How to understand that there are parasites in the body? Many people do not think of such a question, and, of course, in vain. It should be understood that they while living in the human body can cause the development of many quite dangerous diseases. For this reason it is recommended to undergo a preventive examination and take 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 in a particular organ, the worse the general condition. In addition to internal organs, the presence of significant parasitic activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues, and mucous membranes. This type of pathogenic organism feeds on food taken by a person.
There are only 2 types of parasites, depending on their habitat in the human body:
- Significant activity of endoparasites is observed directly in the body itself, i. e. in internal organs and systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various types of fungi.
- Significant activity of ectoparasites is observed on the surface layer of the body, i. e. on the skin. It absorbs human blood and cells. Ectoparasites include lice, mites, bugs.
The adult body 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 acidic environment of the gastric, as well as human immunity. In children, the protective barrier against parasites may not work, which may be explained by an not yet fully formed immune system. It is a weakened immunity that causes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to many studies, some types of parasites do not give in to the body’s protective barrier, get into it and destroy it without obvious symptoms and signs. The duration of the incubation period (when 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 whether there are parasites in the body, but first of all, you need to monitor your health carefully, do not overlook anything, even the slightest changes and symptoms, immediately contact 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 with the following signs and symptoms:
- fecal disorders. These include frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasite is localized in the bile or intestinal tract, and blocks it to a large size, this can cause infrequent and difficult bowel movements. Some pathogenic organisms can produce hormone-like substances that cause frequent diarrhea. Therefore, diarrhea is considered not only as a protective response of the body to the consumption of "wrong" foods, but also a sign of the presence of parasitic infections in the body.
- Bloated stomach. Increased gas formation and bloating are symptoms of the presence of parasites in the small intestine, which are the cause of the development of inflammatory processes. Signs of bloating will be observed until the person recovers from the worms.
- "Intestinal Irritation". A similar syndrome is the result of irritation of the intestinal wall by parasites and the inflammatory processes caused by it. At the same time, various symptoms of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract occur, the absorption of all nutrients, including fats, decreases. If it is not possible to assimilate fat by the small intestine, it begins to penetrate into thick areas, causing cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pain. Often, parasites are localized in muscles and joints, thus causing pain, which one confuses with arthritis.
- Allergic reactions. With the release of excessive toxic substances by worms, the immune response is activated in the body through the production of increased doses of protective cells - eosinophils. Such cells are the cause of the development of inflammatory processes in tissues, leading to allergic reactions.
- Skin pathology. Symptoms in such cases can be expressed in urticaria, various types of rashes, eczema, lesions on the skin, tumors, papillomas. With worms found in the intestines, damage to the skin can occur through the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. The symptoms in this case are as follows: persistent general lethargy, apathy, depression, poor memory. Such symptoms can be explained by a violation of the absorption of nutrients from food.
Diagnosis of parasites in the body
It is not sufficient to determine the signs of the presence of parasites. It is also necessary to confirm their presence and therapeutic methods. How to identify parasites in the human body at rest? Their determination 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 diagnosis, human feces are examined for the presence of eggs of the organism. It is not always possible to identify worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, several procedures are required.
- Serological studies. This study, tested over many years, has become one of the most popular methods of checking blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, human immunity will respond to pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate into it. These types of diagnostics include tests such as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Perform ultrasound examination to detect echinococcus in the body.
- X-ray examination to detect parasites, for example, in the lungs.
- Endoscopy and biopsy. A similar type of diagnostic is prescribed to detect helminths in internal organs, followed by tissue sampling for research.
Removal of parasites from the body
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body, found. Now it is worth considering ways to eliminate it. The therapy of parasitic infections is carried out in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - Inventory
During this period, the human body must be prepared for the main treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed to take, which help cleanse the body and reduce the manifestations of symptoms of intoxication;
- of choleretic agents, it is worth highlighting preparations based on extracts of sandy immortelle flowers and bile of cattle;
- to relieve cramps, you can drink herbal decoctions such as St. John's wort. John, wild rose, valerian all day;
- Enzyme preparations are also recommended.
Stage 2 - Running deworming
Primary antiparasitic therapy consists of taking special medications prescribed by a specialist. The dose should be determined only by a doctor, because the drug is quite toxic and can be harmful to health if the required amount is exceeded.
Often, biologically active additives are also used, components of which contain bitter herbs that have antihelminthic effects on the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and do not cause dysfunction of organs such as the liver.
Stage 3 - Recovery period
At this time, it is necessary to take probiotics and prebiotics to restore the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also recommended therapy with a complex of vitamins, enzymes, hepatoprotectors, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only a complex treatment will help get rid of not only parasites in general, but also the negative consequences of their life activities.