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 these things, in the course of their existence in the human body, can be the cause of many quite dangerous diseases. It is for this reason that it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations and carry out 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 a particular organ, the worse its general condition. In addition to internal organs, the presence of parasitic activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of disease-causing organism feeds on the foods that 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 body itself, namely in organs and internal systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various fungi.
- Important ectoparasites activity is observed on the surface layer of the body, i. e. on the skin. They absorb human blood and cells. Parasites include lice, ticks, and bedbugs.
The body of an adult is designed in such a way that it can prevent the entry of, as well as, the vital activity of certain parasites. For example, when saliva is produced in the mouth, enzymes are formed to prevent the 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 by human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may not work, which can be explained by the immune system not yet fully formed. It is the weak immunity that causes the invasion and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to many studies, some types of parasites do not give in to the body's protective barrier, invading and destroying it without obvious symptoms and signs. The incubation period (the moment it enters the body - the first symptoms) can be up to several years, during which a person leads a normal life, unaware of the existence of the parasite.
There are several ways to detect parasites in the body, but first of all, you need to monitor your health carefully, not paying attention to any changes and symptoms, even the smallest, Contact a specialist immediately.
Diseases and medical conditions that indicate parasites in the body
You can check for parasites in your body by the following signs and symptoms:
- stool disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites colonize the biliary tract or intestinal tract and cause obstruction with their large size, this can cause rare and difficult defecation. Some pathogenic organisms can produce a hormone-like substance that causes frequent diarrhea. Therefore, diarrhea is considered not only a protective response of the body to the "wrong" consumption of food, but also a sign of the presence of a parasitic infection in the body.
- Flatulence. Increased gas formation and flatulence are symptoms of the presence of parasites in the small intestine, which is the cause of the development of the inflammatory process. Signs of flatulence will be observed until the person is cured of worms.
- "Inflammatory bowel contractions". The same syndrome results from irritation of the intestinal wall by the parasite and the inflammatory process caused by the parasite. At the same time, various symptoms of gastrointestinal disruption occur, the absorption of all nutrients, including fats, decreases. If the small intestine is unable to assimilate fat, it begins to enter the thickened area, causing cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pain. Usually, the parasites colonize the muscles and joints, thus causing pain, which can be confused with arthritis.
- Allergy. With the excessive release of toxic substances by the worms, an 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 inflammatory processes in the tissues, thereby causing an allergic reaction.
- Skin diseases. Symptoms in this case can be manifested by urticaria, various types of rashes, eczema, sores on the skin, tumors, papillomas. With worms found in the intestines, skin damage can occur through the appearance of acne, increased sebum secretion, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. The symptoms in this case are as follows: constant general malaise, lethargy, 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 identify obvious symptoms of the presence of parasites. It is also necessary to confirm their presence and the methods of treatment. How to identify parasites in the human body at static conditions? Their identification can be both laboratory and with the help of equipment. Laboratory methods for diagnosing worms include:
- Microscope. The most common method for detecting worms. During the diagnostic process, 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, several procedures are needed.
- Serological study. This study, which has been tested for many years, has become one of the most popular methods of testing blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, the human immunity will react to pathogenic microorganisms that get into it. This type of diagnosis includes tests such as immunofluorescence, polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Conduct ultrasound to detect echinococcus bacteria in the body.
- X-ray examination to detect parasites, for example, in the lungs.
- Endoscopy and biopsy. Similar diagnostic categories are prescribed to detect helminths in internal organs, followed by tissue sampling for study.
Remove parasites from the body
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body, find out. Now it's worth looking at ways to get rid of them. Treatment of parasitic infections is carried out in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - Preparation
During this period, the human body must be prepared for the main treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed for oral administration, which help to cleanse the body and reduce the manifestation of the symptoms of intoxication;
- from choleretic agents, it is worth highlighting preparations based on extracts of sandalwood flowers and nectar;
- to eliminate spasms, you can drink a decoction 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 medicine prescribed by a specialist. Dosage should only be determined by a doctor, as these drugs are quite toxic and can be dangerous to health if the required amount is exceeded.
Often, bioactive additives are also used, the ingredients of which contain bitter herbs that have an anthelmintic effect on the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and don't disrupt the functioning of an organ like the liver.
Stage 3 - Recovery phase
At this time, it is necessary to supplement with probiotics and prebiotics to restore the normal functioning of the digestive tract. It is also recommended to treat with vitamin complexes, enzymes, hepatoprotectants, which help to normalize the functioning of such organs as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only complex treatment helps to get rid of not only parasites in general, but also the negative consequences of their vital activity.