Signs of parasites in the human body depend on the type of parasite and its waste products. One of the most common signs of parasites in the body is discomfort in the intestines and stomach.
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 the 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 mistaken for other diseases.
Types of parasites that often infect the human body
The human body is most often inhabited by:
- round worms;
- pinworms;
- hookworms;
- Giardia;
- whips;
- beef tapeworm;
- wide band;
- pork tapeworm;
- echinococcus;
- trichinella.
Helminths is a general name for worms that exist in a living organism. Simply put, worms. They are classified into the following types: tapeworms (cystodes), flukes (flukes) and roundworms (nematodes). The most common type of helminths are roundworms.
They are round in shape and mostly live in the intestines and its various parts. Some of the representatives, for example, trichinella, can migrate throughout the body. The intestine is the main place for roundworms to live. Representatives of pests are beef and pork tapeworms, tapeworms, 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 phase of maturation and development in animal organisms. These are, for example, toxokara, beef and pork tapeworm, etc. Soil is the habitat of geohelminths. Geohelminths develop in the soil. And they enter people through the skin or by swallowing. This includes many types of roundworms. Contact parasites enter a person through direct contact with another person. Enterobiosis 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 food (fish, clothing), poorly washed raw vegetables and fruits, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household methods, drinking raw water, as well as swallowing water, when bathing in reservoirs, from pets, through the soil.
General signs of the presence of helminths
Very often, it is quite difficult to recognize the presence of the pests in question in the body of an individual. 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 into the blood system and contribute to the emergence of allergic manifestations. The rash may appear and disappear periodically. This allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological means.
Allergies can manifest themselves:
- lacrimation, pain in the eyelids and conjunctivitis
- chronic runny nose
- difficulty breathing, cough
- skin rash, peeling and redness, burning
- rosacea, eczema
- sticking in the corners and inflammation of 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
- problem skin and acne
- asthma and dry cough (hookworms)
- hair loss
Stomach and intestinal discomfort syndrome
Many parasites inhabit the colon and small intestine of an individual. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the organs. The absorption function of nutrients, especially fatty substances, is disturbed
Laboratory methods can detect a large amount of fatty elements in feces.
Bile stagnation
Because of 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 adversely affect the liver
Prison
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 they can also 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 production occur, which can be mistaken for dysbacteriosis. But in this case, treatment with antibiotics and probiotics does not give 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 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, an unreasonable increase in temperature, body pains, 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 the parasite.
Change in body weight
One of the signs of helminthosis is weight loss or obesity. Weight loss occurs due to the inability to obtain nutrients from the food consumed. And the increase in body weight, as a result of the body's reaction, is the need to "store food for future use". Therefore, before making a decision about gaining weight or losing weight, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination for the presence of parasites in the human body.
Anemia
Some parasites, Trichomonas, for example, can infect various human organs, including the blood. Feeding on their own cells, helminthiasis causes anemia and iron deficiency. Lack of vitamins A person feels a lack of nutrients and vitamins, which causes vitamin deficiency. It is a consequence of the gluttony of the parasite.
Nervousness, sleep disorder
Insomnia, bad short sleep, can be the response of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths emerge at night through the anus to lay their larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, which causes you to wake up often 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, a person can feel constant fatigue, reduced 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 deteriorates, immunity decreases. Disruption of the normal functioning of the organism due to the influence of parasites can lead to terrible 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. When they reach the respiratory tract, they cause severe coughing, sore throat and fever. As a result of their vital activity, even asthma or pneumonia can develop.
You must not ignore any symptoms that indicate a malfunction in the body. At the first signs of any of the diseases, you must 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, which are characteristic for women and men separately.
For women it is:
- disorder of the regular menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dysbiosis, mycosis;
- inflammation of ovaries, kidneys, bladder;
- uterine fibroid;
- infertility.
In men, the disease in question manifests itself:
- 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 enter, they encounter a protective barrier of 3 levels:
- saliva;
- gastric juice;
- local intestinal immunity.
In the still fragile body of the child, such protection may not work. And it is precisely children who are most susceptible to this disease. In summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of infection with helminths is very high. Everything can be in the sand if its cleanliness is not monitored. There are more than enough ways to infect children: children's sandbox, pets, unwashed fruits and vegetables, swimming in ponds. In addition, especially for little ones, there is a desire to taste everything.
The thumb-sucking habit only increases the likelihood of helminthic infection. The most common types of parasites in children are: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. 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 around the anus. Roundworms are larger, their length can reach 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 fact and examine the child for the presence of parasites. Very often worms live in the intestines, so children can have problems with stool, bloating, vomiting and pain in the epigastrium.
Diagnosis of parasites
The main problem in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases is that they are disguised 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, characteristic features dominate.
In the intestines
The most favorable place for parasites to live: high humidity, warm temperature, neutral pH environment. Symptoms of intestinal damage:
- prison;
- diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- intestinal obstruction;
- cramping pain, abdominal cramps;
- weight loss;
- to throw up;
- nervousness;
- lack (or increase) of appetite.
The man is overcome by weakness, fatigue and reluctance to move.
In the stomach
In the case of parasitic infestation, the following signs are observed:
- 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 whites of the eyes, oral mucosa and skin;
- loss of hair follicles;
- weakness;
- irritability;
- anemia.
Pronounced swelling of the legs and stomach occurs.
In the blood
Recognizable symptoms:
- fever;
- thickening, enlargement, pain in the lymph nodes;
- body rash;
- dizziness, headache;
- thirst;
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- dyspnea;
- circulatory disorders, expressed in numbness and coldness of the extremities.
