The problem of parasite infection is not sufficiently covered in society, so people only become interested in how to identify parasites in the body after worms have already caused serious damage to health.
People are accustomed to not seeing the problem 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 - about the symptoms of helminthiasis, which we will talk about in the article.
Parasites, their types
Parasites are low life forms that exist at the expense of the host organism. May be present on the surface of the skin, affects internal organs, tissues, mucous membranes.
The protozoa, which consume the food that enters the host's body, poisons the human body with the products of its vital activity.
There are several main types of parasites, depending on the location:
- there are endoparasites in the human body (echinococcus, lamblia, toxoplasmosis, as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi);
- Ectoparasites live on the surface of the body and may be present in the external environment. Their vital activity is based on the absorption of blood and tissue cells by the host's body. This group includes lice, fleas, ticks, bedbugs.
Often found in pinworms, ascaris, swine tapeworm, cow tapeworm, lamblia, alveococcus, echinococcus, tapeworm worms.
The adult organism, together with all functional systems, can prevent some attacks of parasites.
In the oral cavity, saliva produces enzymes that are deadly to worm eggs. The acidic environment of the stomach also plays the role of a protective system.
The next barrier to protection - especially for the stubborn representatives of helminths - is the immune system.
However, protective barriers may not work in the body of immature children, which can lead to parasitic infections.
In the process of evolution, endoparasites have learned to live in incredible conditions, to adapt to any change, and to destroy their bodies asymptomatically, practically without betraying their existence.
According to research, it can take months or even years from the moment of infection until the first signs of helminthiasis appear.
To detect infection at an early stage, you need to know how to recognize parasites in the human body.
You need to carefully monitor the changes and signals in your body to feel the signs of intoxication of helminths with waste products in a timely manner and to determine the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs of worm infestation
The presence of parasites in the body always affects the state of human health. However, the symptoms of the defeat of the protozoa are similar to the symptoms of common diseases.
A medical examination will allow you to find out if there are any parasites in the body.
There are the following groups of symptoms that indicate an infection in the body:
- intoxication of the body;
- damage to the nervous system;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- skin problems.
Systematic exposure to toxins produced by parasites can cause headaches, weakness, nausea, and increased fatigue.
There is a slight increase in temperature to 37. 5 for no reason. The immune system is disrupted, which is the result of colds, intestinal diseases, allergies.
An obvious sign of parasite invasion is unreasonable weight loss due to the body's fight against worms for nutrients.
Children are most susceptible to this disease. If the child loses weight dramatically in a normal lifestyle, it is necessary to check whether 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. In this case, according to human biorhythms, the liver is the most active, and an unreasonable awakening may be the result of the body's attempts to get rid of toxins.
According to some sources, the reaction of the nervous system to parasitic interference is bruxism - grinding of teeth during sleep. Many consider this to be a sign of the presence of scientifically unproven parasites in a child.
The presence of parasites adversely affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The worms move in the intestinal wall, causing irritation and inflammation.
As a result, the absorption of nutrients and fats is reduced. Worms that move in the large intestine cause cramping pain. During life, many parasites secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
Worms have different shapes and sizes, so they can cause blockage of some organs, bile and intestinal canals, which can lead to constipation.
Parasitic organisms in the small intestine cause flatulence, bloating, and inflammation. Frequent swelling indicates the presence of microorganisms in the system.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, in turn, cause changes in the skin: acne, pimples, spots of unknown origin, baldness, papillomas, dermatitis.
Often parasites are the cause of allergic reactions: urticaria, rash, eczema. This is due to the fact that worms produce a poison that activates the immune system and causes a reaction in the body.
If you notice any of the above changes in yourself or your child, you should see a doctor immediately to check for parasites.
A qualified parasitologist will give clear and accessible instructions (explain how to be tested, which tests to take) and prescribe treatment based on the test results.
Laboratory methods for the diagnosis of helminthiasis
In the human body, parasites, their larvae and eggs can be located in different organs. The ability to move within the body and, consequently, to be in every system of the body makes it difficult to recognize helminthiasis.
At an early stage, the parasite cannot be detected in more than 15% of patients out of the total number of infected.
How to find out if there are helminths in the body? Complex research is carried out by combining different methods to detect all clinical forms of parasites.
The following biological materials are used to detect worms during laboratory tests:
- feces;
- bile;
- urine;
- sputum;
- blood;
- muscle;
- perianal and rectal mucus.
The traditional way you can check if a child or adult is a protozoa is to study the patient's stool.
To do this, you must pass the appropriate analysis. This proven method allows us to determine the presence of protozoa organs, larvae and eggs, and to identify their species.
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 produced against the antigens in human blood.
This method is well-known, it can detect more than 90% of species of parasitic microorganisms.
As a result of the blood test, it is possible to identify the parasitic organism and study the dynamics of the disease.
The serological method is used in the acute stage of the disease. You must donate blood for this analysis.
Biofluid will serve as a material in which antibodies against certain types of parasites are found.
This method is often used in conjunction with X-rays, ultrasound and endoscopic examinations.
With PCR diagnostics, you can check for parasites in the body. The method allows the detection of a specific parasitic organism by specific DNA analysis.
With the help of PCR diagnostics it is possible to detect parasites in the test material, as well as to predict the further development of the disease.
Less common in modern medicine, parasites are detected using bioresonance studies, histological coprogramming, hemoscanning, and electroacupuncture.
Every year new and existing and learned diagnostic methods are developed and improved. This allows the worms to be identified at a stage where the body has not yet changed its function.
Modern medicine recommends the prevention of parasitic infestations twice a year. There are many medications for this.
You should consult a doctor before using the drug, because antihelmintic substances are toxic not only to helminths, but also to the human body.