The 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, about 95% of the Earth's total population is infected with parasites – microorganisms that exist and feed on other organisms. Signs of the presence of parasites in the human body often go unnoticed, as some of them have adapted very well and the signs can be confused with other diseases.
Types of parasites that often infect the human body
The human body is most often inhabited by:
- roundworms;
- worms;
- 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), tapeworms (flukes), and roundworms (nematodes). The most common type of helminths are roundworms.
They are round in shape and live mainly in the intestine and its various parts. Some of the representatives, for example Trichinella, can migrate throughout the body. The intestine is the main place where roundworms live. Representatives of ribbon pests are bovine and pork tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci. The sizes of the parasites in question can reach several meters in length. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.
Biohelminths go through a stage of maturation and development in animal organisms. These are, for example, toxocara, bovine and porcine tapeworms, etc. The soil is the habitat of geohelminths Geohelminths develop in the soil. And they enter humans through the skin or by ingestion. This includes 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 occur?
You can become infected with parasite larvae by eating unprocessed foods (fish, cable), poorly washed raw fruits and vegetables, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household methods, drinking raw water, as well as swallowing water, while swimming in reservoirs, from pets, through the ground.
General signs of the presence of helminths
It is often quite difficult to recognize the presence of the pests in question on an individual's body. And many symptoms can be mistaken for a chronic illness and treated unsuccessfully. Symptoms of the disease may 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 manifest themselves:
- tearing, pain in the eyelids and conjunctivitis
- chronic runny nose
- shortness of breath, cough
- rash, peeling and redness, burning
- rosacea, eczema
- congestion in 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 region (pinworms) and on the body
- problematic skin and acne
- asthma and dry cough (hookworms)
- hair loss
Stomach and intestinal distress syndrome
Many parasites inhabit an individual's large and small intestines. They adhere 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 impaired
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 cause other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block bile ducts, which can negatively affect the liver
Constipation
Worms can obstruct the intestinal lumen. Often, signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are manifested by symptoms such as constipation, which can even lead to intestinal obstruction. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of helminth infestation. Prostaglandins, which are 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 confused with dysbiosis. 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 may 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 is weakened. This is manifested by frequent colds, excessive temperature rises, body aches, 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 food 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 making the decision to gain or lose weight, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination to check the presence of parasites in the human body.
Anemia
Some parasites, Trichomonas, for example, can infect various human organs, including the blood. Feeding on your cells, helminthiasis causes anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person experiences a lack of nutrients and vitamins, which causes vitamin deficiency. This is a consequence of the gluttony of parasites.
Nervousness, sleep disorders
Insomnia, insufficient and short sleep, may be a nervous system response to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths exit through the anus at night to deposit larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, which causes you to wake up frequently and does not allow you to fully rest.
"Chronic fatigue syndrome"
In a context of general intoxication of the body, lack of vitamins and nutrients that are absorbed by parasites, the individual may feel constant tiredness, 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 disturbed, inflammation occurs, health worsens and immunity decreases. Disruption of the normal functioning of the body due to the influence of parasites can lead to dire consequences
It is important to know that all these signs, with prolonged action, can provoke the formation of tumors and neoplasms.
Inflammation of the larynx and airways
The worms can travel throughout the body. When they reach the respiratory tract, they cause intense coughing, sore throat and fever. As a result of their vital activity, even asthma or pneumonia can develop.
You should not ignore any symptoms that indicate a malfunction in the body. At the first signs of any illness, you should immediately consult a doctor and carry out 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 prolonged 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 parasitic infestation
In addition to the general ones, there are several special signs of the presence of parasites in the human body, characteristic of women and men separately.
For women it is:
- interruption of the regular menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dysbiosis, ringworm;
- 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, bladder;
- prostate inflammation;
- mental disorders.
Differences in symptoms between children and adults
When the parasite larvae enter, they encounter a three-tiered protective barrier:
- saliva;
- gastric juice;
- local intestinal immunity.
In a child's still fragile body, such protection may not work. And children are the most susceptible to the disease in question. In summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of becoming infected with helminths is very high. Anything can stay 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. Furthermore, especially for the little ones, there is a desire to try everything.
The habit of sucking your thumb only increases the likelihood of contracting a helminthic infestation. The most common types of parasites in children include: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and toxocara. Pinworms are small white worms, no more than 1 cm in size. They come out and lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of such parasites is always accompanied by itching in the anus. Roundworms are larger in size, their length can reach 40 cm!
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 be aware of this fact and have their children checked for the presence of parasites. Worms often live in the intestines, so children may have problems with stool, flatulence, vomiting and epigastric pain.
Diagnosis of parasites
The main problem in diagnosing parasitic diseases is that they disguise themselves as many 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 dominate.
In the intestines
The most favorable place for parasites to live: high humidity, warm temperature, neutral pH environment. Symptoms of intestinal damage:
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- intestinal obstruction;
- spasmodic pain, abdominal cramps;
- weight loss;
- vomit;
- nervousness;
- lack (or increase) of appetite.
A person is overcome by impotence, fatigue and reluctance to move.
In the stomach
With a parasitic infestation, the following signs are observed:
- nausea;
- burping;
- salivation;
- heaviness and distension of the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- bleeding during bowel movements;
- itching in the anal region 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;
- burping;
- nausea;
- allergic urticaria;
- yellowing of the sclera, oral mucosa and skin;
- loss of hair follicles;
- weakness;
- irritability;
- anemia.
There is pronounced swelling in the legs and abdomen.