Anemia inevitably develops, because many parasites destroy red blood cells.
In case of heart damage
There are always signs of pulmonary and cardiac failure.
- cough;
- dyspnea;
- nervousness, fear;
- weakness;
- chest pain;
- arrhythmia, bradycardia;
- temperature, fever alternating with chills;
- changes in blood pressure;
- sweating;
- pale face, neck;
- anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, nasolabial triangle and the mucous membrane of the mouth.
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 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 moving tumor-like areas under the skin;
- anemia.
An allergic cough and runny nose often develop.
In the eyes
Recognizable symptoms:
- inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
- pain in the eyes and pain when moving the gaze to the side, upwards;
- flies fly, blurry threads before the eyes;
- dry mucous membranes of the eyes;
- blurred vision of objects, double vision;
- headaches, dizziness;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- blue under the eyes.
There is a significant deterioration of visual acuity.
Parasitosis is disguised 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 identification of the parasite in the earliest stage of infection.
In the blood
Blood-dwelling parasites 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.
- Haemosporidia are single-celled organisms that live in red blood cells.
- Trypanosomes are single-celled organisms that cause Chagas disease and sleeping sickness.
- Plasmodium malariae.
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 a 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:
- allergic rash that is localized on the feet, hands and body of the patient;
- elevated 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; pain and cramps in the abdomen;
- constipation and diarrhea; weight loss or gain;
- cough, difficulty breathing and chest pain occur during the period of migration of roundworms and their localization in the lungs;
- insomnia;
- reduced cognitive abilities;
- convulsions;
- obstructive jaundice and intestinal obstruction.
Hookworm disease
The causative agents of the disease are helminths, hookworms and nekators. Symptoms of the disease:
- urticaria and dermatitis, when the larvae penetrate the skin, swelling occurs at the point of penetration, which causes 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, hoarseness;
- when the larvae reach the intestine, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite develop;
- irritability, fatigue, insomnia.
Diphyllobothriasis
The disease is caused by the broad tapeworm. Symptoms of the disease:
- weight loss;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- low temperature;
- increased tiredness and fatigue;
- the presence of worms in the stool in the form of white strips;
- abdominal cramps and pains;
- anemia;
- dizziness and headache;
- 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 pig tapeworm, which is localized in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- nausea and vomiting can be observed in vomiting;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of weight and appetite;
- abdominal cramps and pains;
- anal itching;
- dizziness and headache;
- insomnia and irritability;
- when the larvae are in the brain, cysticercosis develops, which is manifested by impaired speech, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
- When the parasite migrates, it can 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 creating a cyst in almost any internal organ: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. The disease is very insidious, because in the beginning it is completely asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations are already observed in the later stages of hydatid cyst formation.
Symptoms of the disease:
- appearance of pain at the site of cyst formation;
- weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness;
- skin allergies in the form of hives and itching;
- disorders in the work of the affected organ: if the liver is affected, appetite worsens, nausea and vomiting appear, if the lungs are affected, then cough, difficulty breathing, elevated temperature, 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 the cyst bursts, the parasites spread rapidly to all internal organs and systems, which can lead to very serious complications and even the death of the patient.
Alveococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is the alveococcus tapeworm. This disease is considered indolent: from the moment of infection to the development of the disease, 10 or more years may pass. Disease symptoms: dermatological manifestations:
- skin itching and urticaria;
- bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
- pain and feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
- liver coli;
- congestion 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, bloating;
- increase in temperature;
- general fatigue, reduced efficiency;
- irritability and nervousness;
- itchy skin.
Amebiasis
This disease is caused by histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease can be completely absent, and sometimes, on the contrary, they manifest themselves very clearly. Symptoms manifest 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 some time, the symptoms of the disease may disappear on their own, for a while, and then appear with new force.
Schistosomiasis
The causative agent of the disease is schistosomes of the blood fluke. The disease has several stages of development:
- in the early stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which are manifested by rash and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, which has a paroxysmal nature with general weakness 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 during urination, increased frequency of urination, night and day urinary incontinence);
- There are particularly severe 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, based on the symptoms alone, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of parasites in the body. The severity of the symptoms depends primarily on the person's defense mechanisms, the location of the parasite and its type.
In order to determine the presence of parasites, it is necessary to undergo a series of tests
Also, a significant problem is created by the ability of most parasites to have a long, sometimes asymptomatic, existence in the human body. Therefore, if there are signs of a delayed chronic disease, it is worth conducting an examination for the presence of parasites.
Methods for diagnosing parasites:
Direct methods: stool analysis, urine analysis, scraping of the perianal area, subungual phalanges, analysis of sputum and duodenal contents. These methods have a number of disadvantages, which are related to the characteristics and development period of the parasite, as well as to the condition of the human body.
Ultrasound is also used to study the presence of parasites in the body.
In order to increase the informativeness 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 PCR method has been used, which significantly increases the efficiency 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: X-ray, morphological, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll's method, ART.
The enzyme immunoassay method is used to determine the presence of antibodies against different types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to recognize early 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. For the first unexplained complaints, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor. It is important to remember that if a person is troubled by any of the symptoms described above, they should immediately consult a specialist (immunologist or parasitologist), especially if it is children.
The doctor will order tests, which may need to be done several times to get more reliable information. Then an adequate treatment will be selected. Helminthiasis is a rather serious and dangerous disease. It is important to remember this and not allow parasites to cause irreparable damage to the body. Therefore, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene, monitor your food and immediately seek qualified help from a specialist.