General and specific signs of the presence of parasites in the human body

Signs of parasites in the human body depend on the type of parasite and its waste products. One of the most common symptoms of parasites in the body is intestinal and stomach complaints.

According to WHO statistics, about 95% of the entire population of the Earth is infected with parasites - microorganisms that exist and feed on other organisms. The signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are often not even noticed, since some of them are very well adapted, and the signs can be confused with other diseases.

Types of parasites that commonly infect the human body

Most often in the human body:

• roundworms;
• pinworms;
• hookworms;
• Giardia;
• whipworms;
• cattle tapeworm;
• wide band;
• pork tapeworm;
• echinococcus;
• trichinella.

Helminths are the general name for worms found in living organisms. Simply put, worms. They can be classified into the following types: tapeworms (cystodes), flukes (worms) 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 representatives, such as Trichinella, can migrate throughout the body. The intestine is the main place of life for intestinal worms. The size of the parasites in question can reach several meters. Some of them begin to develop outside the human body.

Biohelminths go through maturation and development stages in animal organisms. Examples include toxocara, cattle and pig 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 humans through direct contact with another person. Enterobiasis is one of the diseases spread by contact parasites, fungal worms.

How does infection occur?

You can become infected with parasite larvae by eating unprocessed food (fish, mantle), poorly washed raw vegetables and fruits, insect bites, sexual contact, household methods, drinking raw water, as well as swallowing water, swimming in a reservoir, 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. And many symptoms can be mistaken for a chronic disease and can be treated unsuccessfully. The 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 excrete toxic elements that penetrate into the blood system and contribute to the occurrence of allergic manifestations. The rash may appear and disappear from time to time. This allergy is difficult to treat with dermatological drugs.

Allergies can manifest as:

• lacrimation, eyelid pain and conjunctivitis
• chronic runny nose
• shortness of breath, cough
• skin rash, peeling and redness, burning sensation
• rosacea, eczema
• jamming in the corners and inflammation of the lip
• 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 (hookworm)
• hair loss

Stomach and intestinal discomfort syndrome

Many parasites live in the large and small intestines of the individual. They stick to the walls, irritate them and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the organs. The function of absorbing 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 dysfunction. These symptoms can also trigger other, more serious liver diseases. Parasites can block the bile ducts, which can negatively affect the liver

Constipation

Worms can clog the intestinal lumen. Signs of the presence of parasites in the human body are often manifested in symptoms such as constipation and can even lead to intestinal obstruction. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of worm infection. Prostaglandins produced by parasites lead to frequent watery stools.

Dysbacteriosis

Due to intestinal dysfunction, diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas formation occur, which can be mistakenly considered as dysbacteriosis. But in this case, treatment with antibiotics and probiotics does not give a positive result. 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 defense ability decreases and the immune system weakens. This is common in colds, unjustified temperature rises, body pains, 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.

Changes in body weight

One of the signs of helminthiasis is weight loss or obesity. Losing weight is due to not being able to obtain nutrients from the food you eat. And weight gain as a result of the body's reaction means "food must be stored for future use". Therefore, before making a decision to gain or lose weight, a full examination of the presence of parasites in the human body should be carried out.

Anemia

Some parasites, such as Trichomonas, can infect various human organs, including the blood. Feeding on its cells, helminthiasis causes anemia and iron deficiency. Vitamin Deficiency A person experiences nutrient and vitamin deficiency, which causes vitamin deficiency. This is the result of the parasites' gluttony.

Nervousness, sleep disorder

Insomnia, bad short sleep can be the response of the nervous system to the presence of "illegal" residents. Some helminths come out at night through the anus to lay larvae. This can cause discomfort and itching, which makes you wake up often and does not allow you to fully rest.

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"

Due to the general poisoning of the body, lack of vitamins and nutrients absorbed by the parasites, the individual may 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, inflammations occur, health deteriorates, and immunity decreases. Disruption of the normal functioning of the body due to the effect of parasites can have serious consequences

It is important to know that all these signs can lead to the formation of tumors and neoplasms with a long-term effect.

Inflammation of the larynx and airways

Worms can travel throughout the body. Once they reach the respiratory tract, they cause severe coughing, sore throat and fever. Asthma or pneumonia may develop as a result of their activity.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction of the body should not be ignored. At the first sign of any disease, you should see a doctor immediately and get checked 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 infection

In addition to the general ones, there are many special signs of the presence of parasites in the human body, which are characteristic of women and men separately.

