How Can You Tell if You Have a Parasite
What is a parasite?
Earlier you self-diagnose your symptoms as due to a parasite, it'due south important to empathize what a parasite is. "A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its nutrient from or at the expense of its host," according to the CDC. There are three classes of parasites: Protozoa, which are tiny, ane-celled organisms that typically alive in the intestines, claret, or tissue; helminths, which are parasitic worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, and thorny-headed worms; and ectoparasites, which are ticks, fleas, lice, and mites that attach to or burrow into the skin. Parasites can cause disease and even death, but fortunately, if caught early, the infections can usually be treated with medication. (And sometimes they are merely annoying and icky, but not necessarily life-threatening—like head lice.) Here are some silent signs and parasite symptoms that could mean yous are hosting one of these tiny invaders, including the parasite that millions of people in the United States have and don't know it.
You ingested (or swam in) some questionable water
Whether yous were traveling abroad and drank from the tap or went to the lake around the block and splashed around for a flake, ingesting contaminated water is one of the about common causes of parasites, co-ordinate to Daliah Wachs, MD, a board-certified family unit physician in Las Vegas. In fact, earlier you drink that next drinking glass of h2o, here are some things yous need to know about whether or non your tap h2o is safety.
You enjoy a rare steak
Tend to prefer your foods on the rare side? Information technology might not be the best option if you're looking to avoid a parasite. "Ingesting raw or undercooked beefiness or pork can lead to [infection past] the Taenia blazon of abdominal tapeworms," says Dana Hawkinson, MD, an assistant professor at the University of Kansas Schoolhouse of Medicine. "Eating sure raw fish can lead to [infection by] diphyllobothrium, [a type] of intestinal tapeworm. Additionally, ingestion of contaminated food or water can lead to an Ascaris infection." Ascaris intestinal roundworms tin can grow up to 35 centimeters in length and pb to intestinal blockage, so you definitely want to avoid them.
You're losing weight
In that location are many diseases that cause unexplained weight loss, but losing weight is also ane of the master parasite symptoms for certain types of these freeloaders. "Tapeworms will crusade you to lose weight because yous have this huge worm in your intestines eating your food," Patricia Quinlisk, Doctor, MPH, erstwhile Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director/Country Epidemiologist, wrote in an email newsletter she sends to healthcare providers. The weight loss is often accompanied by loss of appetite and upset stomach. Still, at that place are other health reasons to explain why you could be rapidly losing weight.
You take a compromised allowed system
A compromised immune system could inhibit your body's ability to fight off a parasite. "Those with diabetes and HIV, as well as those undergoing transplants who are on immunosuppressants, are most at risk," Dr. Wachs says.
You're spending a lot of fourth dimension in the bathroom
This is also ane of the more common parasite symptoms noticed by hosts. Co-ordinate to the CDC, Giardia infection is one of the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans in the United States—you might get it from drinking Giardia-infested water, eating raw food that contains the parasite, touching surfaces contaminated with Giardia (like bathroom handles or diaper pails), or swimming in Giardia-infested lakes, rivers, or streams. It tin also be transmitted through the fecal-oral route via inadequate mitt hygiene, daycare centers, and oral-anal sex. If yous've got it, you'll be quick to notice that something is amiss. The infection is known for causing watery, smelly and fat diarrhea, gas, intestinal cramps, and aridity inside one to iii weeks afterward exposure.
Yous've got other GI symptoms
Perhaps the near common parasite symptoms are ones that mimic irritable bowel syndrome. "Gastrointestinal parasites can cause abdominal hurting, bloating, diarrhea, anal itching, anemia, and intestinal obstruction," says Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Centre for Wellness Security. (Here are 8 ways to relieve IBS symptoms naturally.)
Yous have trouble breathing
This is one of the lesser-known parasite symptoms. Parasites can thrive in places other than the intestines. "If a parasite resides in the lung, it can crusade respiratory symptoms such every bit cough or shortness of jiff," says Dr. Adalja. Lung symptoms due to a parasite are rare and only associated with sure parasites, per research published in Thorax.
You lot've got unusual vaginal discharge
Whatsoever sudden modify in your usual bodily functions tin can exist a sign any number of things are happening in your trunk; yet, add unusual discharge to the list of parasite symptoms. The protozoan parasite chosen Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms include a alter in vaginal discharge (it may be thinner or thicker, white or slightly yellow or dark-green, and/or have a fishy aroma); itching, redness, and soreness of the genitals; discomfort while urinating; and hurting during sex. Don't miss the 15 silent signs your body is in big trouble.
You've got no symptoms at all
Information technology'south scary but true: Some parasitic infections produce zero parasite symptoms. If you lot have reason to suspect you may accept ane, see a doctor as soon as possible. Yous'll likely need a series of blood tests, fecal tests, X-rays, or a colonoscopy to be screened, but it'due south worthwhile. Ultimately, parasites can crusade serious illness. "You lot tin eventually become dehydrated and die, or some parasites will invade other organs," says Dr. Wachs. "Antibiotics will not care for most of these, so we use anti-parasite medications primarily, and give fluids to maintain hydration." If left untreated, she adds, "parasites will use your trunk to thrive—at your expense." If you lot're looking for specific parasite symptoms, these are the 12 silent signs y'all could have a tapeworm.
Sources
- Patricia Quinlisk, Dr., MPH, sometime Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Manager/State Epidemiologist.
- CDC: "Well-nigh Parasites."
- Daliah Wachs, Doctor, Las Vegas, NV.
- CDC: "Giardasis."
- CDC: "Trichomoniasis."
- Thorax: "Parasitic infections of the lung: a guide for the respiratory physician"
Medically reviewed by
Originally Published: March 28, 2019
Source: https://www.thehealthy.com/digestive-health/signs-you-have-parasite/
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