General and Specific Signs of the Presence of Parasites in the Human Body

Signs of internal parasites in humans depend on the specific type of parasite and its waste products. One of the most common symptoms of internal parasites is intestinal and stomach discomfort.According to the World Health Organization, about 95 percent of the planet's population is infected with parasites, microorganisms that feed on other organisms. Often, signs of the presence of parasites in a person's body are ignored because some of them have become well adapted, and the signs can be mistaken for other illnesses.

Types of parasites that often infect humans

The most common places inhabited by the human body are:

• roundworms;
• pinworm;
• hookworm;
• Giardia;
• Whipworm;
• cattle tapeworm;
• wide tape;
• pork tapeworm;
• Echinococcus tapeworm;
• Trichinella spiralis.

Worms are a general term for worms that exist in living organisms. Simply put, they are bugs. They are divided into the following types: tapeworms (cysticercids), flukes (trematodes), and roundworms (nematodes). The most common type of worms are roundworms.They are round in shape and live mainly in the intestines and various parts of it. Some of these representatives, such as Trichinella spiralis, can migrate throughout the body. The intestine is the main place where roundworms live. Representative tapeworms include cattle and pork tapeworms, tapeworms, and Echinococcus tapeworms. The size of the parasite in question can reach several meters in length. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.Biological worms undergo stages of maturation and development in the animal organism. For example, Toxocara, bovine and pork tapeworms, etc. Soil is home to soil worms. Soil worms grow in soil. They enter the body through the skin or ingestion. These include many types of roundworms. Contact parasites enter a person through direct contact with another person. Pinworm disease is one of the diseases spread through contact with the parasite pinworm.

How does infection occur?

It is possible to become infected with parasitic larvae by eating unprocessed food (fish, capes), unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, insect bites, sexual intercourse, household methods, drinking raw water and swallowing the water of pets while swimming in reservoirs, which can be transmitted through the body. through the soil.

General signs that worms are present

Often, it is difficult to identify the presence of relevant pests in an individual's body. Many symptoms can be mistaken for chronic illnesses and treated unsuccessfully. Symptoms of the disease may vary depending on the type, location and number of worms. But there are general signs that parasites are present in the human body.

allergy

Due to metabolic processes, worms secrete toxic elements that penetrate into the blood system and cause the development of allergic symptoms. The rash may appear and disappear periodically. This type of allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological medications.Allergies can manifest in:

• Tearfulness, eyelid pain, and conjunctivitis
• chronic runny nose
• Shortness of breath, cough
• Rash, peeling, redness, burning sensation
• rosacea, eczema
• Stuck corners and inflamed mouth edges
• Leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cells in the blood
• Scabies in the anal area (pinworms) and body
• Problematic skin and acne
• Asthma and dry cough (hookworm)
• hair loss

Stomach and intestinal upset syndrome

Many parasites inhabit the large and small intestines of individuals. They adhere to the walls of blood vessels, irritate them and cause inflammatory processes in the organs. Impaired absorption of nutrients, especially fatty substancesLarge amounts of fatty elements can be detected in feces through laboratory methods.

bile stagnation

Due to their large size, some parasites can block bile ducts and cause biliary dysmotility. These signs may lead to other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block bile ducts, negatively affecting the liver

constipate

Worms can clog the intestinal lumen. Often, signs of the presence of parasites in the body appear as symptoms such as constipation, which may even lead to intestinal obstruction. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of worm infection. Prostaglandins produced by parasites can cause frequent watery stools.

Dysbiosis

Due to intestinal dysfunction, symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas production may be mistaken for bacterial imbalance. But in this case, treatment with antibiotics and probiotics does not produce positive results. Reduced immunity Parasites feed on human food. They absorb most of the nutrients digested.

Low immunity may be the result of internal parasite activity

As the immune system constantly reacts to the presence of "strangers", the body's defenses decrease and the immune system is weakened. Symptoms include frequent colds, unreasonably elevated body temperature, and body aches.

joint and muscle pain

Worms can affect different organs. For example, Trichinella spiralis can settle in muscle tissue and cause damage to it. This is the body's response to the parasite's life activities.

weight changes

One of the symptoms of helminthiasis is weight loss or obesity. Weight loss occurs due to the inability to obtain nutrients from the food consumed. Weight gain is the result of the body's response to the need to "store food for future use. "Therefore, before deciding to gain or lose weight, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination for the presence of parasites in the human body.

anemia

For example, some parasites, such as Trichomonas, can infect various human organs, including the blood. By feeding on its cells, helminthes can cause anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person is deficient in nutrients and vitamins, resulting in a vitamin deficiency. This is the result of the parasite's gluttony.

