The problem of parasite infection is not sufficiently covered in society, so a person begins to get interested in the question of how to identify parasites in the body, only after the worms have already caused serious harm to health.
People are used to not noticing the problem that has arisen until the effects of the helminths begin to affect their well-being.
To begin treatment in a timely manner, it is important to know how to determine the presence of parasites in the body - these are the symptoms of helminthiasis that we will talk about in the article.
Parasites, their types
Parasites are inferior life forms that exist at the expense of the host organism. They can exist on the surface of the skin, affect internal organs, tissues, mucous membranes.
By consuming the nutrients that enter the host's body, protozoa poison the human body with the products of their vital activity.
Depending on the location, there are several main types of parasites:
- endoparasites exist inside 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 absorption of the blood cells and tissues of the host's body. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bedbugs.
Most often, pinworms, roundworms, pork tapeworms, bovine tapeworms, lamblia, alveococcus, echinococcus, broad tapeworms are found from worms.
The adult body, along with all functional systems, is able to prevent some parasite attacks.
In the oral cavity, along with saliva, enzymes that are fatal to the worm eggs are produced. The acidic environment of the stomach also acts as a protective system.
The next barrier of protection - for particularly persistent representatives of helminths - is the immune system.
However, in the immature body of babies, protective barriers may fail, which can lead to parasite infection.
In the process of evolution, endoparasites have learned to survive in incredible conditions, adapt to any changes and destroy the body asymptomatically, practically without betraying their presence.
According to studies, it can take several months or even years from the time of infection until the first signs of helminthiasis appear.
To detect infection at an early stage, it is necessary to know how to identify parasites in the human body.
You should carefully monitor the changes in your body and its signals to timely notice the symptoms of intoxication with the waste products of helminths and identify if 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 common ailments.
To find out if parasites are present in the body, he will allow a medical examination.
There are the following groups of signs that indicate infection of the organism:
- intoxication 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 headaches, weakness, nausea and increased fatigue.
There is a slight rise in temperature to 37. 5 for no apparent reason. The work of the immune system is disrupted, which is a consequence of the occurrence of colds, intestinal disorders, allergies.
A clear sign of parasite infestation is unreasonable weight loss due to the body's struggle with worms for nutrients.
Children are more sensitive to this symptom. If the child has drastically lost weight in the usual way of life, it is urgent to check whether the child has helminthiasis.
As a result of prolonged poisoning with worm toxins, nervousness, depressive states and irritability occur.
Sleep disturbances can be triggered, especially in the middle of the night. At this time, according to human biorhythms, the liver is more active, and an unreasonable awakening can be the result of the body's attempts to get rid of toxic substances.
According to some sources, the reaction of the nervous system to parasitic intervention is bruxism: grinding of the teeth during sleep. Many consider this a sign of the presence of parasites in a child, which has not been scientifically confirmed.
The presence of parasites has a negative impact on the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract. The worms act on the intestinal wall, causing irritation and inflammation.
As a result, the absorption of nutrients and fatty compounds is reduced. Moving into the large intestine, the worms cause cramping pains. During their vital activity, many types of parasites secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms have different shapes and sizes, so they can be the cause of blockage of some organs, bile and intestinal ducts, which leads to constipation.
Located in the small intestine, parasitic creatures cause flatulence, bloating and inflammation. Frequent swelling indicates the presence of microorganisms in the system.
Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, in turn, leads to changes in the skin: acne, acne, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Often parasites are the cause of allergic reactions: hives, rashes, eczema. This is due to the fact that the worms produce a poison that activates the immune system, which leads to a response from the body.
If you notice many of the changes listed above in yourself or your baby, you should immediately contact a doctor to check for parasites.
A qualified parasitologist will conduct understandable and accessible instruction (explain how to be checked, what tests to perform) and, based on the test results, prescribe treatment.
Laboratory methods for the diagnosis of helminthiasis
In the human body, parasites, their larvae and eggs can be found in different organs. The ability to move within the body and, consequently, to be in every system of the body, makes it difficult to identify helminthiasis.
At an early stage, parasites can be detected in no more than 15% of patients from the total number of infected.
How to find out if there are helminths in the body? In order to detect all clinical forms of parasites, complex studies are carried out, combining various methods.
To detect worms in the laboratory research process, the following biological materials are used:
- feces;
- bile;
- urine;
- sputum;
- blood;
- muscle;
- perianal and rectal mucus.
The traditional method by which it is possible to check a child or an adult for the presence of protozoa is to study the patient's stool.
To do this, it is necessary to pass the appropriate analysis. This proven method allows you to determine the presence of protozoan bodies, larvae and eggs, to reveal their type.
The immunological method consists of a blood test that detects antigens and antibodies against certain types of microorganisms.
Antigens are represented directly by parasites and the toxins they produce, 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 species of parasitic microorganisms.
Following a blood test, it is possible to recognize 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. For this analysis, you need to donate blood.
The biofluid will serve as a material in which antibodies against a certain type of parasite can be found.
This method is often used in conjunction with X-ray, ultrasound and endoscopic examinations.
You can check the body for the presence of parasites through PCR diagnostics. The method makes it possible to detect a specific parasitic organism through a specific DNA analysis.
With the help of PCR diagnostics, it is possible both to detect parasites in the test material and to project the subsequent development of the disease.
Less commonly in modern medicine, parasites are detected using bioresonance studies, histological coprograms, emoscanning, and electroacupuncture.
New, existing and studied diagnostic methods are developed and improved every year. This allows 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 of parasite infestation twice a year. There are many medications for this.
Before using drugs, you should consult a doctor, since anthelmintic agents are toxic not only to helminths, but also to the human body.