Parasites are omnipresent and can affect anyone. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to protect yourself from them and how to treat an invasion if you have already been infected. Discover efficient strategies to combat parasitic diseases in humans.
What are Parasitic Diseases?
Parasitic human diseases occur as a result of parasitic invasions. Often, you may not experience any symptoms until it is too late. To stay informed, make sure you know:
- Which parasites can cause diseases.
- The time between invasion and disease manifestation.
- How to protect yourself if you are already infected and other essential information.
Types of Parasites
There are infinite parasite types. Because they are microscopic organisms, it is hard to detect them until they’re outside your body. Traditionally all parasites that can affect people are classified as:
- Protozoa
- Helminths
- Ectoparasites
On average, ectoparasites are more harmful to animals and pets than to humans. Protozoa can cause discomfort and invade any organ in the body. Helminths, in turn, are the most dangerous parasites for humans and can even be fatal. Please note that the aggressive TV ads about parasites being everywhere typically refer to harmless intestinal protozoa parasites. Hence, there is no need to be excessively concerned about them.
Parasite Life Cycle
To be laconic, all parasites follow a specific life cycle:
- Birth.
- Reproduction.
- Infestation.
- Transmission.
This cycle repeats, and the more parasites present in an organism, the higher the chances of developing a disease. Larva migrans, the reproductive ability of parasites, increases with their population inside the body.
How Parasites Cause Disease
Parasites can cause diseases in two primary ways:
- They invade and damage biological systems such as organs, blood, or lymph.
- The body’s immune system reacts to the presence of foreign entities.
The specific way parasites cause disease depends on the parasite type.
General Symptoms of Parasitic Diseases
Symptoms of parasitic diseases vary depending on the type of parasite and the system it invades. Common symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Weakness.
- Diarrhea.
- Headaches.
- Dermatitis, among others.
It can be challenging to distinguish parasitic diseases from other illnesses. However, there are exceptions, particularly with severe parasite invasions. If you are not currently in Africa, these exceptions are not likely to apply to you.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues caused by parasitic infections include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, and, rarely, intestinal bleeding. If you experience these symptoms for longer than a day, you should visit a medical center for a parasite diagnosis.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue is not a common symptom of most parasitic invasions. Chronic fatigue or other potential illnesses are more likely. Fatigue and weakness are general symptoms associated with various health conditions. If you experience excessive sleepiness, seeking medical attention is recommended, but there is no need to worry excessively beforehand.
Skin Problems
Skin problems can indicate either parasitic infections or allergies. Pay close attention to any unexpected skin issues, especially after traveling or consuming unfamiliar food.
Neurological Issues
If you suffer from headaches, dizziness, depersonalization, low mood, coordination problems, or other health issues, consult a doctor. These symptoms may be related to parasitic infections or other medical conditions, so prompt medical attention is essential.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions, including parasitic infection rashes, are highly individualized. If you are prone to allergic reactions, you likely already know about potential allergens that could cause discomfort.
Dangerous Diseases
While most parasitic infections are not severe, there are some dangerous diseases to be aware of, including:
- Chagas disease;
- African Trypanosomiasis;
- Schistosomiasis;
- Leishmaniasis;
- Toxoplasmosis;
- Dracunculiasis;
- Filariasis;
- Malaria.
These eight diseases are reasons to be concerned about internal parasites. Additionally, you should be aware of parasitic infections affecting the brain.
Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases
If you suspect a parasitic infection, do not panic, especially if you are not a frequent traveler. However, if you have doubts or have recently returned from an adventure, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Fever (100°F, 40°C).
- Spasms.
- Prolonged and unexpected diarrhea.
In such cases, visit a medical center and undergo blood or stool tests.
Typically, these are sufficient for diagnosing a parasite invasion. However, if you have traveled to distant countries, you may also be required to undergo biopsies and imaging tests.
Blood Tests
A parasitic infection blood test detects the presence of antibodies to parasites or the actual parasites in the blood sample.
Stool Tests
Stool tests for parasites examine samples to detect the presence of parasites or their eggs.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, can help identify abnormalities in the body that indicate parasitic infections.
Biopsies
In specific cases of parasitic infections, biopsies may be used to directly identify the presence of parasites in affected tissues and assess the extent of tissue damage caused by the infection. Biopsies are commonly employed for diagnosing conditions such as:
- Toxoplasmosis;
- Amoebic dysentery;
- Leishmaniasis;
- Strongyloidiasis;
- Giardiasis.
Prevention
Okay, if you’re searching for information on how to prevent parasite invasions, you might be preparing to travel or have already defeated some invaders in your body and want to avoid their return.
So, there’s nothing special: just follow some proactive health practices at home. Drink only mineralized water when you’re traveling, and consider getting vaccinated if you’re planning to move to Africa or the depths of South America.
You might find this helpful: Stromectol or ivermectin
Proactive health practices
Everything is much simpler than you think! Follow these proactive health practices when you are at home:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wash your food thoroughly.
- Avoid walking barefoot on the soil.
- Deworm your pets.
They’re simple yet effective in preventing parasite-related issues.
Importance of Clean Water
Clean water is crucial at all times, especially during travel. When you consume water from your home, your body is familiar with it and has built-in defenses. However, when drinking water in exotic locations, your body may lack immunity to nonpathogenic intestinal parasites, increasing the risk of infection.
Vaccinations
If you plan to move to an area with deadly parasites, visit a clinic and get vaccinated. Before each trip, check the list of parasites prevalent in the region to ensure you are adequately protected.
Summary
Parasites are all around us, even inside our bodies. Protecting yourself from them is essential. Do not panic; follow the recommendations and remember to wash your hands after interacting with pets. Most importantly, be aware that the majority of parasites are harmless.
FAQ
Here is a list of essential information to keep in mind:
What are three common parasitic diseases?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia. Schistosomiasis is transmitted through contact with contaminated water.
What are some examples of parasitic diseases?
Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through infected animals or contaminated food. Chagas disease, spread by triatomine bugs.
What diseases can you get from parasites?
Leishmaniasis is transmitted through sandfly bites. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection.
