Almost everyone has been affected by an attack of parasites at least once. These microscopic organisms tend to cause a variety of diseases in human beings. Read on for more information on parasites in humans symptoms.
Parasites are microscopic organisms that live in the body of the host. They depend entirely on the host for their nutrition and shelter. Some of them do not harm the host, but there are others that can cause a series of infections. These can be of any size from the microscopic protozoa to the worms that can be seen with naked eyes. These organisms can live in any part of the body. Most of the individuals are affected by intestinal parasites or worms that live in the small or large intestine of the body. The signs and symptoms exhibited by these harmful disease-causing germs in humans are unlikely to be identified since it takes several weeks and even months for the indications of an infection to surface. Some of the most common types of parasites that affect human beings are tapeworms, liver flukes, ringworm, and heartworms etc. There are many media through which a parasite can enter the body. Contaminated food, water and polluted air are some of the common media from where the parasites enter a body and cause infections. Let's learn more about the indications of parasitic attack in humans, ways to prevent their infestation and methods of treating the infection caused by them.
Indications of Parasites in the Body
After parasites enter the body, they release certain toxins that can cause several types of infections and health related disorders. The parasites that are present in the intestinal tract can cause inflammation of the inner lining or the mucosa membrane of the intestines. The toxins can also cause malfunctioning of certain organs like the kidneys and liver. Given below are some indicants of the presence of protozoa in the body:
Allergies: The presence of certain parasites in the body can cause allergic reactions. Some parasites irritate and perforate the inner lining of the intestinal tract, leading to intestinal permeability (also known as a leaky gut). The presence of these pathogens in the body leads to the over production of the body's defense cells called eosinophils. An excess of these fighter cells in the body can cause allergic reactions. The presence of these allergy-producing parasites can also trigger the over production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a type of antibody.
Anemia: The presence of certain types of worms like taenia solium (tapeworm), ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) and liver flukes attach themselves to the mucosal membrane of the intestine and suck the nutrients from the body. If there are many worms present in the intestinal tract, then they also tend to suck blood causing iron deficiency anemia or perinicious anemia.
Bloating and Gas: The inflammation caused due to the toxins, produced by the pathogens living in the small intestine can lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating and gas. This can also lead to the indigestion of high fiber foods like beans, vegetables and raw fruits. The symptom of this condition is a recurring distention of the abdomen. This symptom can last for a few months to many years till the protozoa are completely eliminated from the body.
Constipation: Some parasites are so large that they tend to block the intestinal passage restricting proper bowel movement. The infestation of worms can cause constipation, which can cause the elimination of waste materials from the body difficult and infrequent.
Diarrhea: Certain protozoa like entamoeba histolytica can cause the over production of an enzyme called prostaglandin, which leads to the loss of sodium and chloride from the body. This condition can develop into diarrhea, or amoebiasis where the person may experience loose, watery stools. This condition may also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fatigue: Pathogens in the body can exhaust it of energy. This is because microorganisms cause malabsorption of carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins and vitamins, which may result in deficiencies. All these factors can drain vital energy from the body and end up in fatigue. In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, this condition can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Joint and Muscle Pain: The parasites tend to travel to other parts in the body and sometimes even in the muscles. This can lead to muscle stiffness, pain, irritation and inflammation of the joints.
Skin Conditions: The toxins produced by the parasites can create allergic reactions on the skin like hives, weeping eczema and rashes etc. The infestation of protozoa can lead to dermatitis, swelling, sores and lesions on some parts of the body like face, area around the eyes, and feet.
Other Symptoms: Some other parasites in human symptoms are aches, apathy, tumors, sleep disorders, grinding of teeth, muscle wastage, dysfunction of the immune system, impaired cognitive ability, difficulty in concentrating, and nervousness, etc.
Prevention and Treatment
In order to prevent infections, one must practice clean habits like washing hands and legs after coming from outside, using a disinfectant and drinking boiled water. Washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them is also a necessity to ward off any infections. For diagnosis, the doctor may tell you to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) to detect the presence of worms. A stool sample may also be taken in case of intestinal worms.
In some cases parasites in the body can be life-threatening that can also damage the immune system. So if you observe any symptoms of parasites in you, consult a doctor who may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms and ward off any possible infection.
How to Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites
The reliable treatment options for intestinal parasites are decided according to the type of infection. Approaches for how to get rid of intestinal parasites include therapeutic intervention and natural remedies.
To know more, read on...