For women, this is:

• disruption of the regular menstrual cycle;
• vaginal dysbiosis, mycosis;
• inflammation of ovary, kidney, bladder;
• uterine fibroids;
• infertility.

In the case of 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 the parasite larvae enter, they encounter a 3-level barrier:

• saliva;
• gastric juice;
• local intestinal immunity.

In a child's still fragile body, this protection may not work. And children are the most susceptible to the disease in question. In the summer, when children are constantly outdoors, the risk of worm infection is very high. Anything can happen in the sand if it is not kept clean. There are several ways of infection for children: children's sand, pets, not always washed fruits and vegetables, swimming in lakes. In addition, especially the little ones have the desire to taste everything.

The habit of thumb-sucking only increases the likelihood of helminthic infection. The most common parasites in children are: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms and toxocara. Pinworms are small white worms, up to 1 cm in length, that lay their eggs near the anus. Therefore, the presence of such parasites is always accompanied by itching around the anus. Cylindrical worms are larger, their length can reach 40 cm!

Please note that the phenomenon of "bruxism" (teeth grinding) is 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 have their child examined for the presence of parasites. Very often, worms in the intestineslive, so children may experience stool problems, bloating, vomiting and epigastric pain.

Diagnosing parasites

The main problem with the diagnosis of parasitic diseases is that they masquerade as many chronic diseases and it is very difficult to recognize the true causes of the symptoms.

How to determine the presence of parasites

If one or another organ or tissue is damaged, the distinguishing features dominate.

In the intestines

The most favorable habitat for parasites: high humidity, warm temperature, neutral pH environment. Symptoms of intestinal damage:

• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• bloating;
• ileus;
• spasmodic pain, cramps in the abdomen;
• weight loss;
• vomit;
• nervousness;
• lack (or increase) of appetite.

The person is overcome by helplessness, fatigue and reluctance to move.

In the stomach

In the case of a parasitic infection, the following symptoms can be observed:

• nausea;
• burping;
• salivation;
• heaviness and bloating of the stomach;
• diarrhea;
• bleeding during bowel movements;
• itching in the anal area due to pinworms;
• cough due to irritation of stomach neuroreceptors.

In the case of intestinal acne, the sputum is separated from the blood fractions.

In the liver

Symptoms:

• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• burping;
• nausea;
• allergic hives;
• 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

Distinguishing symptoms:

• fever;
• thickening, enlargement, pain of the lymph nodes;
• rash on the body;
• dizziness, headache;
• thirst;
• lethargy, drowsiness;
• shortness of breath;
• circulatory disorders, which are expressed in numbness and coldness of the limbs.

Anemia inevitably develops as 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, chills alternating with fever;
• changes in blood pressure;
• sweating;
• paleness of the face and neck;
• anemia.

Signs of hypoxia can be observed: cyanosis of the skin of the fingertips, the nasolabial triangle and the mucous membrane of the mouth.

In the lungs

Typical symptoms:

• shortness of breath;
• difficulty breathing;
• attacks of dry cough at night;
• asthmatic bronchospasms;
• allergic rhinitis, sneezing;
• chest pain;
• fast pulse;
• nausea.

It is possible to separate the slightly frothy sputum with blood cells.

Under the skin

External symptoms:

• itchy red small rashes, large swollen blisters on the skin;
• ulcers, 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

Distinguishing symptoms:

• inflammation of the conjunctiva, accompanied by burning and itching;
• pain in the eyes and pain when moving the 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.

Visual acuity deteriorates significantly.

Parasitosis disguises itself as a thousand diseases, so it is impossible to determine it visually without laboratory tests. The recovery time depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the identification of the parasites at the earliest stage of infection.

In the blood

Bloodborne 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, headache and joint pain, fever, skin problems, and leg numbness.
• Hemosporidia are single-celled organisms that live inside red blood cells.
• Trypanosomes are single-celled organisms that cause Chagas disease and sleep disorders.
• Plasmodium malaria.

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 extent of the disease depends on the age of the patient, the severity and duration of the parasite infection.

Symptoms of ascariasis are as follows:

• allergic rash localized on the patient's legs, hands and body;
• increased temperature, fever;
• general weakness and malaise;
• sweating night and day;
• enlarged liver and aching pain in the 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 period of roundworm migration and settlement in the lungs;
• insomnia;
• reduced cognitive abilities;
• convulsions;
• obstructive jaundice and intestinal obstruction.

