The problem of parasite infection is not sufficiently covered in society, so a person becomes interested in the question of how to recognize parasites in the body, only after the worms have already caused serious damage to health.
People are accustomed to not noticing the problem that has arisen until the effects of helminths begin to affect their well-being.
To start treatment on time, it is important to know how to determine the presence of parasites in the body - we will talk about the symptoms of helminthiasis in the article.
Parasites, their species
Parasites are lower life forms that exist to the detriment of the host organism. They can exist on the surface of the skin, affect internal organs, tissues, mucous membranes.
By consuming nutrients that enter the body of the host, 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 in the human body (echinococcus, lamblia, toxoplasma, as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi);
- ectoparasites live on the surface of the body, can exist in the external environment. Their vital activity is based on the absorption of blood cells and tissues in the body of the host. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bed bugs.
The most common worms are pinworms, ascaris, swine tapeworms, beef tapeworms, lamblia, alveococci, echinococci, broad tapeworms.
The adult body, along with all functional systems, can prevent some parasite attacks.
In the oral cavity, together with saliva, enzymes are formed that are deadly for worm eggs. The acidic environment of the stomach also serves as a protective system.
The next barrier of protection - for particularly persistent helminths - is the immune system.
However, in the immature body of children, the protective barriers may not work, which can lead to parasite infection.
In the process of evolution, endoparasites have learned to survive in incredible conditions, adapt to all changes, and asymptomatically destroy the body, virtually not betraying their presence.
According to studies, it can take several months or even years from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of helminthiasis.
To detect an infection at an early stage, you need to know how to recognize parasites in the human body.
You need to carefully monitor the changes in your own body and its signals in order to spot the symptoms of helminth waste poisoning in time and identify if there are parasites in the body.
So worm infestations
The presence of parasites in the body always affects the state of human health. But the signs of protozoan defeat are similar to the symptoms of common ailments.
A medical examination will make it possible to establish the presence of parasites in the body.
There are the following groups of signs that indicate an infection of the body:
- intoxication of the body;
- nervous system damage;
- gastrointestinal tract disorder;
- skin problems.
Systematic exposure to toxic substances produced by parasites can lead to headaches, weakness, nausea and increased fatigue.
There is a slight rise in temperature to 37. 5 for no apparent reason. The work of the immune system is disturbed, 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 most sensitive to this symptom. If the child has lost dramatic weight in a normal way, it is urgent to check if the child has helminthiasis.
Prolonged poisoning with worm toxins results in nervousness, depression and irritability.
Sleep disorders can be triggered, especially in the middle of the night. At this point, according to human biorhythms, the liver is most active, and an unreasonable awakening may be the result of the body’s attempt to rid itself of toxic substances.
According to some sources, the reaction of the nervous system to the parasitic intervention is bruxism - gnashing of teeth during sleep. Many consider this a sign of the presence of parasites in a child, which has not been scientifically confirmed.
The presence of parasites negatively affects the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract. Worms act on the intestinal wall causing irritation and inflammation.
As a result, the absorption of nutrients and fatty compounds is reduced. Passing into the colon, the worms cause cramps. During their vital activity, many types of parasites secrete certain substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms are of different shapes and sizes, so they can cause blockage of some organs, bile and intestinal ducts, leading to constipation.
Located in the small intestine, parasitic creatures cause bloating, bloating, and inflammation. Frequent bloating indicates the presence of microorganisms in the system.
Disorder of the gastrointestinal tract leads to changes in the skin: acne, acne, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Parasites are often the cause of allergic reactions: urticaria, rash, eczema. This is due to the fact that worms produce a poison that activates the immune system, leading to a reaction of the body.
If you notice any of the above changes in yourself or your child, see your doctor right away to check for parasites.
A qualified parasitologist will conduct an understandable and accessible instruction (explain how to check, which tests to take) and prescribe treatment based on the test results.
Laboratory methods for diagnosing helminthiasis
In the human body, parasites, their larvae and eggs can be found in various organs. The ability to move within the body and, as a result, the presence in all bodily systems, makes it difficult to identify helminthiasis.
At an early stage, parasites can be detected in up to 15% of patients out of the total number of infected.
How to find out if there are helminths in the body? In order to detect all clinical forms of the parasite, complex studies combining different methods are conducted.
The following biological materials are used to detect worms in the laboratory research process:
- feces;
- bile;
- urine;
- sputum;
- blood;
- muscle;
- perianal and rectal mucus.
The traditional method by which you can check for the presence of protozoa in a child or adult is to study the patient’s feces.
To do this, you must undergo an appropriate analysis. This proven method allows you to determine the presence of protozoan bodies, larvae and eggs, to detect their type.
The immunological method consists of a blood test that detects antigens and antibodies to certain types of microorganisms.
Antigens are directly parasites and toxins that they produce, and antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced against antigens in human blood.
This method is informative, with its help more than 90% of types of parasitic microorganisms can be detected.
As a result of the 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. You must donate blood for this analysis.
The biofluid will serve as a material in which antibodies to a particular type of parasite can be found.
This method is often used in combination with X-ray, ultrasound and endoscopic examinations.
You can use PCR diagnostics to check for the presence of parasites in the body. This method allows the detection of a specific parasitic organism through specific DNA analysis.
With the help of PCR diagnostics, parasites can be detected in the test material and the later development of the disease can be projected.
In modern medicine, parasites are less commonly detected by bioresonance studies, histological coprograms, chemoscanning, and electroacupuncture.
Every year, new and existing and studied diagnostic methods are developed and improved. This allows you to identify parasites at a stage when worms have not yet caused changes in body function.
Modern medicine recommends prophylaxis of parasite infection twice a year. There are many pharmaceutical products for this.
Before using the drug you should consult a doctor, because anthelmintic agents are toxic not only to helminths, but also to the human body.