According to the World Health Organization, about 4. 5 billion people are infected with one or another type of parasite. In this case, it is most often not clear that there has been a "settlement". The signs of parasites are not always obvious, sometimes they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, from which they can be distinguished by different examination methods.
Types of parasites and places of 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. Their length does not exceed 1-1. 5 cm. Their specialty is that, living in the folds of the large intestine, they lay their eggs on underwear and skin folds. Egg maturation takes place 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 the child's organism through dirty hands, toys, toilet seats, dishes and underwear of other children.
Toxokari
Carriers of this parasite are domestic animals - cats and dogs. Their body reaches 30 cm. Toxocara eggs can survive for quite a long time in soil and sand. From there, they come from human hands, and they can also stick to clothes and shoes. After that, they enter the body, where they spread through blood vessels and internal organs, but are not excreted.
Ascaris
This pathogenic organism is most common in 100 million people. It spreads through food, soil, water, dirty hands. The parasite reaches 40 cm in length. The female lays up to 200 thousand eggs. They end up in the soil, where they can survive for many years. If the penetration of parasites occurs through food, they penetrate the intestines, spread through the bloodstream through the capillaries, into the liver, brain, lungs, eyes, and multiply 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, digestive system disorders occur, and allergic reactions occur. When roundworms penetrate through 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 tuberculosis.
Often the site of parasite damage is the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, kidneys, which causes interference in the normal functioning of these organs. In particularly severe cases, there may be: intestinal obstruction, purulent processes.
Broad tapeworm
This type of parasite can reach 10 m in length. It is in a twisted state in the patient's body. Its nutrition comes from the nutrients that humans consume. As a result, the person experiences exhaustion, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, morning sickness, stomach pain, loss of strength and drowsiness.
Infection with this type of parasite most often occurs through raw fish.
Beef (pork) tapeworm
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, fruit or berries contaminated with soil, through water. Parasite larvae penetrate the body and spread through the bloodstream, affecting various internal organs: kidneys, liver, brain, as well as the lymphatic and skeletal systems. In addition, echinococcus larvae can degenerate into cysts, grow to such a size that they compress nearby internal organs. Symptoms primarily depend on the location of the parasite.
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, stomach discomfort syndrome;
- dysbacteriosis;
- prison;
- diarrhea;
- stagnation of bile;
- weight change;
- problem skin;
- allergy;
- pain in the joints, muscles;
- anemia;
- reduced immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- sleep disorder, nervousness;
- chronic fatigue;
- oncology.
Stomach discomfort is one of the signs of parasites
Discomfort in the intestines or stomach
Many types of parasites are found in the upper or lower part of the intestine, which leads to inflammation of this area, disruption of its functioning and bloating. In this case, the absorption of nutrients is reduced. If the localization of the parasite is in the upper part of the intestine, then the fats are not broken down, but enter the lower parts, thus causing cramps, 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;
- reduced or complete lack of appetite;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- dysbacteriosis;
- intestinal/biliary colic.
If the digestive tract does not work properly, there are other accompanying symptoms that affect the condition of the skin:
- rashes of various types (acne, pimples);
- pigmentation;
- reduced tone, frequent formation of wrinkles;
- dehydration, dry skin;
- change in complexion - yellowish, dull.
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 flow of bile, causing obstructive jaundice.
This problem also negatively affects the condition of the skin.
Weight change
The change in body weight can be up or down. This is a consequence of a parasitic disease. Weight loss occurs due to the consumption of nutrients by the "sub-inhabitants". Obesity is also a consequence of the fact that the parasite consumes everything a 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 its feces andthere is a drop in blood sugar.
Changes in body weight are a possible sign of parasites
Muscle and joint pain
Parasites look for the most suitable place for themselves and sometimes "settle" in joints or muscles. As a result, there is tissue injury or an immune reaction to their presence in the body. This causes a person to feel pain in their muscles or joints.
Allergy
Parasites disrupt the work 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 increased secretion of immunoglobulin E, which also contributes to an increased allergic reaction.
Reduced immunity
The presence of parasites in the body impairs immunity. The synthesis of immunoglobulin A decreases, which also maintains the level of immunity. As a result, the body becomes susceptible to the negative influence of various bacteria and viruses.
Because of this, patients are often infected with colds, viruses and other diseases.
Sleep disorder, nervousness
The toxic secretions of parasites negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system, cause constant nervousness, and worsen the quality of sleep. Patients often experience night awakenings between 2 and 3 am, which are caused by the body's "desire" to get rid of toxic substances that the parasites secrete through the liver.
If the brain is damaged by parasite larvae, the following signs are possible:
- difficulty in 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 have a negative effect on the condition of the whole body, including the skin.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Its signs include:
- general weakness;
- decrease or increase in body temperature not for any reason;
- emotional instability;
- depression;
- apathy towards all aspects of life;
- impaired concentration;
- poor memory;
- distraction;
- rapid fatigue with minimal physical activity.
These symptoms can 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 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 givereliable results Currently, examinations are 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;
- serological testing methods;
- computed tomography;
- PCR diagnostics, which includes analysis for parasites using DNA analysis;
- endobipsia.
If there are signs of parasites, a stool examination is prescribed
These research methods not only help to determine the presence of parasites, but also identify various diseases and disorders in the work of systems and organs, as well as assess the condition of internal organs.
If there are several signs of parasite damage, 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 that live in the human body can be diverse, including helminths (round and flatworms), protozoa, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.
What methods are used to diagnose parasites in the body?
Stool analysis, blood analysis, molecular diagnostic methods, ultrasound and other methods can be used to diagnose parasites in the body, depending on the type of parasite and their habitat.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Pay attention to changes in weight and appetite in yourself 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. to be prepared for possible infections.
Tip #3
Visit your doctor and veterinarian regularly for checkups and parasite testing, especially if you travel or live in areas with high infestation rates.