Intestinal Parasites Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Most people do not realize how common intestinal parasites infection are. Every year, millions of people experience parasite infections. In many cases, the affected people think they only have a common stomach issue. Normally, these infections are not very painful, but they can become dangerous and harmful to your health when diagnosed late

Fortunately, diagnosed intestinal parasite infections can easily be treated. By learning about the potential causes and symptoms of an infection, a person will be able to identify if they have a problem and seek a medical professional.

What is an Intestinal Parasites Infection?

An intestinal parasites infection is an infection resulting from an organism that takes refuge in the intestines and digests fluids and nutrients in the digestive tract. This infection can inhibit healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and can potentially damage the intestines.

Intestinal parasites can be broken down into two categories:

Protozoa

These organisms are made of a single cell, can be seen under a microscope, and can reproduce inside of one’s intestines.

Helminths

These organisms are parasitic worms. Examples of some common parasites are as follows, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, pinworms, and Giardia.

What Causes Intestinal Parasites Infections?

An infection is caused when the parasite larval forms, eggs, or cysts enter the human body. This typically occurs when a person eats or drinks contaminated food and water, or comes in contact with infected individuals.

Contaminated Drinking Water

It has been shown that drinking water that contains parasite cysts or eggs is a primary risk factor for intestinal parasites infection. Unclean or poor water systems and untreated water from lakes, rivers, and wells can be habitats for many parasites that infect people.

Parasites and Food

Fish and meat can harbor parasites. Lax food handling practices increase your risk of infection.

Dirty Hands

Not washing your hands after a trip to the toilet and before a meal can allow parasite transmission. Parasites are most active in children, as they tend to frequently touch infected surfaces.

Food And Form Contamination

Some parasite species thrive in soils infected with human/animal waste. Walking around barefoot or coming into contact with infected soil can lead to parasite infection.

Visiting places with poor hygiene and sanitation

Visiting regions with inadequate Halal and Kosher standards places the Traveler in unknown, highly populated places with regular Halal and Kosher food water and the risk of contracting intestinal parasites.

Pin worms, along with certain other species of parasites, are typically textbook examples of a parasite that families will pass around, as will the majority of the school population for the entire community.

Signs of an Intestinal Parasite

The duration and type of parasite establish the characteristics for the infection. Some parasites lead to severe, even killing symptoms; while others have a host carrying the parasite for months to years with no perceivable effect.

Discomfort in the Digestive System

Most individuals infected by parasites complain of generalised discomfort with there bowel system and other symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Frequent, excessive and recurrent flatulence
• Constipation

These symptoms are always a cause for concern, especially if they are recurrent over a few weeks.

Weight loss that doesn’t make sense

Some people lose weight as a parasites tap into and consume the nutrients required by the body. This can lead a person to lose weight, even when no change in daily eating patterns is sensed.

Fatigue and Weakness

Poor absorption of nutrients can lead to low energy levels, weakness, and persistent fatigue. Some people feel tired even when they rest enough.

Loss of Appetite

Specific intestinal parasites can suppress appetite, and some can cause discomfort after meals. Because of this, it can be hard to maintain a healthy diet.

Itching Around the Anal Area

Infection by pinworms causes itching around the anal area and is especially common at night when the female lays its eggs.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Chronic infections can impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some of these may cause deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12.

Skin Problems

Some also experience skin rashes and itching, and some may experience allergic reactions as the body’s immune system reacts to the parasite.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While intestinal parasites infection can happen to anybody, some groups are more vulnerable.

These include:

• Children
• Travelers to regions with low hygiene practices
• Individuals with a low immunity
• People who live in crowded environments
• People who drink water contaminated with microbes
• People who have been in contact with infected soil or animal excreta
• Knowledge of who is most affected can help in reducing the infection.

How Are Intestinal Parasites Infection Diagnosed?

An intestinal parasites infection is diagnosed through a medical appraisal and investigations.

Stool Examination

Testing stool samples is one of the most common diagnostic tools. Diagnostic lab staff will perform tests to examine the samples for eggs, larvae, or microbes of parasites.

Blood Tests

Blood work may help detect some parasitic infections as well as complications of anemia or nutritional deficiency.

Imaging Tests

There are instances where larger parasites or complications of the organ systems require imaging studies to assist with the diagnosis.

Additional Testing

To determine the most appropriate treatment, clinicians may elect to perform an array of diagnostic tests based on the presenting systems.

Treatment Options for Intestinal Parasites Infection

Medical treatment is indispensable to determining the type of parasitic infection because all parasitic infections require specific treatments.

Prescription Antiparasitic Medications

Antiparasitic medication is the main treatment course. All medications are prescribed based on the specific parasitic infection. The duration of the treatment will depend on the specific infecting organism.

There is a pronounced response to treatment, and most patients are symptomatically better within a few days to a couple weeks.

Managing Dehydration

Dehydration is secondary to the vomiting and diarrhea and can be better managed by consuming sufficient fluids and replacing electrolytes.

Nutritional Support

For individuals with deficiencies, dietary changes and supplemental nutrition are helpful.

Follow-Up Testing

Some clinicians may repeat stool testing after treatment to ensure the absence of parasitic infection.

Can Intestinal Parasites Infection Be Prevented?

Good hygiene and safe food handling practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of intestinal parasitic infections.

• Wash Hands Regularly
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water:
• Before eating
• Before preparing food
• After using the restroom
• After handling animals
• After gardening or working with soil

Drink Safe Water

To decrease the risk of infection, drink clean and treated drinking water. When traveling, bottled or filtered water, may be used.

Thoroughly Cooking Food

It is essential to cook food sufficiently to eradicate parasites in meat, poultry, and fish.

Rinse Fruits and Vegetables

When eating or preparing food, make sure you wash raw fruits and vegetables.

Do not Walk Barefoot on Contaminated Ground

A good practice is to always wear shoes, particularly when walking in areas where parasites may penetrate the body through the skin.

Good Hygiene

Good hygiene involves the adequate and appropriate removal of waste and keeping the habitat clean to minimize the spread of parasites.

When is it Necessary to Consult a Medical Professional?

It is advisable to seek medical assistance once you notice the following:

• Continuous diarrhea
• Extreme pain in the stomach
• Blood is present in the stool
• An inexplicable loss of weight
• Unrelenting tiredness
• Showing signs of a state of dehydration
• Feeling unwell after traveling abroad

The symptoms of the intestinal parasites must be diagnosed early in order to save the body and prevent possible further complications.

Bottom line

People of all ages are susceptible to absorbing intestinal parasites and the infections are known to exhibit symptoms associated with digestion disorders. Contaminants of digestion, unsanitary drinking water, poor personal hygiene, and direct exposure to contaminated environments are major contributors.

Symptoms such as exhaustion, continuous weight loss, and deficiencies in nutrients can cause a person to seek early medical attention. To enhance the quality of life of the individual, it is critical to employ appropriate remedial measures and hygienic practices.