How to understand 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 they during their life in the human body can cause the development of many quite dangerous diseases. For this reason it is recommended to perform preventive examinations and perform special tests.
General characteristics of parasites
The presence of such living organisms can be in any part of the body, and the more they are made in a certain organ, the worse is its general condition. In addition to the internal organs, the presence of vital parasitic activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of pathogen organisms feeds on the foods a person consumes.
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 organism itself, respectively in the internal organs and systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various types of fungi.
- The vital activity of ectoparasites is observed in the surface layer of the body, namely the skin. These absorb human blood and cells. Ectoparasites include lice, mites, bedbugs.
The body of an adult is created in such a way as to prevent the 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 acidic environment of the stomach, as well as human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may simply not work, which can be explained by the immune system not yet fully formed. It is the weak immunity that causes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, some types of parasites do not submit to the body's protective barrier, entering it and destroying it without obvious symptoms and signs. The duration of the incubation period (the moment it enters the body - the first symptoms) can reach several years, during which a person leads a normal life, unaware of 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, not to lose any changes and symptoms, even the slightest, by immediately contacting a specialist.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate that there are parasites in the body
You can check if there are parasites in the body by the following signs and symptoms:
- bowel disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites are localized in the bile ducts or intestines and block them with their large size, this can cause a rare and difficult bowel movement. 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.
- bounce. Increased gas formation and bloating are symptoms of the presence of parasites in the small intestine, which is the cause of the development of the inflammatory process. Signs of bloating will be noticed until the person recovers from the worms.
- "Irritated bowel". A similar syndrome is a consequence of irritation of the intestinal walls by parasites and the inflammatory process caused by it. At the same time, various symptoms of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction appear, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, is reduced. If it is impossible to assimilate fat from the small intestine, it begins to penetrate the colon area, which causes cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pain. Often, the parasites are localized to muscles and joints, causing pain, which one confuses with arthritis.
- Allergic reaction. With the excessive release of toxic substances from worms, the immune response is activated in the body through the production of an increased dose of protective cells - eosinophils. Such cells become the cause of 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 lesions, tumors, papillomas. With worms found in the gut, skin damage can occur through the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. Symptoms in this case are as follows: persistent general malaise, apathy, depression, poor memory. Such signs can be explained by a violation of the 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? Their determination can be both laboratory and with the help of equipment. Laboratory methods for diagnosing worms include:
- microscopy. The most common method for detecting worms. During diagnosis, human feces are examined for the presence of eggs of such organisms. It is not always possible to identify worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, some procedures are needed.
- Serological study. This study, tested over the years, has become one of the most popular methods for examining blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, human immunity will respond to pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate into it. This type of diagnosis includes tests such as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Perform an ultrasound examination to detect echinococcosis 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 internal organs, followed by tissue sampling for research.
Elimination of parasites from the body
Discover how to determine the presence of parasites in the body. Now it's worth considering ways to eliminate them. The therapy of a parasitic infection is performed in 3 stages.
Phase 1 - Preparatory
During this period, the human body must prepare for the main treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed for intake, which help cleanse the body and reduce the manifestation of intoxication symptoms;
- of choleretic agents, it is worth noting preparations based on an extract of sand and bile immortelle flowers of cattle;
- to eliminate spasm, you can drink decoctions of herbs such as St. John's wort, wild rose, valerian throughout the day;
- Enzymatic preparations are also recommended.
Stage 2 - Perform deworming
The main antiparasitic therapy consists of taking a special medicine prescribed by a specialist. The dose should be determined only by the doctor, because such drugs are quite toxic and can be dangerous to health if the required volume is exceeded.
Biologically active additives are often used, the ingredients of which contain bitter herbs that have an anti-helminthic effect on the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and do not cause disruption of the functioning of an organ such as the liver.
Phase 3 - Recovery period
At this time, it is necessary to take probiotics and prebiotics to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Also recommended therapy with complexes of vitamins, enzymes, hepatoprotectors, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only complex treatment will help remove not only parasites in general, but also from the negative consequences of their vital activity.