A parasite is an organism that survives on or in a host organism that provides it with food. The very concept of claiming that someone can possess a parasite or multiple parasites inside them reminds one of a horror movie. But the truth is parasitic infections do exist and are significantly more prevalent than you were taught. They can impact anyone, irrespective of their age, gender or lifestyle choices. Parasites can invade the body through filthy food and water, insect bites, or even through the skin. They can trigger several symptoms some of which can be mild and frequently dismissed.
In this article, we discuss the 10 symptoms that occur in the event of a human body parasite attack. Knowing how to spot these signs will aid in taking appropriate measures to protect your wellbeing and get the correct help when the situation calls for it.
1. Mysterious Digestive Problems
It is estimated that a good proportion of parasitic infections would result in at least one digestive problem. Parasites tend to live in the gastrointestinal tract because it’s a paradise for them. They often cause digestive woes such as:
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools may mean that there are parasites affecting your gut.
- Constipation: Certain parasites are capable of causing intestinal blockages that could make it difficult to pass stools.
- Bloating and Gas: Because parasites feed on food consumed, they can release gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort.
- Nausea and Vomiting: As the body tries to get rid of the parasites, vomiting is common.
If you notice you have any digestive problems that don’t seem to have a fix, it may be time to check into a possible parasitic infection.
2. Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
Even if you try to sleep and rest more, you are likely still experiencing chronic fatigue if you feel drained of energy. This suggests parasites could be consuming food, draining your body of nutrients, and releasing toxins. Fatigue due to parasites is characterized by:
- Always feeling tired dies even after resting.
- Difficulty focusing or brain fog.
- Muscles feeling weak and low overall stamina.
If you notice these symptoms and continue to feel drained after infection, parasites might be the answer.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain An inability to process nutrients could be responsible for the weight loss.
At the same time, some parasites can motivate weight gain by stimulating appetites for sweets and high-fat foods. Parasitic infections can be flagged if there are unexplained changes in weight without modification in diet or physical activity.
4. Skin Conditions
As parasites secrete toxins that can cause allergic symptoms or inflammation, a number of skin conditions may arise. Common symptoms include:
- Rashes: Reddish, itchy, or bumpy skin may correspond with other signs of a parasitic infection.
- Hives: These raised, itchy welts can suddenly appear as a response to parasites.
- Eczema or Psoriasis Flares: Existing inflammation of the skin is poor due to parasites.
- Sores or Lesions: Hookworms and some other parasites burrow into the skin, causing sores or ulcers.
If skin problems are new and constant, the possibility of parasites should be investigated.
5. Pain in Muscles and Joints
Pain and inflammation in the joints or muscles is due to the action of certain parasites like trichinella and some tapeworms. This may cause symptoms like:
- Muscle Aches: Constant aching or tender pains in the muscles.
- Joint Pain: Physiological state in which pain is felt in and around the joints, often accompanied with swelling and stiffness.
- Cramps: Abrupt, involuntary contractions of muscles.
These symptoms are usually confused with arthritis or fibromyalgia, so it would be a good idea to investigate the possibility of parasites as the underlying issue.
6. Sleep Disturbances
Parasites have several ways to interfere with your sleep. Some of them are the following:
- Night Sweats: Certain parasites, like Plasmodium that causes malaria, can induce fever as well as sweating during sleep.
- Insomnia: Discomfort from parasite infestation or itching can make falling asleep or staying asleep difficult.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): A common symptom of parasitic infections, this is especially heard in children.
Parasites could be responsible for sleep disturbances in cases where there is no straightforward explanation.
7. Anemia
Hookworms, in particular, are parasites that can result in an infection that will cause the person infected to lose red blood cells and iron-depleted anemia. The symptoms of anemia can be any of the following:
- Pale Skin: A person may lose discoloration on their skin, lips, and nails.
- Fatigue: A person may feel unusually tired or very weak.
- Shortness of Breath: A person may find it hard to breathe when doing even a simple physical task.
When considering anemia, it is necessary to investigate if parasites are the underlying cause.
8. Allergies and Sensitivities:
Allergic reactions caused by inflammation or introduction of toxins into the body can also be caused by parasites. This lead to:
- Food Sensitivities: It is the sudden development of allergy or intolerance to selected foods.
- Seasonal Allergies: Experiences heightened sensitivity to allergens like pollen, dust, or other environmental triggers.
- Asthma: Asthma can be worsened by parasite infections asoneg respiratory disease.
If there are any emerging or increasing allergy issues, infection with parasites is another plausible reason.
9. Mental Health Problems
Worrying changes in the levels of neurotransmitters and inflammation in the brain can be associated with the infection by parasitic organisms. Symptoms include:
- Anxiety: Constant state of worry for some unknown reason.
- Depression: Persistent state of sadness bordering to feeling hopeless.
- Irritability: Unreasonably angry and can be easily agitated.
- Mood Swings: Unpredictable and very fast changes in mood without an observable cause.
These are the most ignored signs of parasites but continual thinking might note them as chances of parasitic infection.
10. External signs of of parasites – examples
Some cases seem to reveal themselves clinically by finding the parasites in stool, vomitus, or even externally on the skin. Such as:
- Worms in Stool: Roundworms and pinworms are a type of tapeworems that are readily visible during defecation.
- Eggs or Larvas: Some organisms do lay eggs which are visible under a microscope once concentrated.
- Skin Infections: Rashes with Scabies or lice infestation is sometimes easily diagnosed.
Noticing these signs means medical assistance is crucial.
Steps on Dealing with Parasitic Infection
If you find yourself facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should visit your trusted healthcare professional. They can run tests to confirm the presence of parasites and figure out a way to treat the problem. While waiting, there are ways to help mitigate the risk of parasitic infections:
- Keep up with Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or cooking.
- Avoid Contaminated Drinks and Foods: Be mindful when visiting places with low hygiene standards.
- Properly Cook Meat – Make sure meat is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill parasites.
- Apply Insect Repellent: Avoid insect bites, as these can spread parasites.
Conclusion
Parasitic infections are more common than many people realize, and the range and scope of symptoms misunderstood can be staggering. Understanding what actions to take following a detection of a parasite attack is important in maintaining health and well-being. So should always consult a healthcare professional.
Health education and proactive measures can lessen complications and improve your health. Seek help, and detection as early as possible.
Your wellbeing is a treasure, so ensure to live mindfully. Stay mature, make healthy choices, and remember: your body is irreplaceable!