Nervousness, sleep disorders

Insomnia and short sleep duration may be the nervous system's response to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some worms emerge through the anus at night to lay eggs. This can cause discomfort and itching, causing you to wake up frequently and not get enough rest.

"chronic fatigue syndrome"

Against the background of general intoxication of the body and a lack of vitamins and nutrients absorbed by the parasite, individuals may experience persistent 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 function of all organs is disturbed, inflammation occurs, health deteriorates and immunity decreases. Disruption of the body's normal functions due to the influence of parasites can have dire consequencesIt is important to know that all these signs, if acted upon over a long period of time, may trigger the formation of tumors and neoplasms.

Inflammation of the larynx and airways

Worms can spread throughout the body. Once they reach the respiratory tract, they can cause severe coughing, sore throat and fever. Due to their life activities, they may even develop asthma or pneumonia.You should not ignore any symptoms that indicate something is wrong with your body. At the first sign of any disease, you must consult a doctor immediately and get tested for parasites. This will allow you to receive prompt treatment and prevent toxins from having damaging effects on 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 parasitic infection

In addition to the general symptoms, there are some specific symptoms of the presence of parasites in the human body, which are characteristic of women and men respectively.For women it is:

• Disruption of normal menstrual cycle;
• Vaginal flora dysbiosis, fungal diseases;
• Inflammation of the ovaries, kidneys, and bladder;
• Uterine fibroids;
• Infertility.

In men, the disease in question manifests itself as follows:

• sexual dysfunction;
• Presence of sand or stones in the kidneys or bladder;
• inflammation of the prostate;
• Mental disorders.

Differences in Symptoms in Children and Adults

When the parasite larvae enter, they encounter a level 3 protective barrier:

• saliva;
• gastric juice;
• Local immunity in the intestine.

This protection may not work for a child's still fragile body. Children are most susceptible to this disease. In summer, children spend a lot of time outdoors and are at high risk of contracting parasites. If the cleanliness of the sand is not monitored, anything can be in the sand. There are many ways children can become infected: children's sandboxes, pets, fruits and vegetables that are not washed regularly, and swimming in ponds. Plus, especially with little kids, they are eager to taste everything.Thumb sucking habits only increase the likelihood of contracting worms. The most common types of parasites in children include: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and toxocara. Pinworms are small white worms, no larger than 1 cm in size, that lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of this parasite is always accompanied by itching around the anus. Roundworms are larger, reaching a length of up to 40 centimeters! Please note that "bruxism" (teeth grinding) is considered a sign of parasites in the body and often disrupts children's sleep. Parents should be aware of this fact and have their children checked for the presence of parasites. Typically, worms live in the intestines, so children may have problems with bowel movements, gas, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain.

Diagnosis of parasites

The main problem with diagnosing parasitic diseases is that they disguise themselves as many chronic diseases, and it can be difficult to identify the true cause of symptoms.

How to determine the presence of parasites

When one or another organ or tissue is damaged, distinctive features dominate.

in the intestine

The best places for parasites to live: high humidity, warm temperatures, and a neutral pH environment. Symptoms of intestinal damage:

• constipate;
• diarrhea;
• flatulence;
• intestinal obstruction;
• Cramping pain, abdominal cramping;
• lose weight;
• Vomit;
• nervous;
• Loss (or increase) of appetite.

A person can be overwhelmed by feelings of powerlessness, fatigue, and an unwillingness to move.

in the stomach

When a parasitic infection occurs, the following symptoms may occur:

• nausea;
• hiccups;
• salivation;
• heaviness and distension of the stomach;
• diarrhea;
• Bleeding during bowel movements;
• Itching in the anal area due to pinworms;
• Coughing due to stimulation of gastric nerve receptors.

With intestinal acne, phlegm may become separated from blood components.

in liver

symptom:

• Right rib pain;
• hiccups;
• nausea;
• allergic urticaria;
• Yellowing of the sclera, oral mucosa, and skin;
• loss of hair follicles;
• weakness;
• irritable;
• anemia.

There is significant swelling in the legs and abdomen.

in blood

Characteristic symptoms:

• fever;
• Lymph nodes are thickened, swollen, and painful;
• rash on body;
• dizziness, headache;
• Thirsty;
• lethargy, lethargy;
• difficulty breathing;
• Circulatory disorders, manifested by numbness and coldness of the limbs.

