The problem of infection with parasites is not adequately covered by society, so a person only becomes interested in the question of how to identify parasites in the body only after the worms have already caused serious damage to health.
People are accustomed to not noticing the problem that arises until the effects of intestinal worms begin to affect their well-being.
In order to start treatment in time, it is important to know how to determine the presence of parasites in the body - we talk about the symptoms of helminthiasis in the article.
Parasites, their species
Parasites are lower forms of life that exist at the expense of the host. They can be present on the surface of the skin, they can affect the internal organs, tissues, mucous membranes.
By consuming nutrients that enter the host cell, 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 and may exist in the external environment. Their vital activity is based on the absorption of blood and tissue cells from the host. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bugs.
The most common of the worms are pinworms, ascaris, porcine tapeworm, bovine tapeworm, lamblia, alveococcus, echinococcus, broad tapeworm.
The adult body, along with all functional systems, is able to prevent certain attacks by parasites.
Along with saliva, enzymes are produced in the oral cavity that are lethal to worm eggs. The acidic environment of the stomach also serves as a protective system.
The next barrier to protection, especially for helminths, is the immune system.
However, in the immature bodies of children, the protective barriers may not work, which can lead to infection with parasites.
Over the course of evolution, endoparasites have learned to survive under incredible conditions, to adapt to any change, and to destroy the body asymptomatically, with virtually no betrayal of their presence.
Studies have shown that it can take months or even years from the moment of infection to the first signs of helminthiasis.
To detect an infection at an early stage, you need to know how to identify parasites in the human body.
You should carefully monitor your body for changes and signs to detect symptoms of poisoning with intestinal worm waste products in a timely manner and determine if there are any parasites in your body.
Signs of a worm infection
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 diseases.
To find out if there are parasites in your body, medical examination allows.
The following groups of signs indicate infection of the body:
- body poisoning;
- damage to the nervous system;
- disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract;
- skin problems.
Systematic exposure to toxic substances produced by parasites can lead to headaches, weakness, nausea, and increased fatigue.
A slight rise in temperature to 37. 5 for no apparent reason. The work of the immune system is interrupted, which is a consequence of colds, intestinal diseases and allergies.
A clear sign of a parasitic infection is the unreasonable weight loss that results from the body fighting the worms for nutrients.
Children are most sensitive to this symptom. If the child has lost weight dramatically in the normal way of life, it is urgent to check that the child has helminthiasis.
Prolonged intoxication with worm toxins results in nervousness, depressive states, and irritability.
Sleep disturbances can be triggered, especially in the middle of the night. At this time, human biorhythms suggest that the liver is the most active, and unreasonable awakening may be the result of the body’s attempts to get rid of toxic substances.
According to some sources, the nervous system's response to parasitic intervention is bruxism - gnashing of teeth during sleep. Many see this as a sign of the presence of parasites in a child that has not been scientifically confirmed.
The presence of parasites negatively affects the function 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. Once in the colon, the worms cause cramping pain. In their vital activity, many species of parasites secrete special substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can cause blockage of certain organs, bile ducts and intestines, leading to constipation.
Parasitic creatures in the small intestine cause bloating, bloating, and inflammation. Frequent bloating indicates the presence of microorganisms in the system.
Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, on the other hand, leads to changes in the skin: acne, pimples, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Often parasites cause allergic reactions: hives, rash, eczema. This is due to the fact that the worms produce a poison that activates the immune system, leading to a response in the body.
If you notice any of the changes listed above on your own or in your child, contact your doctor immediately to check for parasites.
The qualified parasitologist will provide clear and accessible instructions (explaining how to check, what tests should be performed) and prescribe treatment based on the results of the tests.
Laboratory methods for the diagnosis of helminthiasis
In the human body, parasites, their larvae and their eggs can be located in different organs. The ability to move within the body, and consequently to be present in all systems of the body, 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 do you know if there are helminths in your body? To detect all clinical forms of parasites, complex assays are performed using a combination of different methods.
The following biological materials are used for the detection of worms in laboratory research:
- feces;
- bile;
- urine;
- sputum;
- blood;
- muscle;
- perianal and rectal mucus.
The traditional way to monitor a child or adult in the presence of protozoa is to examine the patient’s stool.
To do this, you must pass the appropriate analysis. This proven method allows you to determine the presence of bodies, larvae, and eggs of protozoa 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 the parasites and toxins they produce, and antibodies (immunoglobulins) are made against antigens in human blood.
This method is informative, it can be used to detect more than 90% of parasitic microorganisms.
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.
Biofluid serves as a substance that contains antibodies against certain types of parasites.
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 your body. The method allows the detection of a specific parasitic organism by 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 predicted.
In modern medicine, parasites are less common through bioresonance tests, histological coprograms, hemoscanning, and electroacupuncture.
Every year, new and existing and tested diagnostic methods are developed and improved. This makes it possible to identify parasites at a stage when the worms have not yet caused changes in the way the body works.
Modern medicine recommends the prevention of parasitic infections twice a year. There are many medicines for this.
You should consult a doctor before taking the medication, as anthelmintics are toxic not only to intestinal worms but also to the human body.