9 signs you could have a parasite
What is a parasite?
Before you self-diagnose, it’s important to understand what a parasite is. “A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are three classes of parasites:
- Protozoa, which are tiny, one-celled organisms that typically live in the intestines, blood, 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.
You ingested some questionable water
Whether you were travelling abroad and drank from the tap or went to the lake around the block and splashed around for a bit, ingesting contaminated water is one of the most common causes of parasites, according to Dr Daliah Wachs.
You enjoy a rare steak
Tend to prefer your foods on the rare side? It might not be the best option if you’re looking to avoid a parasite. “Ingesting raw or undercooked beef or pork can lead to [infection by] the Taenia type of intestinal tapeworms,” says Dr Dana Hawkinson. “Eating certain 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 can grow up to 35 centimetres in length and lead to intestinal blockage, so you definitely want to avoid them.
You're losing weight
There are many diseases that cause unexplained weight loss, but losing weight is also one of the primary parasite symptoms for certain types of these freeloaders. “Tapeworms will cause you to lose weight because you have this huge worm in your intestines eating your food,” wrote Dr Patricia Quinlisk, the former Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director/State Epidemiologist, in a newsletter to healthcare providers. The weight loss is often accompanied by loss of appetite and upset stomach.
You have a compromised immune 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 spend a lot of time in the bathroom
This is also one of the more common parasite symptoms noticed by hosts. According to the CDC, Giardia infection is a very common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans – 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 nappy buckets), or swimming in Giardia-infested lakes, rivers or streams. It can also be transmitted through the faecal-oral route via inadequate hand hygiene, daycare centres and oral-anal sex. If you’ve got it, you’ll be quick to notice that something is amiss. The infection is known for causing watery, smelly and fatty diarrhoea, gas, abdominal cramps and dehydration within one to three weeks after exposure.
You have other GI symptoms
This is also one of the more common parasite symptoms noticed by hosts. According to the CDC, Giardia infection is a very common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans – 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 nappy buckets), or swimming in Giardia-infested lakes, rivers or streams. It can also be transmitted through the faecal-oral route via inadequate hand hygiene, daycare centres and oral-anal sex. If you’ve got it, you’ll be quick to notice that something is amiss. The infection is known for causing watery, smelly and fatty diarrhoea, gas, abdominal cramps and dehydration within one to three weeks after exposure.
You 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 cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath,” says Dr Adalja. Lung symptoms due to a parasite are rare and only associated with certain parasites, per research published in Thorax.
You've got unusual vaginal discharge
Any sudden change in your usual bodily functions can be a sign any number of things are happening in your body; however, add unusual discharge to the list of parasite symptoms. The protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms include a change in vaginal discharge (it may be thinner or thicker, white or slightly yellow or green, and/or have a fishy odour); itching, redness and soreness of the genitals; discomfort while urinating; and pain during sex.
As many as 30 per cent of women may experience an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV) at some point in their lives.
You've got no symptoms at all
It’s scary but true – some parasitic infections produce no parasite symptoms. If you have reason to suspect you may have one, see a doctor as soon as possible. You’ll likely need a series of blood tests, faecal tests, X-rays or a colonoscopy, but it’s worthwhile. Ultimately, parasites can cause serious illness. “You can eventually become dehydrated and die, or some parasites will invade other organs,” says Dr Wachs. “Antibiotics will not treat 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 body to thrive – at your expense.”
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