Because many parasites destroy red blood cells, anemia is inevitable.

if the heart is damaged

There are always signs of lung and heart failure.

• cough;
• difficulty breathing;
• nervousness, fear;
• weakness;
• chest pain;
• Arrhythmia, bradycardia;
• Temperature, fever alternating with chills;
• changes in blood pressure;
• sweating;
• Pale face and neck;
• anemia.

Signs of hypoxia were observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, nasolabial triangle and oral mucosa.

in lungs

Characteristic symptoms:

• difficulty breathing;
• difficulty breathing;
• dry cough at night;
• Asthmatic bronchospasm;
• Allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
• chest pain;
• rapid pulse;
• nausea.

A small amount of foamy sputum can be separated from the blood cells.

under the skin

External symptoms:

• A small itchy red rash with large, swollen blisters on the skin;
• Ulcers, abscesses, warts, eczema;
• fever;
• night sweats;
• Dense, mobile tumor-like areas under the skin;
• anemia.

Allergic coughs and runny noses often occur.

eyes

Characteristic symptoms:

• Inflammation of the conjunctiva, with burning and itching;
• Pain in eyes, and pain when looking to one side or upward;
• Flying spots, clouds in front of your eyes;
• Dry mucus in the eyes;
• Blurred vision and double vision;
• Headache, dizziness;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• Under eyes appear blue.

Vision decreased significantly.Parasitic diseases disguise themselves as thousands of diseases, making it impossible to identify it with the naked eye without laboratory testing. Time to cure depends on the accuracy of diagnosis and identification of the parasite in the earliest stages of infection.

in blood

Parasites that live in the blood can live in red blood cells, plasma and white blood cells. Types of pests:

• Mansoniella is a worm that can grow up to 8 centimeters long. Causes dizziness, headaches and joint pain, fever, skin problems, and leg numbness.
• Haemosporidians are single-celled organisms that live in red blood cells.
• Trypanosomatids are the 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 roundworms that reside in the human intestine. The extent of the disease depends on the age of the patient, the severity and duration of the parasitic infection. Symptoms of ascariasis are as follows:

• An allergic rash that occurs locally on the patient's feet, hands, and body;
• Increased body temperature, fever;
• general weakness and discomfort;
• Sweating at night and during the day;
• Enlarged liver and pain in ribs;
• Loss of appetite and nausea; abdominal pain and cramping;
• Constipation and diarrhea; weight loss or gain;
• While the roundworms are migrating and settling in the lungs, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain may occur;
• Insomnia;
• cognitive decline;
• twitch;
• Obstructive jaundice and intestinal obstruction.

hookworm disease

The causative agents of these diseases are helminths, hookworms and hookworms. Symptoms of the disease:

• Urticaria and dermatitis, when the larvae pierce the skin, swelling occurs at the site of penetration, causing burning and itching;
• When parasites migrate in the human body, bronchitis, tracheitis, and laryngitis can occur. In this case, the patient will develop a cough, shortness of breath, and hoarseness;
• When the larvae reach the intestine, anemia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may occur;
• Irritability, fatigue, insomnia.

Diphyllia filariasis

The disease is caused by the tapeworm Taenia gigantea. Symptoms of the disease:

• lose weight;
• Diarrhea and constipation;
• Loss of appetite;
• low-grade fever;
• increased tiredness and tiredness;
• Presence of worms in the form of white ribbons in feces;
• Cramps and abdominal pain;
• anemia;
• dizziness and headache;
• Cracks and red spots on tongue;
• Pathological processes of the oral cavity and esophagus;
• intestinal obstruction;
• Frustrated.

Taeniasis

The causative agent of this disease is the pork tapeworm, which is located in the small intestine. Symptoms of the disease:

• Nausea and vomiting; fragments of parasite larvae may be present in vomitus;
• Diarrhea and constipation;
• weight loss and decreased appetite;
• Cramps and abdominal pain;
• Anal itching;
• dizziness and headache;
• insomnia and excitement;
• When the larvae enter the brain, cysticercosis develops and manifests as speech impairment, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness;
• When the parasite migrates, it can penetrate the eyes, heart and lungs.

