Symptoms of parasites in the human body depend on the type of specific parasite and its waste products. One of the most common symptoms of parasites in the body is intestinal and stomach discomfort.
According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, 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 are ignored, because some of them adapt very well, and the signs can be mistaken for other diseases.
Types of parasites that often infect the human body
Most of the following live in the human body:
- roundworms;
- pinworms;
- corn worms;
- Giardia;
- whipworms;
- bovine tapeworm;
- wide band;
- pork belly;
- echinococcus;
- trichinella.
Helminths is the common name for worms present in living organisms. Simply put, worms. They are divided 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 live mainly in the intestines and its various parts. Some of the representatives, for example, Trichinella, can migrate to the whole body. The intestine is the main place for the life of roundworms. The size of said parasites can reach several meters in length. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.
Biohelminths go through the stage of maturation and development in animal organisms. These are, for example, toxocara, beef and pork tapeworms, etc. Soil is the habitat of geohelminths Geohelminths thrive in soil. 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. Enterobiosis is one of the diseases transmitted by contact parasites, pinworms.
How does the infection occur?
You can get infected with parasite larvae from unprocessed food (fish, nose), raw vegetables and fruits that have not been washed well, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household practices, drinking raw water, as well as bathing in reservoirs, eating from pets. , through land.
General signs of the presence of helminths
Often it is quite difficult to recognize the presence of said pests in a person'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, location and amount of worms. 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 development of allergic manifestations. The rash may appear and disappear from time to time. This allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological agents.
Allergy can manifest itself:
- tearing, pain in the eyelids and conjunctivitis
- chronic runny nose
- shortness of breath, cough
- skin rash, peeling and redness, burning
- rosacea, eczema
- congestion in the corners and inflammation of the mouth
- Leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cells in the blood
- itching in the anal region (pinworms) and body
- problem skin and acne
- asthma and dry cough (whooping cough)
- hair loss
Stomach and intestinal discomfort syndrome
Many parasites live in the large and small intestines of an individual. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the formation of inflammatory processes in the organs. Absorption of nutrients, especially fatty substances, is impaired
Large amounts of fatty elements in feces can be detected by laboratory methods.
Stagnation of bile
Due to their enormous size, some parasites can block the bile ducts and cause biliary dyskinesia. These symptoms can lead to other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block the bile ducts, which adversely affects the liver
Constipation
Worms can block the intestinal lumen. Often, the signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are manifested by symptoms such as constipation and can even cause intestinal obstruction. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of helminth infection. Prostaglandins produced by parasites often cause watery stools.
Dysbacteriosis
Due to intestinal dysfunction, symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and excess gas 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 people eat. They absorb most of the digested food.
Weak immunity can be the result of the activity of parasites in the body
Due to the constant reaction of the immune system to the presence of "foreigners", the body's defenses decrease and the immune system weakens. This often causes a cold, an unreasonable increase in temperature, body aches, etc.
Pain in joints and muscles
Worms can affect different organs. Trichinella, for example, settles in muscle tissue and can damage it. This is the body's reaction to the vital activity of parasites.
Changes 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 consumed food. Weight gain as a result of the body's reaction is the need to "store food reserves for future use". Therefore, before deciding to lose weight or lose weight, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination for the presence of parasites in the human body.
Anemia
Some parasites, such as Trichomonas, can infect various human organs, including the blood. Feeding on their cells, helminths cause anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person experiences food and vitamin deficiency that causes vitamin deficiency. This is the result of the greed of the parasites.
Irritability, sleep disturbance
Insomnia, poor short sleep, can be the response of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths come out of the anus at night to lay their larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, which often causes you to wake up 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 may feel 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 disturbed, inflammation occurs, health deteriorates, and immunity decreases. Disruption of the normal functioning of the body due to the influence of parasites can lead to terrible consequences
It is important to know that all these symptoms can lead to the formation of tumors and neoplasms with their long-term actions.
Inflammation of the larynx and respiratory tract
Worms can crawl all over the body. Once they reach the respiratory tract, they cause a severe cough, sore throat and fever. As a result of their vital activity, even asthma or pneumonia may develop.
