Signs of parasites in the human body depend on the specific type of parasite and its waste products. One of the most common signs of parasites in the body is intestinal and gastric discomfort.
According to WHO statistics, approximately 95% of the total population of the Earth is infected with parasites, microorganisms that exist and feed on other organisms. Often the signs of the presence of parasites in the human body go unnoticed, since some of them are very well adapted, and the signs can be confused with other diseases.
Types of parasites that often infect the human body
The human body is often inhabited by:
- nematodes;
- pinworms;
- hookworms;
- Giardia;
- whipworms;
- bovine tapeworm;
- wide ribbon;
- pork tapeworm;
- echinococcus;
- trichinella.
Helminths are the general name for worms that exist in a living organism. Simply put, worms. They are classified into the following types: tapeworms (cystodes), trematodes (flukes), and roundworms (roundworms). The most common type of helminths are roundworms.
They have a round shape and live mainly in the intestine and its various parts. Some representatives, for example Trichinella, can migrate throughout the body. The intestine is the main place for the life of roundworms. Representatives of tape parasites are bovine and porcine tapeworms, tapeworms, echinococcus. The size of the parasites in question can reach several meters in length. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.
Biohelminths undergo a stage of maturation and development in animal organisms. These are, for example, toxocara, bovine and porcine tapeworms, etc. Soil is the habitat of geohelminths. Geohelminths grow in the soil. And they enter humans through the skin or by ingestion. 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 the infection happen?
You can become infected with parasite larvae by eating unprocessed foods (fish, coat), poorly washed raw fruits and vegetables, insect bites, sexual intercourse, domestic methods, drinking raw water and swallowing water, while swimming in artificial reservoirs, by domestic animals, through the ground.
General signs of the presence of helminths
Very often it is quite difficult to recognize the presence of the parasites in question in an individual's body. And many symptoms can be mistaken for a chronic disease and treated unsuccessfully. Symptoms of the disease can vary depending on the type of worms, their location and quantity. But there are general signs of the presence of parasites in the human body.
Allergy
As a result of metabolic processes, worms secrete toxic elements that penetrate the blood system and contribute to the occurrence of allergic manifestations. The rash may appear and disappear periodically. This allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological agents.
Allergies can occur:
- tearing, eyelid pain and conjunctivitis
- chronic runny nose
- shortness of breath, cough
- skin rash, scaling and redness, burning
- rosacea, eczema
- jamming at the corners and inflammation of the edge of the mouth
- Leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cells in the blood
- scabies in the anal area (pinworms) and on the body
- problem skin and acne
- asthma and dry cough (hookworms)
- hair loss
Stomach and intestinal disorder syndrome
Many parasites populate an individual's small and large intestines. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the organs. The absorption function of nutrients, especially fatty substances, is compromised
A large amount of fatty elements in feces can be detected by laboratory methods.
Bile stagnation
Due to their enormous size, some parasites can block the bile ducts and cause biliary dyskinesia. These signs can lead to other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block the bile ducts, which can have negative effects on the liver
Constipation
Worms can block the intestinal lumen. Often signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are 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, lead to frequent watery stools.
Dysbacteriosis
Due to intestinal dysfunction, symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and excessive gas formation occur, which can be mistaken for dysbacteriosis. But in this case treatment with antibiotics and probiotics does not give positive results. Decreased immunity Parasites feed on what humans 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 response of the immune system to the presence of "foreigners", the body's defenses are reduced and the immune system weakens. This is manifested by frequent colds, unreasonable increases in temperature, muscle pain, etc.
Joint and muscle pain
Worms can affect different organs. Trichinella, for example, settles 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 "stock up on food for future use. "Therefore, before deciding whether to gain or lose weight, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination to check the presence of parasites in the human body.
Anemia
Some parasites, for example Trichomonas, can infect various human organs, including the blood. By feeding on its cells, helminthiasis causes anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person experiences a lack of nutrients and vitamins, which causes a vitamin deficiency. This is a consequence of the gluttony of parasites.
Nervousness, sleep disturbances
Insomnia, poor and short sleep, may be a response of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths exit through the anus at night to lay larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, which makes you wake up frequently and does not allow you to fully rest.
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"
Against the background of general intoxication of the body, lack of vitamins and nutrients absorbed by parasites, an individual may experience constant fatigue, decreased concentration, apathy and memory loss.
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 the normal functioning of the body due to the influence of parasites can lead to disastrous consequences
It is important to know that all these signs, with prolonged action, can cause the formation of tumors and neoplasms.
Inflammation of the larynx and airways
Worms can travel throughout the body. Once they reach the respiratory tract they cause severe cough, sore throat and fever. As a result of their vital activity, asthma or pneumonia may also develop.