Hydatid disease

The causative agent of this disease is Echinococcus tapeworm. This worm is dangerous because it is capable of forming cysts in almost any internal organ: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. This disease is very insidious, since initially it is completely asymptomatic and clinical manifestations are already observed in the body. Later stages of hydatid cyst formation. Symptoms of the disease:

• Pain at the site of cyst formation;
• Weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• Skin irritation in the form of hives and itching;
• Functional disorders of the affected organs: if the liver is affected, appetite worsens, nausea and vomiting occur; if the lungs are affected, cough, shortness of breath, fever occur; if the brain is affected, epilepsy occurs; paralysis of the arms and legs occurs, and cysts form in the heart, which may lead to serious heart disease;
• When a cyst ruptures, the parasite can spread extremely quickly to all internal organs and systems, which can lead to very serious complications and even death of the patient.

Alveolar coccosis

The causative agent of this disease is alveolar tapeworm. The disease is considered indolent: it can take 10 or more years from the moment of infection to the development of the disease. Disease symptoms: Skin disease manifestations:

• Itchy skin and hives;
• Bitter mouth, nausea;
• Pain and heaviness in the right rib;
• E. coli;
• Compaction was observed in the liver;
• lose weight;
• weakness and discomfort;
• Severe headaches and dizziness are observed when the parasite is located in the brain.

Giardiasis

The disease occurs due to bacterial infection in the human intestines. Sometimes asymptomatic carriage occurs, with no obvious signs of disease. symptom:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, burping, diarrhea, and constipation;
• Specific pain in the navel area;
• Loss of appetite, bloating;
• temperature rise;
• General fatigue and decreased performance;
• irritability and nervousness;
• Itchy skin.

Amebiasis

This disease is caused by histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease may be completely absent, and sometimes, on the contrary, they appear very clearly. Symptoms come in two forms: intestinal symptoms and extraintestinal symptoms. Parenteral forms of amoebiasis can affect the lungs, brain, genitourinary system, and skin, but the intestinal form is the most common.Symptoms of intestinal amoebiasis:

• Painful diarrhea with frequent bowel movements (up to 20 times), sometimes with blood;
• stomach ache;
• The temperature indicator increases;
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Loss of appetite.

Over time, symptoms of the disease may go away on their own for a while and then reappear.

Schistosomiasis

The causative agent of the disease is schistosomiasis. The disease has several stages of development:

• Patients develop early allergic reactions, manifesting as rash, swelling, cough and hemoptysis, paroxysmal general malaise, joint and muscle pain;
• When the disease becomes chronic, symptoms are limited to disturbances in voiding behavior (pain and pain during urination, increased frequency of urination, nocturnal and daytime urinary incontinence);
• Particularly severe cases can lead to death.

Symptoms of large numbers of parasites present in the human body. Without laboratory testing, the presence of parasites in the body cannot be diagnosed based solely on the symptoms themselves. The severity of symptoms depends mainly on the person's defense mechanisms, the location of the parasite and its type.

To determine whether parasites are present, a series of tests are performed

Additionally, the ability of most parasites to persist long-term (sometimes asymptomatically) in the human body poses a significant problem. Therefore, if there are signs of a slow, chronic disease, it's worth getting checked for parasites.Parasite diagnostic methods:Direct methods: Stool analysis, urinalysis, perianal area, subungual phalanx scraping, sputum and duodenal content analysis. These methods have many disadvantages, which are related to the characteristics and developmental period of the parasite and the state of the human body.Ultrasound is also used to study the presence of internal parasites.To increase the information content of this diagnosis, multiple examinations are performed. But this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, fecal analysis using PCR methods has been applied, which significantly increases the effectiveness of direct methods as it facilitates the identification of parasites through DNA. But this is only if there are parasites in the gastrointestinal tract.Indirect methods: X-ray, morphology, ultrasound, biopsy.Bioresonance methods: Voll method, ART.Enzyme-linked immunoassay determines whether antibodies against various parasites are present in human blood. This method is informative and helps identify early forms of the disease.

When you need to see a doctor urgently

In the initial stages, there may be no signs of parasites present in the body. Parasitic infections can take years to manifest. The first time you experience an unexplained illness, you should consult a specialist. It is important to remember that if a person is troubled by any of the above symptoms, he should immediately contact a specialist (immunologist or parasitologist), especially if this involves children.Your doctor will order tests, which may need to be done multiple times to get more reliable information. Then choose the appropriate treatment. Helminthiasis is a quite serious and dangerous disease. It is important to remember this and not let parasites cause irreparable damage to the body. Therefore, you should observe the rules of personal hygiene, monitor your diet and seek professional help in a timely manner.