Signs of parasites in the human body depend on the type of specific 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 total population of the Earth is infected with parasites—microorganisms that exist and feed on other organisms. Often, signs of the presence of parasites in the human body go unnoticed, since 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:
- roundworms;
- pinworms;
- hookworms;
- Giardia;
- whipworms;
- bovine tapeworm;
- wide tape;
- 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), flukes (flukes) and roundworms (nematodes). The most common type of helminths are roundworms.
They are round in shape and mainly 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 the life of roundworms. Representatives of tape pests are bovine and pork tapeworms, tapeworms, echinococcus. The sizes 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 pork tapeworms, etc. Soil is the habitat of geohelminths Geohelminths develop 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 infection occur?
You can become infected with parasite larvae by eating unprocessed foods (fish, cape), poorly washed raw vegetables and fruits, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household methods, drinking raw water, as well as swallowing water, while swimming 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 an individual’s body. And many symptoms can be mistaken for a chronic disease 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, eyelid pain and conjunctivitis
- chronic runny nose
- shortness of breath, cough
- skin rash, peeling and redness, burning
- rosacea, eczema
- jamming in the corners and inflammation of the mouth rim
- leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cells in the blood
- scabies in the anal area (pinworms) and on the body
- problematic skin and acne
- asthma and dry cough (hookworms)
- hair loss
Stomach and intestinal discomfort syndrome
Many parasites inhabit the large and small intestines of an individual. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the organs. The function of absorption of nutrients, especially fatty substances, is impaired
A large amount 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 signs can provoke other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block the bile ducts, which can negatively affect the liver
Constipation
Worms can clog 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, which are 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 mistakenly taken 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 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 "strangers, " the body’s defenses are reduced and the immune system is weakened. This is manifested by frequent colds, unreasonable increases 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 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 making a decision to gain or lose 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. By feeding on its cells, helminthiasis provokes 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 disturbance
Insomnia, poor short sleep, may be a response of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths come out at night through the anus in order to lay 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"
Against the background of general intoxication of the body, lack of vitamins and nutrients that are absorbed by parasites, an individual 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 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 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
Worms can travel throughout 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 can develop.
You should not ignore any symptoms indicating a malfunction of the body. At the first signs of any disease, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo procedures to be checked 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 illnesses, 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 of women and men separately.
For women it is:
- disruption of the 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, 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 a child’s still fragile body, such protection may not work. And it is children who are most susceptible to the disease in question. In the summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of becoming infected with helminths is very high. Anything can be in the sand if its cleanliness is not monitored. There are more than enough ways of infection for children: children's sandbox, pets, fruits and vegetables that are not always washed, swimming in ponds. Plus, especially for the little ones, there is a desire to taste everything.
The habit of thumb sucking only adds to 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 around the anus. Roundworms are larger in size, 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 in their sleep. Parents should pay attention to this fact and have their child examined for the presence of parasites. Very often, worms live in the intestines, so children may experience 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 illnesses and it is very difficult to recognize the true causes of 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, cramping in the abdomen;
- weight loss;
- vomit;
- nervousness;
- lack (or increase) of appetite.
A person is overcome by powerlessness, 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.
With intestinal acne, sputum may 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, headaches;
- thirst;
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- dyspnea;
- circulatory disorders, expressed in numbness and coldness of the extremities.
Anemia inevitably develops, since many parasites destroy red blood cells.
In case of heart damage
There are always signs of pulmonary and heart failure.
- cough;
- dyspnea;
- nervousness, fear;
- weakness;
- chest pain;
- arrhythmia, bradycardia;
- temperature, fever alternating with chills;
- blood pressure changes;
- sweating;
- pallor of the face, neck;
- anemia.
Signs of hypoxia are observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, triangle of the nasolabial and oral mucosa.
In the lungs
Characteristic symptoms:
- dyspnea;
- difficulty breathing;
- attacks of nighttime dry cough;
- asthmatic bronchospasms;
- allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
- chest pain;
- rapid pulse;
- nausea.
It is possible to separate scanty foaming sputum with blood cells.
Under the skin
External symptoms:
- itchy red small rash, large swelling blisters on the skin;
- ulcerations, abscesses, warts, eczema;
- fever;
- night sweats;
- dense mobile tumor-like 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;
- pain in the eyes and pain when moving your gaze to the side, upward;
- flying flies, cloudy threads 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 cure period depends on the accuracy of diagnosis and identification of parasites at the earliest stage of 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. 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.
- Malarial plasmodium.
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 the 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:
- an allergic rash that is localized 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, swelling forms at the site of penetration, which causes a burning sensation and itching;
- 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 intestines, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite develop;
- irritability, fatigue, 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 stool 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 pork tapeworm, which is localized in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:
- nausea and vomiting; fragments of parasite larvae may be observed in the vomit;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- weight loss and appetite;
- 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 speech impairment, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
- When the parasite migrates, it is able to penetrate the eyes, heart and lungs.
Echinococcosis
The causative agent of the disease is the tapeworm Echinococcus. 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 first it is completely asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations are already observed in the later stages of the formation of an 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, then appetite worsens, nausea and vomiting appear; if the lungs are affected, then there is a 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 heartthe 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 to be 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 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:
- disturbances 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;
- skin itching.
Amoebiasis
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 forms: intestinal and extraintestinal. With the extraintestinal form of amebiasis, the lungs, brain, genitourinary system, and skin are affected, but the intestinal form is most common.
Symptoms of intestinal amoebiasis:
- painful diarrhea, with frequent urges (up to 20 times) sometimes with blood;
- stomach ache;
- 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 the blood fluke schistosomes. The disease has several stages of development:
- at an early stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which are manifested by rashes and swelling, cough with hemoptysis, which has a paroxysmal 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 during urination, increased frequency of urination, night and daytime urinary incontinence);
- There are especially 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, only on the basis of the symptoms themselves, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of parasites in the body. The severity of symptoms depends primarily on the person’s defense mechanisms, on the location of the parasite and on its type.
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 exist for a long, sometimes asymptomatic, existence in the human body. Therefore, if there are signs of a sluggish 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 associated with the characteristics and period of development of the parasite, as well as with 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 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 is only if there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indirect methods: X-ray, morphological, ultrasound, biopsy.
Bioresonance methods: Voll method, ART.
The enzyme immunoassay method is to determine the presence of antibodies to various types of parasites in human blood. This method is very informative and helps to identify the 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. At the first causeless ailments, 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 contact a specialist (an immunologist or a parasitologist), especially if this concerns children.
The doctor will order tests, which may need to be done several times to get more reliable information. Then 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 harm to the body. Therefore, you should observe the rules of personal hygiene, monitor food and promptly seek qualified help from a specialist.