You should not ignore any symptoms that indicate a malfunction of the body. At the first manifestation of signs of any of the diseases, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and undergo procedures to check for parasites. This will allow you to receive timely treatment and prevent 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 parasite infestation
In addition to the general ones, there are a number of special signs of the presence of parasites in the human body, characteristic of women and men separately.
For women it is:
- interruption of regular menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dysbiosis, mycosis;
- inflammation of the ovaries, kidneys, bladder;
- uterine fibroid;
- infertility.
For men the disease in question manifests itself:
- sexual dysfunction;
- the presence of sand or stones in the kidneys or bladder;
- inflammation of the prostate gland;
- mental disorders.
Differences in symptoms between children and adults
When parasite larvae enter, they encounter a 3-level protective barrier:
- saliva;
- gastric juice;
- local intestinal immunity.
In the still fragile body of a child, such protection may not work. And it is children who are most susceptible to the disease in question. In summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of contracting helminth infection is very high. Anything can be found in the sand if its cleanliness is not monitored. There are more than enough routes of infection for children: children's bedding, pets, fruits and vegetables that are not always washed, swimming in ponds. Furthermore, especially among the little ones, there is a desire to taste everything.
The habit of thumb sucking only increases the likelihood of contracting a helminth 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 come out and lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of such parasites is always accompanied by itching around the anus. Nematodes are larger in size, their length can reach 40 cm!
We remind you 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 fact and have their child examined for the presence of parasites. Most often worms live in the intestines, so children may have problems with stool, flatulence, vomiting and epigastric pain.
Parasite diagnosis
The main problem in diagnosing parasitic diseases is that they masquerade as chronic diseases and it is very difficult to recognize the true causes of the symptoms.
How to determine the presence of parasites
When one or another organ or tissue is damaged, distinctive features prevail.
In the intestine
The most favorable place for the life of parasites: high humidity, warm temperature, environment with neutral pH. Symptoms of intestinal damage:
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- intestinal obstruction;
- spasmodic pain, cramps in the abdomen;
- weight loss;
- vomit;
- nervousness;
- lack (or increase) of appetite.
A person is overwhelmed by helplessness, fatigue and reluctance to move.
In the stomach
With a parasitic infestation, the following signs are noted:
- nausea;
- belching;
- salivation;
- heaviness and distension of the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- bleeding during bowel movements;
- itching in the anal area due to pinworms;
- cough due to irritation of gastric neuroreceptors.
In 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 the lymph nodes;
- rash on the body;
- dizziness, headache;
- thirst;
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- dyspnea;
- circulatory disorders, expressed in numbness and coldness of the extremities.
Anemia inevitably develops, as many parasites destroy red blood cells.
In case of heart damage
There are always signs of lung and heart failure.
- cough;
- dyspnea;
- nervousness, fear;
- weakness;
- chest pain;
- arrhythmia, bradycardia;
- temperature, fever alternating with chills;
- changes in blood pressure;
- sweating;
- paleness of the face, neck;
- anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, triangle of the nasolabial and mouth mucous membranes.
In the lungs
Characteristic symptoms:
- dyspnea;
- difficulty breathing;
- dry cough attacks at night;
- asthmatic bronchospasms;
- allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
- chest pain;
- rapid pulse;
- nausea.
It is possible to separate foamy and scanty sputum with blood cells.
Under the skin
External symptoms:
- small itchy red rash, large swollen blisters on the skin;
- ulcerations, abscesses, warts, eczema;
- fever;
- night sweats;
- dense, tumor-like, mobile areas under the skin;
- anemia.
Allergic cough and runny nose often develop.
In the eyes
Distinctive symptoms:
- inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
- eye pain and pain when moving your gaze to the side, upwards;
- floating flies, cloudy threads before 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 treatment period depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and identification of the parasites in the initial stage of the infection.
In the blood
Parasites that live in the blood can live in red blood cells, plasma, and white blood cells. Types of parasites:
- Mansonella is a worm that can grow up to 8 centimeters. It causes dizziness, headache and joint pain, fever, skin problems, numbness in the legs.
- Haemosporidia are single-celled organisms that live in red blood cells.
- Trypanosomes are single-celled organisms that cause Chagas disease and sleeping sickness.
- Plasmodium malarial.
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 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 parasitic infestation.
Symptoms of ascariasis appear as follows:
- a localized allergic rash 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;
- lack 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 period of migration of roundworms and their localization in the lungs;
- insomnia;
- decreased cognitive abilities;
- convulsions;
- 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, which causes a burning and itching sensation;
- bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis are observed during the migration of parasites throughout the human body, in this case the patient suffers from cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness;
- when the larvae reach the intestine, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite develop;
- irritability, tiredness, insomnia.
