More than 250 species of various parasites can survive in the human body! According to statistics cited by the WHO, about 4. 5 billion people are infected with parasites, and this figure includes not only the residents of the "Third World" countries, it has been established that over 30% of all inhabitants of theEurope are carriers. A person can live in peace and not even suspect that the intruders have already settled in his body. So maybe they are safe since they are not annoying? But even taking this opinion into account, it is necessary to be able to identify parasites, determine their type and find out how parasites are treated and what neglect can turn into.
Why can parasites start?
What do parasites look like in the human body, after all, they can't come from the air? Indeed, the mechanism of infection is simple: most often unwashed hands become the cause of infection, from where the larvae enter the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), where they successfully transform into adults and remain in the human body, safely devouring everything that is most valuable in it: vitamins and minerals. . .
In some cases, the parasite gets to a person through sexual contact. So, you can get infected with trichomoniasis, pinworms and ploshchitsy (popularly - pubic lice). There is a high risk of infection from pets and personal hygiene items (washcloths, towels).
It is easy to see that the causes of parasites in the body are quite prosaic. In most cases, children get infected, unless the infection is sexually transmitted, of course.
We understood the reasons, now we will find out what signs of parasites in the body will tell you that you need to start treatment.
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body?
If the vital activity of "neighbors" is asymptomatic, then some signs of parasites in the human body can still be detected without special diagnostics. These signs include:
- Flatulence;
- Swelling;
- Constipation;
- General weakness, because the body does not receive important substances, supplying them with parasites;
- White discharge in women indicates trichomoniasis;
- Developmental delay in children;
- The appearance of allergic rashes and dermatitis on the skin;
- Mental exhaustion with prolonged infection.
Although these signs are only indirect indications of the presence of parasites, they can be a powerful reason for a complete diagnosis.
Clinical diagnostics
For many years, the diagnosis of parasites in the human body was limited only to the analysis of feces for the presence of nematode eggs. This approach made it possible to determine the infection only in the final stage of the disease. Currently, diagnostics have improved significantly. To identify parasites in the body, this type of research is used today:
- ELISA or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It allows to detect the presence of the corresponding antibodies;
- Bloodscopy;
- ART - vegetative resonance test;
- Bioresonance therapy.
Private clinics offer more and more new methods, devices for diagnosing parasitosis, so it is very important to consult an immunologist for advice. The specialist will tell you how to check the body for parasites in the most informative way.
It is very important to timely identify the presence of parasites, their prolonged stay in the body can have a detrimental effect on human life. There are frequent cases where the infection is fatal.
Are all parasites harmful to humans?
Recently, scientists have begun to study the relationship of autoimmune diseases with the vital activity of parasitic worms. The conclusions reached by US researchers are shocking!
Parasites living in the human body have also been found to be beneficial by stimulating the immune system.
For many centuries, people have coexisted with parasites, forming a specific symbiosis. Now that the number of infected people has dropped significantly, people are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
Beneficial parasites in the human body activate its own immune regulation, as a result of which the host receives double protection. Thus, intestinal worms are able to suppress inflammatory processes in the body. Research on this relationship continues today. It is impossible to predict what other discoveries they will bring.
Types of parasites
All parasites in the human body are conditionally divided into subgroups, based on the nature of their effect on the body. Types of parasites in the human body, as well as the symptoms and treatment of parasites in the human body:
| Name of parasites in humans | Harmful effects | Symptoms | How to kill parasites in the body | Mechanism of infection |
| Helminths | They have a depressing effect on the intestinal microflora. It disrupts the metabolism and prevents the absorption of nutrients. | Skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen, jaundice, fever. | A number of special anthelmintic drugs are used for treatment. | Through food, common hygiene items, as a result of close contact with animals. |
| Nematodes | They cause the development of a number of diseases of the intestine, gallbladder and lungs. | Low-grade fever, diarrhea (in the initial stage), dry cough, acute allergic reactions. | Parasites die on their own after a year, as they cannot reproduce in the body. Anthelmintic drugs are used in the treatment. | Due to poor hygiene. |
| Mushroom | They can be a trigger for oncological diseases. | White plaque on the mucous membranes, redness and peeling of the skin, itching of the affected area. | Treatment depends on the location of the fungus. Medicines for fungi are available in the form of ointments, medicated shampoos and special treatment solutions. | Transmitted via common objects. Healthy areas of the infected are affected. |
| Pinworms | They have a detrimental effect on the intestines. | Itching in the anal area, allergies, nausea and vomiting. | It is treated with anthelmintic drugs. | Failure to respect personal hygiene, along with food. |
| Giardia | It affects the host's liver. | Digestive disorders, periodic fever, diarrhea. | Enzyme preparations, choleretics, antibiotics. Antihistamine treatment. | Through household items, along with food. |
| Chlamydia | They contribute to the development of diabetes and infertility, destroy the liver and affect the pancreas. | In women it is almost asymptomatic: urination can become more frequent. In men, it manifests itself as urethritis, white discharge, and pain when urinating. | Antibiotics Treatment of the sexual partner is mandatory. | Unprotected sexual intercourse. Rarely - through personal hygiene items. |
| Trichomonas | They affect the oral cavity, cause disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system and intestines. The host's vascular system also suffers. It can cause oncology. | Cuts when urinating, foamy discharge from the external genital organs of men and women. | Antibiotics, immunomodulators, enzymes. Local external treatment: women with vaginal sanitizing suppositories, men with an antiseptic solution. | Sexually transmitted infection. |
| Toxoplasma | It affects the mucous membranes, causes disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system and intestines. Long-term "living together" is fraught with mental retardation. | It is asymptomatic or masked by various diseases. Revealed with a comprehensive examination. | Etiotropic treatment, immunomodulators, antihistamines, toxoplasmotherapy. | Through meat and vegetables. When a pregnant woman becomes infected, the baby becomes infected in utero. Domestic cat infection. |
| Fascioliasis | It causes hepatitis and causes allergic reactions. | Allergic symptoms that occur against the background of general malaise. The chronic form is characterized by pain in the liver. | Antihistamines, calcium chloride. If complications develop, hepatitis is treated. | Through meat, unwashed herbs and untreated water. |
This list of parasites in the human body will help you know when to seek medical attention. An infectious disease specialist will prescribe treatment depending on the type of parasite in the human body. You should not postpone an appointment with a doctor and wait for complications - any disease is easier to cure in its initial stage.