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 these during their lifetime in the human body can cause the development of many diseases that are quite dangerous. For this reason, it is recommended that they undergo preventive examinations and special examinations.
General characteristics of parasites
The presence of such living organisms can be in any part of the body and the more they occur in a particular organ, the worse its general condition. In addition to the internal organs, the presence of parasitic vital activity can also be observed on the skin, tissues and mucous membranes. This type of pathogen feeds on foods that a person consumes.
There are only 2 types of parasites, depending on their environment in the human body:
- The vital activity of endoparasites is observed directly in the body itself, ie in the internal organs and systems. These include echinococci, giardia, viruses, various types of fungi.
- The vital activity of exoparasites is observed in the surface layer of the body, ie in the skin. These absorb blood and human cells. Ectoparasites include lice, mites, bed bugs.
An adult's body is designed in such a way that it can prevent the penetration as well as eliminate the vital activity of certain 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 gastric acidic environment, as well as by human immunity. In a child, the protective barrier against parasites may simply not work, which can be explained by the incompletely formed immune system. It is the weak immunity that causes the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
According to numerous studies, certain types of parasites do not recede into the body's protective barrier, penetrating it 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 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 to lose any, even the slightest changes and symptoms, contacting a specialist immediately.
Diseases and pathological conditions that indicate the presence of parasites in the body
You can check for parasites in the body with the following signs and symptoms:
- stool disorder. This includes frequent constipation and diarrhea. If the parasites are located in the bile ducts or intestinal tract and block them due to their large size, this can cause a rare and difficult bowel movement. Some pathogens 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 "wrong" foods, but also an indication of a parasitic infection in the body.
- Inflation. 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 gastrointestinal upset appear, the absorption of all nutrients, including fat, is reduced. If it is impossible to absorb the fat from the small intestine, it begins to penetrate into the area of the fat, which causes cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
- Pain in the joints and muscles. Often, the parasites are located in the muscles and joints, causing pain, which a person confuses with arthritis.
- Allergic reaction. With the excessive release of toxic substances from worms, the immune response is activated in the body through the production of an increased dose of protective cells - eosinophils. Such cells cause the development of the inflammatory process in the tissues, thus causing an allergic reaction.
- Skin pathologies. Symptoms in such cases can be expressed in urticaria, various types of rashes, eczema, skin lesions, tumors, papillomas. With the worms located in the intestines, it can cause damage to the skin through the appearance of acne, seborrhea, various spots, wrinkles.
- Chronic fatigue. The symptoms in this case are the following: persistent 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 severe symptoms of the presence of parasites. It is also necessary to confirm their presence and therapeutic methods. How to recognize parasites in the human body in stable conditions? Their determination can be both laboratory and with the help of equipment. Laboratory methods for diagnosing worms include:
- Microscopy. The most common method for detecting worms. At diagnosis, human feces are examined for the presence of eggs of such organisms. It is not always possible to detect worm eggs after the first analysis. In some cases, many procedures are required.
- Terminological study. This study, tested over the years, has become one of the most popular methods for testing blood for antibodies and antigens to various infections. In any case, human immunity will respond to pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate it. This type of diagnostics includes tests such as immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
Material methods for diagnosing parasites in the body include:
- Perform an ultrasound examination to detect echinococcus in the body.
- X-ray 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, was discovered. Now it's worth looking at ways to eliminate them. The treatment of a parasitic infection is carried out in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - Preparatory
During this period, the human body must prepare for the main treatment:
- Absorbents are prescribed to take, which help cleanse the body and reduce the onset of symptoms of poisoning.
- of choleretic agents, it is worth noting preparations based on the extract of immortal sand flowers and bovine bile.
- To eliminate the spasm, you can drink herbal teas such as St. John's wort, wild rose, valerian all day long.
- Enzyme formulations are also recommended.
Stage 2 - Execution of deworming
The main antiparasitic treatment is to take a special medicine prescribed by a specialist. The dosage should be determined only by a doctor, because 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 ingredients of which contain bitter herbs that have anthelmintic action in the body. Supplements have fewer side effects and do not disrupt the function of an organ such as the liver.
Stage 3 - Recovery period
During this period it is necessary to take probiotics and prebiotics in order to restore the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with vitamin complexes, enzymes, hepatoprotectants is also recommended, which will help normalize the activity of organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Only combination therapy will help get rid not only of parasites in general, but also the negative consequences of their life activity.