Diphyllobothriasis
The disease is caused by broad tapeworm. Symptoms of the disease:
- weight loss;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- low-grade fever;
- increased fatigue and fatigue;
- the presence of worms in the feces in the form of white ribbons;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- anemia;
- dizziness and headache;
- cracks and red spots on the tongue;
- pathological processes in the mouth and esophagus;
- intestinal obstruction;
- depression.
Teniasis
The causative agent of the disease is pork tapeworm, localized in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- nausea and vomiting may be observed in vomiting;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- weight loss and appetite;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- anal itching;
- dizziness and headache;
- insomnia and excitability;
- when the larvae are found in the brain, cysticercosis develops, which is manifested by speech disorders, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
- When the parasite migrates, it is able to enter the eyes, heart and lungs.
Echinococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is the Echinococcus tapeworm. The worm is dangerous because it is capable of forming a cyst in almost any internal organ: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. The disease is very insidious, since at the beginning it is completely asymptomatic and clinical manifestations are observed already in the 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 fatigue, drowsiness;
- skin allergies in the form of hives and itching;
- disturbances in the functioning of the affected organ: if the liver is affected, appetite worsens, nausea and vomiting appear, if the lungs are affected, then there is cough, shortness of breath, fever if the brain is affected, then epilepsy; occurs, paresis of the arms and legs, with the formation of a cyst in the heart it is possible the development of serious cardiac pathologies;
- When a cyst ruptures, the parasites spread with enormous 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 alveococcal tapeworm. This disease is considered indolent: 10 or more years can pass from the time of infection to the development of the disease. Symptoms of the disease: dermatological manifestations:
- skin itching and hives;
- bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
- pain and feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
- liver coli;
- compaction is observed in the liver;
- weight loss;
- weakness and malaise;
- When the parasite is localized in the brain, severe headaches and dizziness are observed.
Giardiasis
The disease develops as a result of infection of the human body with intestinal lamblia. Sometimes asymptomatic carriage occurs, without obvious signs of the disease. Symptoms:
- disorders in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, belching, diarrhea and constipation;
- specific pain in the navel area;
- loss of appetite, flatulence;
- increase in temperature;
- general fatigue, decreased performance;
- irritability and nervousness;
- itchy skin.
Amoebiasis
This disease is caused by a histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease can be completely absent, and sometimes, on the contrary, they manifest themselves very clearly. Symptoms manifest themselves in two forms: intestinal and extraintestinal. In the extraintestinal form of amoebiasis, the lungs, brain, genitourinary system and skin are affected, but the intestinal form is the most common.
Symptoms of intestinal amoebiasis:
- painful diarrhea, with frequent urges (up to 20 times) sometimes with blood;
- stomach 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 blood stroke schistosomes. The disease has several stages of development:
- in an initial phase, the patient develops allergic reactions, which manifest themselves with skin rashes and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, which is paroxysmal in nature with general malaise and pain in the joints and muscles;
- when the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms are limited to disorders of the act of urination (pain and soreness during urination, increased frequency of urination, nocturnal and daytime urinary incontinence);
- There are particularly serious cases that lead to the death of the patient.
There are a huge number of symptoms of parasites in the human body. Without laboratory tests, only based on the symptoms themselves, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of parasites in the body. The severity of the symptoms depends mainly on the person's defense mechanisms, the location of the parasite and its type.
To determine the presence of parasites it is necessary to undergo a series of tests
Furthermore, a significant problem is created by the ability of most parasites to exist for a long time, sometimes asymptomatic, in the human body. Therefore, if there are signs of a chronic sluggish 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 period of development of the parasite, as well as the state of the human body.
Ultrasound is also used to study the presence of parasites in the body.
To increase the information content of such diagnostics, it is necessary to undergo examinations several times. But this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, stool analysis by the PCR method has been used, which significantly increases the effectiveness of direct methods, as it helps to identify parasites by their DNA. But this is only if there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indirect methods: radiography, morphological, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll method, ART.
The enzyme immunoassay method serves to determine the presence of antibodies against various types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to identify the early forms of the disease.
When to urgently consult a doctor
In the initial stages there may be no signs of the presence of parasites in the human body. It will take years for the parasitic infestation to manifest itself. At the first causeless disorders, you should consult a specialist doctor. It is important to remember that if a person is bothered by any of the symptoms described above, he should immediately turn to a specialist (an immunologist or a parasitologist), especially if we are talking about children.
Your doctor will order tests, which may need to be repeated several times to get more reliable information. The appropriate treatment will then be selected. Helminthiasis is a rather serious and dangerous disease. It is important to remember this and not allow parasites to cause irreparable harm to the body. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene, monitor food and timely seek qualified help from a specialist.