Interesting Psychology Team
Parasites are organisms that live off other organisms called hosts. They feed off the hosts by stealing the nutrients from their food. There are three main types of parasites:
- PROTOZOA, which are single-cell organisms that live in the intestines, blood, or tissue.
- HELMINTHS, which include worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, and thorny-headed worms.
- ECTOPARASITES, which are ticks, fleas, lice, and mites that attach to or burrow into the skin.
Parasitic infections can result in anything from an uncomfortable annoyance such as headlice to much more complicated diseases and even death if undiagnosed and untreated. So here are ten early symptoms to watch out for!
1 – Stomach Pain
One of the first signs that you may have a parasite is stomach pain—especially if that pesky critter is feasting in your intestines. Some parasites live in food like meat, and they enter the body through the stomach when you consume food that is not properly prepared.
Parasites can also spread through the air, from person to person, or through contaminated water. Once inside the body, the parasites will reproduce, resulting in increased stomach pain.
2 – Digestive Issues
Parasites release by-products that can build up in your gastrointestinal tract. This can result in abdominal inflammation, gas, and indigestion.
Some of these parasites actually block food from passing—which can have its own set of symptoms such as sharp pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting, and constipation.
3 – Anal Itching
A common symptom associated with parasites is an itchy anus, which is uncomfortable and doesn’t usually resolve unless treated. This symptom can be embarrassing.
It can also disturb sleep—and that’s because parasites are most active and lay their eggs at night, so the itching is usually the worst at that time. Scratching the itch can damage the skin, further increasing the chance of infection.
4 – Fatigue
Constantly feeling tired could also be a symptom of a parasitic infection. Parasites devour nutrients and minerals that the body requires to survive.
Furthermore, some parasites might impair the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients, thus impacting overall health. Even with proper nutrition and adequate sleep, parasites can make you feel weak and tired.
5 – Weight Loss
Quick, unexplainable weight loss can be another symptom of a parasite. Not only are the parasites stealing your nutrients, but your body has to use extra calories to fight the parasitic infection.
All of these things can result in weight loss. If accompanied by a change in appetite or other symptoms, weight loss could be an indication of parasites.
