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 must be understood that during their life in the human body, these can cause the development of many diseases, which 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 are found in a particular organ, the worse its general condition becomes. Except in the internal organs, the presence of parasitic vital activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of pathogenic organism feeds on foods that a person consumes.
There are only 2 types of parasites depending on what their habitat is 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, that is, on the skin. These absorb blood and human cells. Ectoparasites include lice, mites and bedbugs.
An adult's body is designed to prevent entry and eliminate the vital activity of some parasites. For example, when saliva is produced in the mouth, enzymes are produced that prevent worms from reproducing and laying eggs.
The action of such enzymes in such cases is destructive. The protective function is performed by the gastric acid environment and human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites simply cannot function, which can be explained by the immature immune system. It is weak immunity that causes the invasion and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, some types of parasites do not yield to the body's protective barrier, penetrate and destroy it without obvious symptoms and signs. The length of the incubation period (at the moment it enters the body - the first symptoms) can be 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 need to carefully monitor your health, not lose sight of the slightest changes and symptoms and immediately contact a specialist.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate parasites in the body
You can check if there are parasites in the body by the following signs and symptoms:
- bowel movement. These include frequent constipation and diarrhea. When the parasites are located in the bile or intestinal ducts and block them with their size, it can result in infrequent and difficult bowel movements. Some pathogenic organisms can produce a hormone-like substance that causes frequent diarrhea. Thus, diarrhea is not only considered a protective reaction of the body to the consumption of "wrong" food, but also a sign of the presence of a parasitic infection in the body.
- flatulence. Increased gas formation and bloating are symptoms of the presence of parasites in the small intestine, which are the cause of the development of the inflammatory process. Signs of bloating are observed until the person is cured of the worms.
- "irritable 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 disruption in the gastrointestinal tract appear, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, decreases. When it is impossible to assimilate fat through the small intestine, it begins to invade the colon area, causing cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- joint and muscle pain. Often, parasites are localized in the muscles and joints, thereby causing pain that a person mistakes for arthritis.
- Allergic reaction. With excessive release of toxic substances by worms, the immune response in the body is activated by the production of an increased dose of protective cells - eosinophils. Such cells become the cause of the development of the inflammatory process in tissues, thereby causing an allergic reaction.
- skin pathologies. Symptoms in such cases can be expressed in urticaria, various types of rashes, eczema, wounds on the skin, tumors, papillomas. With worms in the intestines, damage to the skin can occur due to the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots and wrinkles.
- Chronic Fatigue. The symptoms in this case are as follows: constant 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 recognize parasites in the human body under stationary conditions? This can be determined both in the laboratory and with the help of devices. 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 such organisms. It is not always possible to identify worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, multiple procedures are necessary.
- serological study. Tried and tested over the years, this study has become one of the most popular methods of testing blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, human immunity reacts to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. This type of diagnostics includes such tests as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
The hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Conducting an ultrasound scan to detect echinococci in the body.
- X-ray examination to detect parasites, for example in the lungs.
- endoscopy and biopsy. Similar types of diagnostics are prescribed to detect helminths in internal organs, followed by tissue samples for research purposes.
Elimination of parasites from the body
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body found out. Now it's worth thinking about ways to get rid of them. The therapy of a parasitic infection 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 ingestion, which help to cleanse the body and reduce the manifestation of symptoms of intoxication;
- from choleretic agents, preparations based on an extract of sandy immortelle flowers and bovine bile should be highlighted;
- to eliminate spasms, you can drink decoctions of herbs such as St. John's wort, wild rose and valerian throughout the day;
- Enzyme supplements are also recommended.
Stage 2 - implementation of deworming
The main antiparasitic therapy consists in taking a special drug prescribed by a specialist. The dosage should be determined only by a doctor, since such drugs are very toxic and if the required amount is exceeded, they can be harmful to health.
Biologically active additives are also often used, the components of which include bitter herbs that have an anthelmintic effect on the body. Dietary supplements have fewer side effects and do not cause dysfunction of an organ 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 and hepatoprotectors that help normalize the activity of such organs as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas is also recommended.
Only complex treatment will help to get rid not only of parasites in general, but also of the negative consequences of their vital activity.