You should not ignore any signs that indicate a malfunction of the body. At the first appearance of symptoms of any disease, you should 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. 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 infection
In addition to the general ones, there are a number of specific signs of the presence of parasites in the human body, which are characteristic of women and men separately.
For women, this is:
- violation of the regular menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dysbiosis, mycosis;
- inflammation of ovaries, kidneys, bladder;
- uterine fibroids;
- infinity.
For men, the disease in question manifests itself as:
- 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.
Such protection may not work in a child's still fragile body. And children are the most susceptible to the said disease. In the summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of infection with helminths is very high. If cleanliness is not controlled, everything can be in the sand. There are enough ways of infection for children: children's sandbox, pets, fruits and vegetables that are not always washed, swimming in ponds. Moreover, there is a desire to taste everything, especially for the little ones.
The habit of thumb sucking only increases the likelihood of helminthic infection. The most common types of parasites in children are: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and toxocara. Pinworms are small white worms no larger than 1 cm in size and lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of such parasites is always accompanied by itching around the anus. Roundworms are larger, they can reach 40 cm in length!
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 in their sleep. Parents should pay attention to this fact and have their child examined for parasites. Often, worms live in the intestines, so children can have problems with stools, flatulence, vomiting and epigastric pain.
Diagnosis of parasites
The main problem in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases is that they masquerade as many chronic diseases, and it is very difficult to recognize the true causes of symptoms.
How to determine the presence of parasites
When this or that organ or tissue is damaged, different characteristics prevail.
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 cramp;
- weight loss;
- vomiting;
- nervousness;
- lack of appetite (or increase).
A person overcomes weakness, fatigue, unwillingness to move.
In the stomach
The following symptoms are noted with a parasitic infection:
- nausea;
- burping;
- salivation;
- heaviness and swelling in the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- bleeding during bowel movements;
- itching in the anal region due to pinworms;
- cough due to irritation of gastric neuroreceptors.
With intestinal acne, sputum can be separated from blood fractions.
In the liver
Symptoms:
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- burping;
- nausea;
- allergic urticaria;
- yellowing of sclera, oral mucosa and skin;
- loss of hair follicles;
- weakness;
- irritation;
- anemia.
There is severe swelling of the legs and abdomen.
In the blood
Different symptoms:
- temperature;
- lymph node thickening, enlargement, pain;
- rash on the body;
- dizziness, headache;
- thirst;
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- shortness of breath;
- circulatory disorders expressed by 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 lung and heart failure.
- cough;
- shortness of breath;
- nervousness, fear;
- weakness;
- chest pain;
- arrhythmia, bradycardia;
- temperature, fever with chills;
- blood pressure changes;
- sweating;
- paleness of the face and neck;
- anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, the triangle of the nasolabial and oral mucosa.
In the lungs
Characteristic symptoms:
- shortness of breath;
- difficulty breathing;
- attacks of dry cough at night;
- asthmatic bronchospasms;
- allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
- chest pain;
- rapid pulse;
- nausea
A small amount of frothy sputum can be separated by blood cells.
Under the skin
External symptoms:
- itchy red small rash, large swelling blisters on the skin;
- ulcers, abscesses, warts, eczema;
- temperature;
- night sweats;
- dense mobile tumor-like areas under the skin;
- anemia.
Allergic cough and runny nose often develop.
In the eyes
Different symptoms:
- inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
- pain in the eyes and pain when moving your gaze to the side, upwards;
- flying 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 duration of treatment depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the identification of parasites at 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.
- Hemosporidia are single-celled organisms that live in red blood cells.
- Trypanosomes are single-celled organisms that cause Chagas disease and sleeping sickness.
- Plasmodium malaria.
Symptoms of diseases caused by parasites
Often the disease is named after the parasite that causes it.
ascariasis
The causative agent of the disease is a roundworm localized in the human intestine. The degree of the disease depends on the age of the patient, the severity and duration of the parasitic infection.
Symptoms of ascariasis appear as follows:
- localized allergic rash on the patient's legs, hands and body;
- increased temperature, fever;
- general weakness and disorder;
- night and day sweating;
- aching pain in enlarged liver and 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;
- convulsions;
- obstructive jaundice and intestinal obstruction.