In the blood
Distinctive symptoms:
- fever;
- thickening, enlargement, pain of lymph nodes;
- rash on the body;
- dizziness, headaches;
- 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;
- pallor of the face, neck;
- anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, triangle of the nasolabial mucous membranes and mouth.
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 scanty frothy sputum with blood cells.
Under the skin
External symptoms:
- small red itchy rash, large swollen blisters on the skin;
- ulcerations, abscesses, warts, eczema;
- fever;
- night sweats;
- dense, mobile tumor-like areas under the skin;
- anemia.
An allergic cough and runny nose often occur.
In the eyes
Distinctive symptoms:
- inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
- pain in the eyes and pain when looking to the side, upwards;
- flies flying, strands blurred before the eyes;
- dry mucous eyes;
- blurred vision of objects, double vision;
- headaches, 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 healing period depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the identification of the parasites in the initial phase 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 pests:
- Mansonella is a worm that can grow up to 8 centimeters. It causes dizziness, headaches 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
The disease is often named after the parasite that causes it.
Ascariasis
The causative agent of the disease is the roundworm, located in the human intestine. The degree of the disease depends on the patient's age, severity and duration of the parasitic infestation.
The symptoms of ascariasis appear as follows:
- a localized allergic rash on the patient's feet, hands, and body;
- increase in temperature, fever;
- general weakness and malaise;
- sweating at night and during the day;
- enlarged liver and pain in the hypochondrium;
- lack of appetite and nausea; abdominal pain and cramps;
- constipation and diarrhea; weight loss or gain;
- cough, shortness of breath and chest pain occur during the period of roundworm migration and its location 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 necatores. Symptoms of the disease:
- urticaria and dermatitis, when the larvae penetrate the skin, 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 has a cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness;
- when the larvae reach the intestine, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite occur;
- irritability, fatigue, insomnia.
Diphyllobothriasis
The disease is caused by a broad tapeworm. Symptoms of the disease:
- weight loss;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- low 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 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, located in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- nausea and vomiting may be observed fragments of parasite larvae;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- weight and appetite loss;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- anal itching;
- dizziness and headaches;
- insomnia and excitability;
- when the larvae are located in the brain, cysticercosis develops, which is manifested by impaired speech, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
- When the parasite migrates, it can penetrate 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 cysts in almost all internal organs: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. The disease is very insidious, since at first it is completely asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations are already observed in the later stages of the formation of a hydatid cyst.
Symptoms of the disease:
- the occurrence 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, there is a cough, shortness of breath, fever, if the brain is affected, then epilepsy; paresis of arms and legs occurs, with the formation of a cyst in the heart, the development of serious cardiac pathologies 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 years or more may pass from the time of infection to the development of the disease. Symptoms of the disease: dermatological manifestations:
- itchy skin and hives;
- bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
- pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
- hepatic coli;
- compaction is observed in the liver;
- weight loss;
- weakness and malaise;
- When the parasite is located in the brain, severe headaches and dizziness are observed.
Giardiasis
The disease develops as a result of infection of the human body with intestinal Giardia. Sometimes asymptomatic carriage occurs, without evident signs of the disease. Symptoms:
- gastrointestinal tract disorders: nausea, vomiting, belching, diarrhea and constipation;
- specific pain in the navel region;
- loss of appetite, flatulence;
- increase in temperature;
- general fatigue, decreased performance;
- irritability and nervousness;
- itchy skin.
Amebiasis
This disease is caused by a histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease may be completely absent, and sometimes, on the contrary, they manifest themselves very clearly. Symptoms manifest in two ways: intestinal and extraintestinal. In the extraintestinal form of amoebiasis, the lungs, brain, genitourinary system and skin are affected, but the intestinal form is more common.
Symptoms of intestinal amoebiasis:
- painful diarrhea, with frequent cravings (up to 20 times) sometimes with blood;
- stomach pain;
- increase in temperature indicators;
- vomiting and nausea;
- loss of appetite.
After some time, 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 fluke schistosomes. The disease has several stages of development:
- at an initial stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which are manifested by skin rashes and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, paroxysmal in nature with general malaise and pain in the joints and muscles;
- when the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms are limited to disturbances in the act of urination (pain and pain when urinating, increased urinary frequency, nocturnal and daytime urinary incontinence);
- There are especially serious cases that lead to the death of the patient.
There are a large number of symptoms of parasites in the human body. Without laboratory tests, just 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, sometimes asymptomatic, existence in the human body. Therefore, if there are signs of a slow chronic disease, it is worth getting tested for the presence of parasites.
Methods for diagnosing parasites:
Direct methods: stool analysis, urine analysis, scraping of the perianal region, subungual phalanges, analysis of sputum and duodenal contents. These methods have a number of disadvantages, which are 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 informative content of these diagnoses, it is necessary to carry out several tests. But this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, fecal analysis using 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 only occurs if there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indirect methods: radiography, morphological, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll method, ART.
The enzyme immunoassay method aims to determine the presence of antibodies to various types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to identify the initial forms of the disease.
When 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 parasitic infestation to manifest itself. In the first cases of unexplained illnesses, a specialist doctor should be consulted. It is important to remember that if a person feels bothered by any of the symptoms described above, they should immediately seek out a specialist (immunologist or parasitologist), especially when dealing with children.
The doctor will order tests, which may need to be done several times to obtain more reliable information. Then the appropriate treatment will be selected. Helminthiasis is a very serious and dangerous disease. It is important to remember this and not allow parasites to cause irreparable damage to the body. Therefore, you must observe the rules of personal hygiene, monitor your diet and promptly seek qualified help from a specialist.