Parasitic diseases are a group of pathologies caused by microorganisms, arthropods and worms. They differ in a slow course and affect vital systems. Digestive system disorders, changes in body weight, chronic fatigue are the main signs of the presence of parasites in the human body. For the diagnosis of invasive diseases, ultrasound scan of the peritoneal organs, analysis of feces for dysbiosis and biochemical blood test are performed.
What parasites can live in a person
The causative agents of parasitic pathologies are worms, arthropods and unicellular organisms - viruses, fungi, protozoa. In 69% of cases, helminth infestations are diagnosed, which are caused by such helminths:
- blisters - schistosomiasis, feline and hepatic stroke.
- scrapers (thornhead) - bead-shaped scraper, giant comb.
- nematodes (roundworms) - hookworms, worms, worms, worms;
- cestodes - tapeworm, bovine tapeworm, echinococcus.
Endoparasites predominate in helminth infestations, which settle in the small or large intestine. Common arthropod pathogens include:
- ticks?
- were you centipede?
- cane;
- insects.
The group of temporary parasites includes arthropods and blood-sucking leeches and the group of permanent parasites includes lice, parasitic worms and itchy mites. Very often invasive pathologies are caused by opportunistic fungi, protozoa - amoebae, bulbs.
Parasites adversely affect the body, causing unwanted systemic effects - waste poisoning, gastrointestinal dysfunction, allergies, anemia.
Common signs of helminth presence
The symptoms depend on the type, location and amount of parasites in the body. The basis of the clinical picture is the immune response to infection with parasitic infection and damage to individual organs.
Digestive problems
Gastrointestinal disorders are mainly caused by parasitic worms, which are located in the small intestine. Their waste causes an allergic reaction in the body, narrowing of the bile ducts. As a result, there are complaints about:
- indigestion;
- inflation
- sour belching;
- poor appetite
More than 80% of patients suffer from constipation, diarrhea and flatulence.
Stomach ache
Abdominal pain and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen are clear signs of parasites in the body. They irritate the receptors of the gastrointestinal mucosa, which causes spastic smooth muscle contraction. As a result, abdominal pain occurs.
If cup parasites act as provocateurs of an invasive disease, abdominal discomfort occurs due to their introduction into the intestinal wall.
Anal itching
Periodic itching in the anal area and painful bowel movements are the first signs of parasites in the body. The symptoms are mainly caused by pins and needles, less often by ascaris. The first lays eggs in the anus, which causes severe itching.
The lifespan of pinworms is only 1, 5 months. Pest eggs have a protective shell, so they are not damaged by external factors.
Poor hygiene leads to infection, an increase in the number of worms in the body.
Change in body weight
Increasing or decreasing body weight is a clear sign that parasites are present in the body. Weight fluctuations are the result:
- increased or decreased appetite due to poisoning.
- metabolic disorders
- intestinal discomfort.
In half of the cases, patients complain of a constant feeling of hunger. But if the parasites are found in the small intestine, more than 70% of the nutrients do not enter the bloodstream.
Blood in the stool
The signs of parasite infestation depend on the causative agent of the invasive disease. The presence of blood and mucus in the stool indicates intestinal damage:
- human worm?
- wide ribbon
- nails.
By penetrating the body, the parasites cause intestinal irritation. Inflammation of the walls leads to bleeding and mixing of blood with feces.
Skin changes
Allergic reactions are the most pronounced signs of parasites in the human body. According to statistics, massive invasions cause toxic-allergic changes in 92% of patients:
- itchy skin?
- abscesses;
- red dots?
- yellowing
- peeling;
- dry skin.
The yellow spot on the skin indicates stagnation of bile in the body, increased activity of liver enzymes.
Decreased immunity
Helminthiasis in an adult is accompanied by dysbiosis. More than 75% of the immune tissue is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so parasitic disease leads to secondary immune deficiencies. Reduction of the body's resistance to infections is indicated by:
- frequent colds
- long-term healing of cuts and abrasions;
- regular exacerbations of chronic pathologies.
The parasites destroy the body's protective reserves, which reduces the production of antibodies against viruses, fungi and bacteria.
Allergy
Worms poison the body with the products of their vital activity. Poisoning leads to autoimmune disorders, which are manifested by allergic effects:
- itchy skin?
- bronchospasm
- rash on the body.
The most intense toxic-allergic reactions are caused by worms, trichinella and echinococcus.
Pain in the joints and muscles
Myalgia and arthralgia - pain in muscles and joints - are signs of parasites in the human body. In the migratory stage, helminth larvae are transported by the bloodstream. Many of them settle in the fluid and muscles of the joints, causing painful sensations.
Feeling of pulsation
Parasite toxins adversely affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Massive helminth infestations cause:
- tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- hypertension.
Dangerous complications are caused by representatives of the films - echinococcus. They form echinococcal cysts not only in the heart but also in the lungs.
Hair loss
Reduced absorption of substances from the intestines leads to a lack of many vitamins and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the common companions of parasitic diseases are:
- dull hair?
