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 those during their life in the human body can cause the development of many rather dangerous diseases. It is for this reason that it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations and to undergo special tests.
General characteristics of parasites
The presence of such living organisms can be anywhere in 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 vital activity can also be observed in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of pathogenic organisms 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, especially in 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, bedbugs.
The body of an adult is designed in such a way as to 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 these enzymes in these cases is destructive. The protective function is performed by the gastric acid environment and human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may simply not work, which can be explained by the not yet fully formed immune system. It is a weak immunity that causes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, some types of parasites do not yield to the protective barrier of the body, entering and destroying it without obvious symptoms and signs. The duration of the incubation period (the moment it enters the body - the first symptoms) can reach several years, during which time a person lives a normal life, not knowing 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, do not lose sight of anyone, even the slightest change and symptom, immediately contact a specialist.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate the presence of parasites in the body
You can check if there are parasites in the body by the following signs and symptoms:
- stool disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites are localized in the bile or intestinal ducts and block them with their large size, this can cause a rare and difficult bowel movement. Some pathogenic organisms can produce a hormone-like substance that causes frequent diarrhea. Therefore, diarrhea is considered not only a protective reaction of the body to the consumption of the "wrong" foods, 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 is the cause of the development of the inflammatory process. Signs of flatulence will be observed until the person is cured of the worms.
- "Irritable bowel". A similar syndrome is a consequence of the irritation of the intestinal walls by parasites and the inflammatory process caused by it. At the same time, various symptoms of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract occur, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, decreases. If it is impossible to assimilate fat from the small intestine, it begins to penetrate the region of the dense, causing cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pains. Often the parasites are localized in the muscles and joints, thereby causing pain, which a person confuses with arthritis.
- Allergic reaction. With an excessive release of toxic substances by the worms, the 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 the inflammatory process in the tissues, thereby provoking an allergic reaction.
- Skin pathologies. Symptoms in these cases can be expressed in 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, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. 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 modalities. How to identify parasites in the human body in stationary conditions? The determination of these can be both in the laboratory and with the aid 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 these organisms. It is not always possible to identify worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, several procedures are required.
- Serological study. This study, tested over the years, has become one of the most popular methods of testing blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, human immunity will respond to pathogenic microorganisms that enter it. This type of diagnostics includes tests such as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Performing an ultrasound examination to detect echinococcus 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 sampling for research.
Elimination of parasites from the body
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body, found out. Now it is worth considering the ways to eliminate them. The therapy of a parasitic infection is carried out in 3 stages.
Phase 1 - Preparatory
During this period, the human body must be prepared for the main treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed for taking, which help cleanse the body and reduce the manifestation of symptoms of intoxication;
- from choleretic agents there are preparations based on extract of sandy flowers of immortelle and bovine bile;
- to eliminate the spasm, decoctions of herbs such as hypericum, dog rose, valerian can be drunk during the day;
- Enzyme preparations are also recommended.
Phase 2 - Carrying out deworming
The main antiparasitic therapy consists in taking a special drug prescribed by a specialist. The dosage should only be determined by a doctor, as such drugs are quite toxic and can be dangerous to health if the required volume is exceeded.
Often, biologically active additives are also used, the components of which contain bitter herbs that have an anthelmintic effect on the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and do not cause an organ such as the liver to stop working.
Phase 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, hepatoprotectors is also recommended, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only complex treatment will help to get rid not only of parasites in general, but also of the negative consequences of their vital activity.