Often people encounter parasites, but it is not always possible to determine their presence in the human body in a timely manner. What are the symptoms of parasites in the body? There are many of them and they are often intertwined with signs of internal diseases. How to understand what are the symptoms of helminths and how to cure helminthic disease?
Pathways of Infection
The larvae of the worm first enter the intestine and are localized in it. Some species of helminths migrate from the intestine to other internal organs and are found even in those places of the human body where they are sometimes very difficult to identify. The reasons for the entry of parasites into the human body are different, here are the most common:
- a person can become infected due to poor hygiene;
- due to poor heat treatment of contaminated meat and fish products;
- poorly washed fruits and vegetables;
- through contaminated soil and water in open sources;
- in contact with sick animals;
- from person to person, through infected personal belongings;
- An adult or child becomes infected by the bite of a blood-sucking insect.
Main symptoms
From the gastrointestinal tract
The symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body are very different. On the part of the digestive organs, they manifest as follows:
- Gastric and intestinal problems are common - constipation or diarrhea;
- increased gas production and dysbiosis;
- symptoms of intoxication;
- bloody discharge during urination and during the act of defecation;
- itching and burning of the colon, especially at night;
- occurrence of an allergic reaction to food, hitherto unseen;
- appetite disorders - its complete absence or excessive food consumption.
Signs of worms from the digestive tract can appear daily or occasionally. It all depends on the number of parasites in the body of a child and an adult, on the place of their localization and on how long they have been in the body. If there are no visible causes or existing diseases that disrupt the work of the digestive organs, it is worth considering the presence of parasites in the intestines and undergo an examination just in case.
From the nervous system
Adult parasites and their larvae secrete toxic products whose effect negatively affects not only the internal organs, but also the human nervous system. The more parasites settle in the intestines, the more damage they do to human health and the more characteristic the symptoms are. Manifestations of disorders of the nervous system and psyche:
- irritability and anxiety;
- chronic lack of sleep;
- cold and fever;
- dizziness and headache;
- children are upset and very moody.
Allergic reactions
The presence of parasites in the body can cause previously unheard of allergic reactions. When they are infected with worms, they develop allergies to food, drink or herbs. The reaction manifests itself in the form of various red rashes all over the body, itching and itching of the affected areas. Allergies are accompanied by sneezing, strong cough, peeling and dry skin.
Other symptoms
Symptoms of parasitic diseases, in addition to the usual manifestations, can spread to other organs, cause malfunctions and inflammatory processes. Symptoms of parasite poisoning can be caused by the presence of a certain type of worm that parasitizes on the body. Name of the parasite and its features:
- Schistosome worms.Symptoms of schistosomiasis infection: skin rash in humans, bad breath, intoxication of the body. Worms cause genitourinary infections, thrush (in women) and inflammation of the prostate (in men).
- Wide ribbon.The first signs of the parasite: intestinal obstruction, anemia, pain in the legs and joints. Diphyllobotriasis causes permanent diarrhea and disorders of the cardiovascular system.
- Cysticercus parasites.Symptoms of infection: mental disorders that cause hallucinations. Also, protruding moles appear on the body which eventually transform into malignant formations.
- Askaris.Other signs of parasites: allergic dermatoses, headache attacks. Roundworm worms cause anemia, migraines and cerebrovascular problems.
Localization in the human body
Parasites in the human body choose any place of localization, suitable for conducting life. They can affect the human brain, genitals, bronchi, liver, nasopharynx. The intestines are often the habitat of worms. As a rule, children are infected with pinworms, while in adults, in addition to pinworms, the most common types of parasites are parasitized: roundworms, cysticercus, broad tapeworm, schistosomes, lamblia.
How to find out about the presence of parasites in the human body?
It happens that the presence of helminths in a person is manifested by mild symptoms. How to check if parasites live in the human body? If most of the signs match, then you need to be examined and the cause found. General signs of the presence of parasites in the human body:
- severe itching and itching in the anal area (especially at night);
- rash on different parts of the body;
- headache attacks;
- upset stomach and intestines;
- unreasonable weight loss;
- occurrence of limb swelling;
- occasional aching abdominal pain;
- chronic fatigue and apathy towards everything;
- pain in the kidneys and muscles.
Diagnosis and treatment
If a child or adult has any signs of parasite infestation, it is urgent to contact an infectious disease doctor or parasitologist. The doctor will prescribe the necessary tests and a course of examination. Only after receiving the diagnostic results will the exact definition of this problem be reached. Parasitic tests include:
- Analysis of feces for the presence of worm larvae.
- Scraping for enterobiasis.
- Biochemical blood test.
- Radiography. It is carried out in the case when it is necessary to determine the location of the parasite.
Treatment of parasites is carried out in stages and consists of the following methods:
- Anthelmintic therapy. The choice of drugs for the treatment of helminthic diseases depends on the type of parasite.
- Cleansing the internal organs of worms with homeopathic remedies.
- Traditional methods of therapy have a detrimental effect on parasites, removing adults and their larvae from the body. Folk recipes include: antihistamines from medicinal plants, anthelmintic products (garlic, dill, pumpkin seeds).
- If necessary, use a mixture of ozone and oxygen (local ozone therapy). It is used to destroy bacteria and viruses, alleviates intoxication and has an immunomodulatory effect on the human body.
- Parasites that live in the human body and cause body poisoning require hospital treatment, in rare cases surgery.
Timely course of antiparasitic therapy will prevent negative health effects. Although a person falls into the risk group of helminth infection, it is important to observe preventive measures, treat infections in a timely manner to protect against re-infection and maintain health.