How do we know that there are parasites in the body? Many people do not even think about such a question and, of course, in vain. It should be understood that these during their lifetime in the human body can cause the development of many diseases that are quite dangerous. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations and special tests.
General characteristics of parasites
The presence of such living organisms can be in any part of the body and the more they become in an organ, the worse its general condition. In addition to internal organs, the presence of parasitic vital activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of pathogen feeds on foods that humans consume.
There are only 2 types of parasites, depending on their habitat in the human body:
- The vital activity of endoparasites is observed directly in the body itself, namely in the internal organs and systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various types of fungi.
- The vital activity of ectoparasites is observed on the surface layer of the body, ie on the skin. They absorb blood and human cells. Ectoparasites include lice, mites, bedbugs.
The body of an adult is designed in such a way that it can prevent penetration as well as eliminate the vital activity of some parasites. For example, when saliva is produced in the mouth, enzymes are formed that prevent worms from multiplying and laying eggs.
The action of such enzymes in such cases is destructive. The protective function is performed by the gastric acidic environment, as well as by human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may simply not work, which can be explained by the not yet fully formed immune system. It is the weak immunity that causes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, some types of parasites do not succumb to the body's protective barrier, penetrating it and destroying it without obvious symptoms and signs. The duration of the incubation period (the moment when it enters the body - the first symptoms) can reach several years, during which a person lives a normal life without knowing about the existence of parasites.
There are several ways to find out if there are parasites in the body, but first of all, you should carefully monitor your health, do not lose sight of any, even the smallest changes and symptoms, contact a specialist immediately.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate that there are parasites in the body
You can check for parasites in the body by the following signs and symptoms:
- stool disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites are localized in the bile or intestinal tract and block them with their large size, this can cause infrequent and difficult bowel movements. Some pathogens can produce a hormone-like substance that causes frequent diarrhea. Thus, diarrhea is considered not only a protective reaction of the body to the consumption of "wrong" foods, but also a sign of the presence of a parasitic infection in the body.
- Flatulence. Increased flatulence and bloating are symptoms of the presence of parasites in the small intestine, which is the reason for the development of the inflammatory process. Signs of flatulence will be observed until the person is cured of the worms.
- "Irritable Bowel". Such a syndrome is a consequence of irritation of the intestinal wall by parasites and the inflammatory process caused by it. At the same time there are various symptoms of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, decreases. If it is impossible to absorb fat from the small intestine, they begin to penetrate the colon, causing cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pain. Often the parasites are localized in the muscles and joints, thus causing pain that a person confuses with arthritis.
- Alergic reaction. With excessive release of toxic substances from worms, the immune response is activated in the body by producing an increased dose of protective cells - eosinophils. Such cells cause the development of the inflammatory process in the tissues, thus causing an allergic reaction.
- Skin pathologies. Symptoms in such cases can be expressed in urticaria, various types of rashes, eczema, skin wounds, tumors, papillomas. With worms found in the intestines, skin damage can occur due to the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. The symptoms in this case are as follows: constant malaise, apathy, depression, poor memory. Such signs can be explained by impaired absorption of nutrients from food.
Diagnosis of parasites in the body
It is not enough to determine the pronounced symptoms of the presence of parasites. It is also necessary to confirm their presence and therapeutic methods. How to identify parasites in the human body in stationary conditions? The determination of these can be both laboratory and with the help of equipment. Laboratory methods for diagnosing worms include:
- Microscopy. The most common method of detecting worms. During the diagnosis, human feces are examined for the presence of eggs from such organisms. It is not always possible to identify worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, several procedures are required.
- Serological test. This test, tested over the years, has become one of the most popular methods of testing blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, the human immune system will react to pathogenic microorganisms entering it. This type of diagnosis includes such tests as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Performing an ultrasound examination to detect echinococcus in the body.
- X-ray examination to detect parasites, for example in the lungs.
- Endoscopy and biopsy. Similar types of diagnostics are prescribed for the detection of helminths in the internal organs, followed by taking tissue samples for examination.
Elimination of parasites from the body
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body established. It is now worth considering ways to eliminate them. The treatment of parasitic infection is carried out in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - Preparatory
During this period, the human body must be prepared for basic treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed for intake, which help cleanse the body and reduce the symptoms of intoxication;
- from choleretic drugs it is worth emphasizing preparations based on the extract of sand flowers of immortelle and bile from cattle;
- to eliminate spasm, you can drink decoctions of herbs such as St. John's wort, wild rose, valerian throughout the day;
- Enzyme preparations are also recommended.
Stage 2 - Deworming
The main antiparasitic therapy consists of taking a special drug prescribed by a specialist. The dosage should be determined only by a doctor, as such drugs are quite toxic and can be dangerous to health if the required volume is exceeded.
Biologically active supplements are often used, whose components contain bitter herbs that have an anthelmintic effect on the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and do not cause organ dysfunction such as the liver.
Stage 3 - Recovery period
At this time it is necessary to take probiotics and prebiotics to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therapy with vitamin complexes, enzymes, hepatoprotectors is also recommended, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only complex treatment will help get rid not only of parasites in general, but also of the negative consequences of their vital activity.