- excess oily scalp
- alopecia (hair loss).
Deficiency of vitamins and minerals leads to recurrences of fatty seborrhea, which in many cases causes irreversible hair loss.
Change of taste preferences
Violation of the perception of taste (dysgeusia) when the body is affected by parasites due to a change in the protein composition of the blood, hypovitaminosis.
What are the signs of distaste:
- unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- craving for sweets;
- dull taste
- burning sensation in the mouth.
Taste disorders are often associated with gastrointestinal disorders caused by parasitic worms.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and other useful ingredients lead to a decrease in the body's energy reserve, disorders of the liver. Therefore, patients with invasive diseases complain about:
- rapid fatigue
- constant drowsiness
- daydreaming?
- lethargy.
The feeling of fatigue does not disappear even after a long rest or sleep
Vitamin deficiency
Vitamin deficiency is the absence of vitamins in the body. It occurs when parasites are found in the small intestine. Symptoms depend on the missing vitamin. Most often, patients complain about:
- dizziness;
- reduced visual acuity.
- frequent nausea
- headaches
- skin deterioration.
Long-term vitamin deficiencies are dangerous due to the dysfunction of vital organs.
Anemia
Anemia or anemia - a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood cells. When the body is destroyed by parasites, there is a deficiency of vitamins, which are involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin and erythrocytes:
- folic acid;
- cyanocobalamin?
- Vitamin C.
Anemia with helminthiasis is manifested by shortness of breath, headaches, loss of appetite, tinnitus.
Nervousness, sleep disorder
Infection with parasites in humans is manifested by toxicity, which adversely affects the functioning of the nervous system. Then there are complaints about:
- a sharp change in mood.
- anger;
- depressed state
- Sleep disorder.
Emotional instability in the context of hypovitaminosis and anemia is a clear sign of damage to the body by parasitic worms.
Deterioration of memory and attention
Cognitive disorders - decreased mental capacity, memory and attention - occur in the context of chronic poisoning of the body with the products of the vital activity of parasites. Worms cause disorders in the work of many organs, which causes the nervous system and brain tissue. But in 94% of cases, cognitive impairment is reversible.
Cough
A dry cough without accompanying symptoms of ENT is one of the signs of parasitic infection. In 8 out of 10 cases, a non-productive cough is caused by:
- human worm?
- pulmonary disorder.
During the migration stage, worm larvae penetrate the lungs. When you cough, the worms enter the oral cavity, after which they are swallowed and deposited in the intestines.
Other signs
Additional symptoms of invasive disease include:
- increased body temperature
- enlargement of the liver
- bad breath?
- obstructive jaundice
- yellow coating on the tongue.
- bronchospasm
- isolation of fecal worm fragments.
- restless sleep
- chest pain;
- increased gas formation
- vaginitis in women
- pain in the right side.
With brain damage, nerves, mental disorders are possible.
Symptoms of infection with other types of parasites
The clinical picture depends on the causative agent of the parasitic disease.
| Form of disease | Symptoms |
| γιάρδιαση | nausea, belching, itching, flatulence, fever |
| pediculosis | itching on the scalp, burning at the bite of lice, red spots and nodules on the head, insomnia, hair nits |
| mycosis | peeling of the skin, damage to the nails, sour smell, thickening of the skin, cracks |
| assimilation | abdominal pain, inflammation, bloody stools, lack of appetite. |
There are many signs of invasive damage to the body. To rule out complications, it is recommended that you have a blood test for parasites at least once a year.
Why are parasitic infestations dangerous?
Parasitic infections have a systemic effect on the body, disrupting the functions of all organs. Delayed treatment leads to:
- intestinal obstruction
- pancreatitis
- prolapse of the rectum.
- lymphadenitis
- myocarditis
- bronchopneumonia;
- cholecystitis
- endometritis
- pleurisy;
- Stomach Ulcer?
- meningoencephalitis
- syncope;
- purulent peritonitis.
In the presence of chronic diseases, the parasites complicate their course. Ignoring invasive diseases is dangerous with disability and even death.
Diagnostics and treatment
Laboratory tests are used to detect parasites:
- scratching for enterobiasis?
- signature?
- fecal analysis for egg leaves;
- enzyme immunoassay for antibodies against parasites.
In case of intestinal invasions, instrumental examination is recommended - ultrasound of the peritoneal organs, colonoscopy and scintigraphy of the liver.
The effectiveness of anthelmintic treatment is determined based on the results of repeated diagnostics, which is performed 1 month after treatment.
Depending on the results of the diagnosis, antiparasitic drugs are prescribed:
- anti-nematode;
- against tricots;
- protocostostozoni?
- Anthelmintic broad spectrum
- antifungals
- anti-lice;
- treatments for scabies mites.
Parasitic cysts (such as echinococcal cysts) are surgically removed.
The clinical manifestations and methods of treatment of parasitic diseases depend on the type of pathogen. Parasites enter the body through natural openings - mouth, skin pores, urethra, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment of invasive pathologies prevents complications - meningitis, peptic ulcer, myocarditis.