Parasitic infection in humans may occur in any part of the body. But, the site of infection is mostly restricted to the intestinal lining, where the parasites get easy access to food. Intestinal parasites in humans belong to two types - helminths or worms (e.g., tapeworm, pinworm) and protozoans (e.g., Giardia, trichomonads). Though both are harmful, the protozoans cause serious infections, compared to helminths. The parasites enter the host's body through skin, contaminated foods, water or soil.
The risks for intestinal infections are high amongst those who reside in crowded areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms of intestinal parasites may remain vague for many years after infection. As infection worsens, the manifested symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, gassiness, diarrhea, dysentery, weakness, itchiness in rectum, weight loss and most importantly, presence of worms in feces. If such symptoms are confirmed, do not delay in taking up prompt steps to get rid of intestinal parasites.
Tips to Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites
The long-term consequences of intestinal infection are increased fatigue, anemia, malnutrition and retarded growth in children. These are obvious, as parasites feed on the nutrients of the host, and the body no longer receives adequate nutrition. For diagnosis, the doctor may perform stool analysis (3 times consecutively), scotch tape test and X-ray imaging with barium enema (if severe infection is suspected). Here's how to eliminate intestinal parasites through medication treatment and natural ways.
Therapeutic Intervention
The conventional option for treating intestinal infection is administration of medications. Type of medicine for getting rid of worms and/or parasites is specific to the infection case, so is the dose. Thus, the prescribed medicine and concentration will vary from one patient to another. Stick to the recommended antiparasitic drugs and their doses to get prompt results. Any negligence, in terms of not completing the treatment course, increases the risk for recurrent parasitic infestations.
Natural Approaches
For alleviating any health problem, following natural treatment alternatives, free of adverse reactions is preferred over conventional medications. A healthy immune system is the key to fight against intestinal parasites. To achieve this, consume a well-balanced diet and lead an active lifestyle. These strategies along with herbal remedies are effective to deal with parasitic infections without any complications. Natural ways for getting rid of intestinal parasites are given below.
Diet and Supplements
In the routine diet plan, incorporate lots of whole grains and foods in their natural form. But, ensure that proper hygiene is maintained during cleaning and preparation of foods. Reduce the consumption amounts of simple carbohydrates, processed and packaged foods. They give a nutrition boost to the parasites and promote their multiplication. Taking probiotics, zinc and vitamin C supplements are considered to support the body in expelling parasites.
Crushed Pumpkin Seeds
The use of pumpkin seeds works in flushing off parasites from the host's body. Take about 400 g of pumpkin seeds and crush them properly. Stir in some honey and milk to make a runny paste. Have this before breakfast and then take a mild laxative to stimulate bowel movement and flush off the parasites. Similarly, pumpkin seed oil and its supplements are used in herbal therapy for intestinal infections.
Garlic Cloves
Another easily available and inexpensive herb used for getting rid of intestinal parasites is garlic. Be it worm or protozoa, garlic acts on both, and treats intestinal infection without side effects. Fresh garlic cloves (after mashing) can be taken with horseradish or milk 2-3 times daily for expelling intestinal parasites. Or, add juice of garlic (10 drops) in ½ glass milk and drink twice daily.
Savory
Savory (genus Satureja) is a medicinal herb with carminative and antimicrobial properties. The herb is directly added in tea and is consumed to get rid of intestinal worms. Savory essential oil does the same job, but in lower doses. Both the herb and oil aid in improving digestive health and purging of the parasites. So, use them in correct amounts, as directed by the herbalist.
Carrots and Beets
How to get rid of intestinal parasites in children? Nothing could be better than feeding grated carrots mixed with honey. Other choices include pomegranate and beets. They are rich sources of healthy vitamins, and are found to be helpful in eradicating worms. What's more, the taste is pleasant and one doesn't have to struggle for feeding them to children.
Wormwood Tea
Wormwood tea is touted as an effectual remedy for getting rid of tapeworms and other intestinal worms. Besides its antiseptic action, it strengthens the digestive system, boosts digestion and relieves stomach discomfort. Nevertheless, prolonged use of this herb is linked with side effects. So, consulting a herbalist is advisable to get a brief idea about the intake dose and period of wormwood for treating intestinal infections effectually.
To conclude with, go for follow-up visits to ensure complete removal of intestinal parasites from the body. Children, elderly people and those who have underlying diseases often contract intestinal parasites. To prevent common intestinal worms, deworming is directed twice in a year, i.e., once in every six months. Personal hygiene, drinking clean water, consuming well cooked foods while avoiding contaminated ones are some of the tips for preventing parasitic infections.
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