety of symptoms of parasites in the human body. Without laboratory tests, based solely on the symptoms themselves, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of parasites in the body. The severity of symptoms depends primarily on the person's defense mechanisms, the location of the parasite and its type.
To determine the presence of parasites, a series of tests are required
A significant problem also arises from the ability of most parasites to survive for a long time, sometimes asymptomatically, in the human body. Therefore, if there are signs of an indolent chronic disease, it is worth conducting an examination for the presence of parasites.
Methods for diagnosing parasites:
Direct methods: stool analysis, urinalysis, scraping of the perianal area, subungual phalanges, analysis of sputum and duodenal contents. These methods have a number of disadvantages associated with the characteristics and development period of the parasite, as well as the condition of the human body.
Ultrasound is also used to examine the presence of parasites in the body.
In order to increase the information content of such a diagnosis, multiple examinations are necessary. However, this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, stool analysis using the PCR method has also been used, which significantly increases the effectiveness of direct methods as it helps to identify parasites based on their DNA. However, this only applies if there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indirect methods: X-ray, morphology, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll method, ART.
The enzyme immunoassay method is intended to determine the presence of antibodies against various types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to detect the early forms of the disease.
When do you need to see a doctor urgently?
In the initial stages, there may be no signs of the presence of parasites in the human body. It will take years for the parasite infestation to manifest itself. At the first unfounded complaints, you should consult a specialist. It is important to remember that a person suffering from any of the symptoms described above should immediately contact a specialist (an immunologist or parasitologist), especially if they are children.
The doctor will order tests that may need to be done several times to get more reliable information. An appropriate treatment is then selected. Helminthiasis is a fairly serious and dangerous disease. It is important to remember this and prevent parasites from causing irreparable harm to the body. Therefore, you should observe the rules of personal hygiene, monitor nutrition and promptly seek qualified help from a specialist.