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 should be understood that those during their life in the human body can cause the development of many diseases that are quite dangerous. It is for this reason that 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 become in a particular organ, the worse its general condition. In addition to the internal organs, the presence of vital parasitic activity in the skin, tissues and mucous membranes can also be observed. This type of pathogenic organisms feeds on the food that a person consumes.
There are only 2 types of parasites, depending on their habitat in the human body:
- The vital activity of endoparasites is observed directly in the body itself, that is, in the internal organs and systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various types of fungi.
- The vital activity of ectoparasites is observed in the superficial 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 that it can 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 such enzymes in such cases is destructive. The protective function is performed by the acidic gastric environment, as well as human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may simply not work, which can be explained by the fact that the immune system is not yet fully formed. It is weak immunity that provokes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, some types of parasites do not give in to the protective barrier of the body, penetrate it and destroy 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 a person lives 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 any, even the slightest changes and symptoms, immediately contacting a specialist.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate that there are parasites in the body
You can check for parasites in the body by the following signs and symptoms:
- stool disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites are located in the bile or intestinal ducts, and obstruct them with their large size, this can cause a rare and difficult evacuation. Some pathogenic organisms can produce a hormone-like substance that causes frequent diarrhea. Thus, diarrhea is considered not only a protective reaction of the body to the consumption of "inappropriate" 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 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 colon". A similar syndrome is a consequence of irritation of the intestinal walls by parasites and the inflammatory process that it provokes. At the same time, various symptoms of disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract occur, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, decreases. If it is impossible to assimilate fat through the small intestine, it begins to penetrate into the thick region, which causes cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Joint and muscle pain. Often the parasites are localized in the muscles and joints, causing pain, which a person mistakes for arthritis.
- Allergic reaction. With the excessive release of toxic substances by 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, which provokes an allergic reaction.
- skin pathologies. Symptoms in such cases can be expressed in hives, various types of rashes, eczema, skin sores, tumors, papillomas. With the worms found in the intestines, damage to the skin can occur through the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- chronic fatigue. The symptoms in this case are as follows: constant 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 its presence and therapeutic methods. How to identify parasites in the human body in stationary conditions? Their determination can be both in the laboratory and with the help of equipment. Laboratory methods to diagnose worms include:
- Microscopy. The most common method for 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, several procedures are necessary.
- Serological study. This study, proven over the years, has become one of the most popular methods of examining blood for antibodies and antigens for various infections. In any case, human immunity will respond to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into it. This type of diagnosis includes tests such as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Hardware methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Conducting an ultrasound examination 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.
Elimination of parasites from the body.
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body, found out. Now it is worth considering ways to remove them. Therapy of a parasitic infection is carried out in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - High School
During this period, the human body must be prepared for the main treatment:
- sorbents are prescribed to drink, which help cleanse the body and reduce the manifestation of symptoms of intoxication;
- of the choleretic agents, it is worth highlighting the preparations based on the extract of sandy immortelle and cattle bile;
- to eliminate spasm, you can drink decoctions of such herbs as St. John's wort, wild rose, valerian throughout the day;
- Enzyme preparations are also recommended.
Stage 2 - Carrying out deworming
The main antiparasitic therapy consists of taking a special medication prescribed by a specialist. The dosage should be determined only by a doctor, since these drugs are quite toxic and can be dangerous to health if the required volume is exceeded.
Biologically active additives are also often used, the components of which contain bitter herbs that have an anthelmintic effect on the body. The supplements have fewer side effects and do not alter the functioning 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, hepatoprotectors, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, is also recommended.
Only complex treatment will help to get rid of not only parasites in general, but also the negative consequences of their vital activity.