The problem of infection with parasites is not sufficiently covered in society, so a person becomes interested in the question of how to identify parasites in the body only after the worms have already caused serious damage to health.
People are used to not noticing the problem that has arisen until the effects of the helminths affect their well-being.
In order to start treatment in time, it is important to know how to determine the presence of parasites in the body - it is about the symptoms of helminthiasis, which we will talk about in the article.
Parasites, their types
Parasites are lower life forms that exist at the expense of the host organism. They can be present on the surface of the skin and affect internal organs, tissues and mucous membranes.
The protozoa consume the nutrients that enter the host's body and poison the human body with the products of their vital activity.
There are several main types of parasites, depending on their location:
- Endoparasites exist in the human body (Echinococcus, Lamblia, Toxoplasma as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi);
- Ectoparasites live on the surface of the body, they can exist in the external environment. Their vital activity is based on the uptake of blood and tissue cells from the host's body. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bed bugs.
Most often, pinworms, ascaris, pork tapeworm, beef tapeworm, lamblia, alveococcus, echinococcus, wide tapeworm are found by worms.
The adult body, together with all functional systems, is able to prevent some parasite attacks.
In the oral cavity, together with the saliva, enzymes are produced that are fatal to worm eggs. The acidic environment of the stomach also acts as a protective system.
The next protective barrier - for particularly stubborn representatives of helminths - is the immune system.
However, in the immature body of children, protective barriers cannot work, which can lead to infection with parasites.
In the course of evolution, endoparasites have learned to survive in incredible conditions, to adapt to all changes and to destroy the body asymptomatically without practically betraying their presence.
According to studies, it can take several months or even years from the time of infection to the appearance of the first signs of helminthiasis.
To identify infection early on, you need to know how to identify parasites in the human body.
You should carefully observe the changes in your own body and their signals in order to timely notice the symptoms of poisoning with the waste products of helminths and determine whether there are parasites in the body.
Signs of worm infestation
The presence of parasites in the body always affects the state of human health. But the signs that indicate the defeat of the protozoa are similar to the symptoms of more common ailments.
A medical exam may be done to find out if there are parasites in the body.
There are the following groups of signs that indicate an infection of the organism:
- Poisoning of the body;
- damage to the nervous system;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Skin problems.
Systematic exposure to toxic substances produced by parasites can lead to headache, weakness, nausea and increased fatigue.
There's a slight rise in temperature to 37. 5 for no apparent reason. The work of the immune system is disturbed, which is a consequence of colds, intestinal diseases, allergies.
A clear sign of a parasite infestation is inadequate weight loss due to the body's struggle with worms for nutrients.
Children are most susceptible to this symptom. If the child has lost weight dramatically in the usual way of life, it is urgent to check whether the child has helminthiasis.
As a result of prolonged poisoning with worm poisons, nervousness, depressive states and irritability occur.
Sleep disorders can be triggered especially in the middle of the night. At this time, the liver is most active according to the human biorhythm, and an unreasonable awakening can be the result of the body's attempts to get rid of toxic substances.
According to some sources, the response of the nervous system to parasitic interference is bruxism - grinding of teeth while sleeping. Many consider this to be a sign of the presence of parasites in a child that has not been scientifically confirmed.
The presence of parasites has a negative impact on the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract. Worms act on the intestinal wall and cause irritation and inflammation.
This reduces the absorption of nutrients and fats. The worms move into the colon and cause cramp-like pain. During their vital activity, many types of parasites secrete certain substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms have different shapes and sizes, so they can be the cause of some organs, biliary and intestinal ducts becoming blocked, leading to constipation.
Located in the small intestine, parasitic creatures cause gas, gas, and inflammation. Frequent flatulence indicates the presence of microorganisms in the system.
A disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, in turn, leads to skin changes: acne, acne, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Parasites are often the cause of allergic reactions: urticaria, rash, eczema. This is because the worms produce a toxin that activates the immune system, causing the body to respond.
If you notice any of the changes listed above in yourself or your child, you should see a doctor immediately to have yourself checked for parasites.
A qualified parasitologist will conduct an understandable and accessible instruction (explain how to check which tests to take) and prescribe treatment based on the results of the tests.
Laboratory methods for diagnosing helminthiasis
In the human body, parasites, their larvae and eggs can be found in various organs. The ability to move around in the body, and thus to be in every system of the body, makes it difficult to detect helminthiasis.
At an early stage, parasites can be detected in a maximum of 15% of the total number of infected people.
How to find out if there are helminths in the bodyIn order to detect all clinical forms of parasites, complex studies are carried out in which different methods are combined.
To detect worms in laboratory research, the following biological materials are used:
- Feces;
- Bile;
- Urine;
- Sputum;
- Blood;
- Muscle;
- perianal and rectal mucus.
The traditional method that you can use to check a child or an adult for the presence of protozoa is to examine the patient's stool.
To do this, you need to pass the appropriate analysis. This proven method allows you to determine the presence of bodies, larvae and eggs of protozoa to reveal their type.
The immunological method consists of a blood test that detects antigens and antibodies against certain types of microorganisms.
Antigens are directly represented by parasites and toxins produced by them, and antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced against antigens in human blood.
This method is informative, with its help it is possible to detect more than 90% of the types of parasitic microorganisms.
A blood test makes it possible to identify the parasitic organism and find out the dynamics of the development of the disease.
The serological method is used in the acute stage of the disease. You will need to donate blood for this analysis.
Biofluid serves as a material in which antibodies against a certain type of parasite can be found.
This method is often used in combination with X-ray, ultrasound and endoscopic examinations.
PCR diagnostics allow you to check the body for the presence of parasites. The method enables the detection of a certain parasitic organism by means of a specific DNA analysis.
With the help of PCR diagnostics, parasites can be detected in the test material and the later development of the disease can be predicted.
In modern medicine, parasites are more rarely detected by bioresonance studies, histological coprograms, hemoscanning and electroacupuncture.
Every year new and existing and examined diagnostic procedures are developed and improved. This will allow you to identify parasites at a stage when the worms have not yet caused changes in the work of the body.
Modern medicine recommends prophylaxis against parasite infestation twice a year. There are many drugs available for this.
Before taking any medication, you should consult a doctor, since antihelminthics are toxic not only to helminths, but also to the human body.