Hookworm disease

The causative agents of the diseases are worms, hookworms and necators. Symptoms of the disease:

• urticaria and dermatitis, when the larvae penetrate the skin, swelling is formed at the site of penetration, which causes a burning sensation and itching;
• bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis can be observed during the migration of parasites in the human body, in which 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 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 stool 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;
• ileus;
• 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, 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 irritability;
• when the larvae settle in the brain, cysticercosis develops, which manifests itself in slurred speech, epilepsy, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness;
• When the parasite migrates, it can invade the eyes, heart, and lungs.

Echinococcosis

The causative agent of the disease is the Echinococcus tapeworm. The worm is dangerous because it can form cysts in almost all internal organs: heart, liver, brain, lungs, etc. The disease is very insidious, as it is completely asymptomatic at first, and clinical manifestations can already be observed. later stages of hydatid cyst formation.

Symptoms of the disease:

• occurrence of pain at the site of cyst formation;
• weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• skin allergies in the form of hives and itching;
• dysfunction of the affected organ: if the liver is affected, the appetite deteriorates, nausea and vomiting occur, if the lungs are affected, then cough, shortness of breath, fever, if affected, then epilepsy; occurs, paresis of the arms and legs, with the formation of a cyst in the heart, the development of serious cardiac pathologies is possible;
• When a cyst ruptures, the parasites spread to all internal organs and systems at a tremendous speed, which can lead to very serious complications and even the death of the patient.

Alveococcosis

The causative agent of the disease is the tapeworm alveococcus. This disease is considered indolent: from the moment of infection to the development of the disease, 10 or more years may pass. Symptoms of the disease: dermatological manifestations:

• skin itching and hives;
• bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
• a feeling of pain and 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 lamblia. Sometimes asymptomatic carriage occurs without obvious signs of the disease. Symptoms:

• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, belching, diarrhea and constipation;
• specific pain in the navel area;
• loss of appetite, bloating;
• rise in temperature;
• general fatigue, reduced performance;
• irritability and nervousness;
• skin itching.

Amoebiasis

This disease is caused by a histological amoeba. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease can be completely absent, and sometimes, on the contrary, they are very clearly manifested. The symptoms appear in two forms: intestinal and extraintestinal. The extraintestinal form of amebiasis affects the lungs, brain, urinary system and skin, but the intestinal form is the most common.

Symptoms of intestinal amebiasis:

• painful diarrhea with frequent urges (up to 20 times), sometimes with blood;
• stomach ache;
• increase in temperature indicators;
• vomiting and nausea;
• lack of appetite.

After a while, the symptoms of the disease may disappear on their own for a while, and then appear with renewed force.

Schistosomiasis

The causative agent of the disease is the blood-clotting schistosome. The disease has several stages of development:

• in the early stage, the patient develops allergic reactions, which are manifested by rashes and swelling, cough and hemoptysis, which is paroxysmal in nature, with general malaise and joint and muscle pain;
• when the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms are limited to urinary disorders (pain and pain during urination, more frequent urination, night and day urinary incontinence);
• There are particularly serious cases that lead to the death of the patient.

There are many symptoms of parasites in the human body. Without laboratory tests, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of parasites in the body based only on the symptoms themselves. The severity of the symptoms depends primarily on the person's defense mechanisms, the localization and type of the parasite.

A series of tests must be performed to determine the presence of parasites

Another significant problem is the ability of most parasites to exist in the human body for a long time, sometimes without symptoms. Therefore, if there are signs of a sluggish chronic disease, it is worth checking for the presence of parasites.

Methods of diagnosing parasites:

Direct methods: stool analysis, urinalysis, scraping of the perianal area, subungual phalanges, analysis of sputum and duodenal contents. These methods have several disadvantages related to the characteristics and development period of the parasite and the condition of the human body.

Ultrasound is also used to examine the presence of parasites in the body.

In order to increase the information content of such diagnostics, it is necessary to undergo multiple tests. But this does not guarantee that you will receive reliable information. Recently, fecal analysis using the PCR method has been used, which significantly increases the efficiency of direct methods, as it helps to identify parasites based on 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 purpose of the enzyme immunoassay method is to determine the presence of antibodies against different 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 stage, there may be no signs of the presence of parasites in the human body. It can take years for a parasite infection to manifest. For the first unexplained illness, you should consult a specialist. It is important to note that if someone is bothered by any of the symptoms described above, they should immediately consult a specialist (immunologist or parasitologist), especially if it affects children.

The doctor will order tests that must be done several times to get more reliable information. The appropriate treatment is then 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 the food and immediately seek qualified help from a specialist.