Red worm disease
The causative agents of diseases are helminths, corns and necators. Symptoms of the disease:
- urticaria and dermatitis, when larvae penetrate the skin, swelling occurs at the site of penetration, which causes a burning sensation and itching;
- during the migration of parasites to the entire human body, bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis are observed, at which time the patient has cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness;
- when the larvae reach the intestines, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite develop;
- nervousness, fatigue, insomnia.
Diphyllobothriasis
The disease is caused by a broad tapeworm. Symptoms of the disease:
- weight loss;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- low-grade fever;
- increased tiredness and fatigue;
- the presence of worms in the feces in the form of white bands;
- 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.
Taeniasis
The causative agent of the disease is pork tape localized in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- fragments of parasite larvae can be observed in vomit;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- weight loss and appetite;
- cramps and abdominal pain;
- anal itching;
- dizziness and headache;
- insomnia and restlessness;
- when the larvae settle in the brain, cysticercosis develops, manifested by speech disorder, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
- As the parasite migrates, it can penetrate the eyes, heart and lungs.
Echinococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is 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, because at first it is completely asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations are already observed. later stages of hydatid cyst formation.
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;
- disorders in the work of the affected organ: if the liver is affected, appetite worsens, if the lungs are affected, cough, shortness of breath, then epilepsy; occurs, paresis of the arms and legs, the development of serious heart pathologies is possible with the formation of a cyst in the heart;
- When the cyst ruptures, the parasites spread rapidly to all internal organs and systems, which can cause serious complications and even the death of the patient.
Alveococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is tapeworm alveococcus. This disease is considered indolent: 10 or more years may 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;
- compression is observed in the liver;
- weight loss;
- weakness and weakness;
- 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 symptoms of the disease. Symptoms:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: 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;
- skin itching.
Amebiasis
This disease is caused by histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease may disappear completely, and sometimes, on the contrary, they show themselves very clearly. Symptoms appear in two forms: intestinal and extraintestinal. With the extraintestinal form of amebiasis, 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 certain period of time, the symptoms of the disease may disappear by themselves, for a while, and then appear with a new force.
Schistosomiasis
The causative agent of the disease is blood flu schistosomes. There are several stages of the development of the disease:
- in the early stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which have a paroxysmal nature with rashes and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, general malaise, and pain in the joints and muscles;
- when the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms are limited to the violation of 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 many signs of parasites in the human body. Without laboratory tests, it is impossible to determine the presence of parasites in the body, based only on the symptoms themselves. The severity of symptoms depends primarily on human defense mechanisms, the location and type of the parasite.
To determine the presence of parasites, it is necessary to pass a number of tests
Also, a significant problem arises with the ability of most parasites to exist in the human body for a long time, sometimes asymptomatically. Therefore, if there are signs of slow chronic disease, it is worth conducting an examination for the presence of parasites.
Methods of diagnosing parasites:
Direct methods: stool analysis, urinalysis, scratching of the perianal area, subungual phalanges, analysis of sputum and duodenal contents. These methods have a number of disadvantages related to the characteristics and development period of the parasite, as well as the condition 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 the examination several times. However, this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, the analysis of feces using the PCR method has been used, which significantly increases the efficiency of direct methods, because it helps to identify parasites by their DNA. But this happens only when there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indirect methods: x-ray, morphological, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll's method, ART.
The method of enzyme immunoassay is to determine the presence of antibodies against different types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to identify early forms of the disease.
When to consult a doctor urgently
In the initial stages, there may be no signs of parasites in the human body. It takes years for a parasitic infection to manifest itself. In the first case of unexplained diseases, you should consult a specialist doctor. It should be remembered that if a person is worried about any of the symptoms described above, especially if it concerns children, he should immediately contact a specialist (immunologist or parasitologist).
The doctor will prescribe tests that may need to be done several times to get more reliable information. Then the appropriate treatment will be selected. Helminthosis 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 should follow the rules of personal hygiene, control the food and immediately seek qualified help from a specialist.