The problem of infection with parasites is not sufficiently covered in society, so a person begins to become interested in the question of how to identify parasites in the body, only after the worms have already caused serious damage to the Health.
People are used to not realizing the problem that has arisen until the effects of helminths begin to affect their well-being.
In order to start treatment in a timely manner, it is important to know how to determine the presence of parasites in the body; It is about the symptoms of helminthiasis that we will talk about in the article.
Parasites, their types
Parasites are lower forms of life 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 within the human body (echinococci, lamblia, toxoplasmas, as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi);
- Ectoparasites live on the surface of the body, they can exist in the external environment. Its vital activity is based on the absorption of blood and tissue cells from the host's body. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bed bugs.
Most often, roundworms, roundworms, pig tapeworms, bovine tapeworms, lamblia, alveococcus, echinococcus, and broad tapeworms are found in roundworms.
The adult body, along with all functional systems, is capable of preventing some parasite attacks.
In the oral cavity, together with saliva, enzymes are produced that are fatal to worm eggs. The acidic environment of the stomach also serves as a protective system.
The next barrier of protection, for especially persistent representatives of helminths, is the immune system.
However, in the immature body of children, protective barriers may not work, which can lead to a parasite infection.
In the process of evolution, endoparasites have learned to survive in incredible conditions, adapt to any change and destroy the body asymptomatically, practically without betraying their presence.
According to studies, it can take several months or even years from the moment of infection until the first signs of helminthiasis appear.
To detect an infection at an early stage, you need to know how to identify parasites in the human body.
You need to carefully monitor the changes in your own body and its signals to promptly notice the symptoms of poisoning with the waste products of helminths and identify 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 protozoa are similar to the symptoms of common ailments.
To find out if there are parasites present in the body, a medical examination will allow it.
There are the following groups of signs that indicate infection of the body:
- intoxication of the body;
- damage to the nervous system;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- skin problems.
Routine exposure to toxic substances produced by parasites can cause headaches, weakness, nausea, and increased fatigue.
There is a slight rise in temperature to 37. 5ºC for no apparent reason. The work of the immune system is disrupted, which is a consequence of the appearance 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 the most susceptible to this symptom. If the child has dramatically lost weight in the usual way of life, then 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 irrational awakening may be the result of the body's attempts to rid itself of toxic substances.
According to some sources, the nervous system's reaction to parasitic intervention is bruxism: grinding the teeth during sleep. This is considered by many to be a sign 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 cramps. During their vital activity, many types of parasites secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms come in different shapes and sizes, so they can be the cause of blockage of some organs, bile, and intestinal ducts, leading to constipation.
Located in the small intestine, the 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 skin changes: acne, acne, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Often parasites are the cause of allergic reactions: hives, rash, eczema. This is due to the fact that the worms produce a poison that activates the immune system, prompting a response from the body.
If you notice several of the changes listed above in yourself or your child, you should immediately contact a doctor to have them checked for parasites.
A qualified parasitologist will conduct an understandable and accessible instruction (explain how to be examined, what tests to take) 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 located in different organs. The ability to move within the body and, as a result, to be in all of the body's systems, makes it difficult to identify helminthiasis.
At an early stage, parasites can be detected in no more than 15% of patients out of the total number of infected.
How to know if there are helminths in the body? To detect all clinical forms of parasites, complex studies are carried out combining several 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 a child or adult can be tested for protozoa is by studying the patient's feces.
To do this, you must pass the corresponding 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 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 more than 90% of species of parasitic microorganisms can be detected.
As a result of 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 test, you must 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 combination with X-rays, ultrasound, and endoscopic examinations.
You can check the presence of parasites in the body through PCR diagnostics. The method makes it possible to detect a specific parasitic organism by means of a specific DNA analysis.
With the help of PCR diagnostics, parasites can be detected in the test material and project the further development of the disease.
Less frequently in modern medicine, parasites are detected by bioresonance studies, histological coprograms, hemoscanning, and electroacupuncture.
Every year, new, existing and studied diagnostic methods are developed and improved. 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 2 times a year. There are many pharmaceuticals 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.