A parasite is an organism that lives within another organism, known as the host, and frequently causes harm to it. For survival, it is completely reliant on its host. A parasite cannot survive, develop, or replicate without a host. As a result, it seldom kills the host, although it can transmit illnesses, some of which are deadly. Unlike predators, parasites are often considerably smaller than their hosts and multiply at a quicker pace.

However, parasites are considerably more prevalent than you may imagine, despite how uncomfortable it is to think about having one. Parasites aren’t just a problem in developing nations; they can affect anybody, regardless of colour, gender, or financial position. These parasites can produce a variety of different symptoms, but the good news is that they can be treated!

Types of Parasites:

  • Hookworms
  • Lice
  • Pinworms
  • Whipworms
  • Giardia
  • Mosquitos
  • Bedbugs
  • Scabies
  • Roundworms
  • Tapeworms

Many types of parasites create a wide range of issues because of their diversity. While some really devour your meals, leaving you starving after every meal and unable to put on weight. Others feed on your red blood cells, resulting in anaemia (low red blood cell count). Eggs laid by several species are known to induce itching and irritation, as well as sleeplessness in some people.

Signs of Parasite Infection

  • Weight Loss, Increased Appetite, Or Both
  • Abdominal Pain And Vomiting
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Anaemia
  • Aches And Pains
  • Allergies
  • Weakness
  • Fever
  • Diarrhoea
  • General Feeling Unwell

Parasites, on the other hand, can transmit a wide range of diseases, thus symptoms are difficult to anticipate. When the parasite infects a person, it can transmit the parasite to another person who may develop symptoms.

Prevention

When you ingest food or drink that contains parasites or when you contact your face with infected hands, the majority of parasitic illnesses enter your body through your mouth.

  • When dealing with animals or in areas where animal excrement may be present, such as gardens, you should wear gloves and wash your hands well afterwards.
  • Be sure to only drink from sealed bottles when travelling or in a region where food or water might be polluted. Therefore, it’s best to avoid adding ice cubes to your beverages. And only consume things that have been properly cooked. You can safely consume fruits with peels that have been cleaned with clean water.
  • Antimalarial drugs can be used to prevent the disease before, during, and after travel to areas known to have the disease. Before you go, talk to your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.
  • When feasible, swim in chlorinated pools instead of natural ones. Do not swim in or near sewage-filled rivers, lakes, or streams

Who Is At Risk Of a Parasite Infection?

A parasite infection can affect anyone. There are certain, though, who are at a greater danger than others. Your chances of contracting a parasite infection increase when:

  • Weak immune system or are already unwell with another disease.
  • No access to clean drinking water.
  • Living or travelling in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
  • When swimming in ponds where Giardia and other parasites are widespread.
  • When working in childcare, when working with soil regularly, or in other situations where you come into touch with excrement on a regular basis.

Rodents and birds afflicted with the disease might come into touch with outdoor cats. As a result, their owners are more susceptible to contracting toxoplasmosis, a form of protozoan infection. It has been shown that toxoplasmosis may be extremely hazardous to pregnant mothers and their unborn children. You should have someone else clean the litter box every day if you are pregnant.

The Best Way To Detect a Parasite

Speak to your doctor right away if you believe that you may have parasites. Testing by a medical professional will be required to confirm that you do have a parasite. Testing for parasites can be done in a variety of methods.

An In-Depth Stool Analysis

To do a stool test, a little sample of your faeces is taken and analyzed to see whether it contains parasites. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that you collect your faeces in an airtight, dry, clean container and deliver it to your doctor. At least three separate stool samples, obtained on different days, are likely to be required. It is then up to a doctor to send the samples to a lab for analysis.

Endoscopy Or Colonoscopy

There are several types of endoscopic procedures, including those that use tubes that are put into the mouth to inspect the intestine. It’s similar to a colonoscopy, but the tube is placed in your rectum. A parasite in your GI tract might be detected by these tests, which search for its presence.

Blood Test

Tests for particular infections can reveal parasites in some cases. But there is no universal test to diagnose parasitic illnesses; your doctor will test for a specific parasite they anticipate you have. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe a blood smear or a serology test to check for antibodies or parasite antigens (which analyzes a drop of blood under a microscope).

What Other Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Practitioner

  • Will I need to take any medicine to treat my condition?
  • How long should I take my medicine in order to get the best results?
  • Can the infection return?
  • Will the infection cause long-term health issues?
  • Is there any threat to my health?

Following Up

He or she will conduct a follow-up stool test to make sure the parasite has been removed and will offer you advice on how to avoid being infected again in the future. Be sure you follow these directions to the letter!

Special Considerations

  • The severity and duration of sickness are dependent on the type of intestinal parasite involved. It is more common for elderly persons to develop complications, as well as people with significant diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.
  • If you are pregnant, intestinal parasites might be more severe. Pregnancy-safe medicines will be provided by your doctor. During pregnancy, any therapy for intestinal parasites should be thoroughly monitored by your medical professional.

Treatment Options

Pharmacological Treatments

If you have an intestinal parasite, your doctor will prescribe the medicine that is most effective against it. Take the medicine for few weeks if necessary. Do not take the drug in any other way than as directed, or it will not work.

Alternative And Complementary Therapies

It is more efficient and less harmful to use conventional medical procedures to get rid of parasites. Along with traditional medicines, alternative therapies may be useful. However, before you begin therapy, your doctor must determine what type of organism is causing your difficulties. Dietary recommendations may assist prevent parasite growth.

Homoeopathy

First, your health care practitioner must determine which parasite you have. This covers your physical, emotional, and intellectual composition before recommending an appropriate treatment. When choosing the best appropriate treatment for a given individual, a skilled homeopath considers all of these variables, as well as any existing symptoms.

What Is The Most Common Place Of Parasite Infection?

Parasitic infections mostly happen in rural or developing areas where they usually enter the body through the mouth or skin.

Do Parasites Go Away With Time?

There are some parasitic infections which disappear on their own but it happens only when your immune system is healthy and you eat a balanced diet. In most of the cases, doctor will generally prescribe oral medication for a course of one or two months.

What Are The 3 Most Common Parasites?

Diseases can be caused by three main classes of parasites in humans. Common parasites are as follows:

  • Protozoa
  • Helminths
  • Ectoparasites

Measures To Prevent Parasitic Infection –

Follow The Given Tips To Prevent Parasitic Worm Infection:

  • Avoid Eating Raw Or Undercooked Meat Or Poultry.
  • Never Do Cross-Contamination During Food Prep.
  • Keep All Cutting Boards, Utensils And Countertops Disinfected Andclean.
  • Avoid Walking Barefoot Where Soil Is Contaminated By Feces.
  • Avoid Raw Freshwater Plants.

What are the symptoms of having parasites?

Parasites are often caused by the toxins that are released into the human bloodstream. The most common symptoms include unexplained constipation, bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Can You Feel The Movement Of Parasite In Your Stomach?

The parasite moves through the wall of the stomach or intestine and liver. People have no symptoms or may experience nausea, fever, vomiting, excess tiredness, diarrhea, lack of appetite or abdominal pain.