Parasites in Humans: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Parasitic infections are more common than are thought, with as many as 3.5 billion people infected worldwide with parasitic disease. Of these, roughly 450 million of them are suffering from disease as a result of these infections. 

These infections are not only confined to minor abdominal discomfort symptoms but may also result in severe, long-term health conditions. The causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention methods of these infections are explained in this article.

What are Parasites?

Parasites are a kind of organism that resides on or inside another organism (the host) and solely rely on it for survival. They harm the host while deriving benefits from it. Parasites can infect various parts of the body and cause diseases.

Types of Parasites

There are three broad categories of parasites that infect human beings and cause disease:

• Protozoa: They are single-celled microorganisms. Protozoa inhabit body tissue, intestines, or blood. The most common infections due to protozoa are those of malaria, giardiasis, and amoebiasis.
• Helminths (Worms): They are larger, multicellular animals also called worms. They include roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. 
• Ectoparasites: They live on the body surface. Examples are fleas, ticks, and lice.

Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites may induce a range of various symptoms. If you have an infection, you may have:

• Bloating
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Diarrhoea (at times with mucus or blood)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in appetite
• Anus itching (especially in the case of certain worms)

Difference Between Worms and Protozoa

Worms (helminths) are multicellular, large, and naked-eye visible organisms. They comprise roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Protozoa, however, are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Infections with protozoa will produce more systemic symptoms, such as fever and body aches, alongside gastrointestinal symptoms.

How Do You Catch a Parasite?

Individuals become infected by parasites in a variety of ways. The most common ways to catch a parasite include:

• Contaminated food or water: Water and food that have been infected with parasites are one of the biggest causes of infection.
• Coming into contact with an infected person: Parasites like protozoa are transmitted by having close contact with an infected person.
• Animal contact: Parasites are spread to human beings by animals through touching their faeces or fur, typically. It’s very common with worms, fleas, and ticks.
• Insect bites: Some ectoparasites, like mosquitoes or ticks, spread disease and transfer parasites when biting.
• Poor hand hygiene: Not washing hands after using the toilet or after handling food can also lead to parasite spread.

How to Treat Parasites

Parasite treatment involves proper medication and care. Treatment varies based on parasite infection. Below are some common treatments.

Best Medications for Parasites in Humans

There are many drugs used to treat parasitic infections. Some of these are as follows:

• Mebendazole: It’s usually used to treat roundworm, hookworm, and other parasitic worms of the intestine. It works by stopping the parasites from absorbing carbohydrates or glucose, which helps to kill them. 
• Albendazole: Similar to mebendazole, albendazole treats worms and other parasitic infections. It works in infections like tapeworm, pinworm, and hookworm infections.
• Ivermectin: It is used in treating various parasitic infections, ranging from roundworm to those due to lice. It paralyses and kills the parasite. 
• Atovaquone / Proguanil: It belongs to a fixed-dose combination. It is used predominantly in treating malaria, which is due to a parasite named Plasmodium. It stops the growth of the parasite in the body.
• Chloroquine: It is also used to treat malaria, and it suppresses the growth and multiplication of the parasite in red blood cells. 

How to Deworm Safely

Safe deworming involves taking a proper dose of the right medicine depending on what type of parasite infestation you are suffering from. The infections can also be cured with worming tablets, either over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.

Aside from using prescribed drugs, appropriate hygiene practices should be followed, like regularly washing surfaces and hands to prevent reinfection.

With Transtoyou, it’s possible to see a doctor from home and obtain the proper prescription, making it easy to get the treatment you need delivered directly to your door so you can recover smoothly and safely.

Foods and Travel-Related Risks for Parasites

Certain foods and travel destinations can predispose you to parasites.

Foods: Undercooked meat, especially beef or pork, can introduce parasites such as tapeworms into your system. Contaminated water or unwashed fruits and vegetables may also transport parasites. Parasites are also found in food prepared on the streets or under unhygienic conditions in certain countries.

Travel destinations: If you’re travelling to countries with lower hygiene levels or regions where hygiene conditions are poor, you are more vulnerable. Tropical countries and less developed countries are common places where parasitic infections are highly likely to occur.

Diarrhoea, Bloating, and Fatigue: Could It Be Parasites?

General symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, and fatigue can sometimes result from a parasitic infection. If you realise that you experience such symptoms after consuming suspect foods or when travelling, particularly to high-risk areas, it may mean parasites are present in your system. The symptoms may result from the fact that parasites can disrupt your gut system and trigger discomfort and swelling. If such symptoms persist, then consider getting checked for a parasitic infection.

Home Hygiene Tips to Prevent Re-infection

To avoid re-infestation by parasites, proper hygiene must be followed. The following are some simple steps to take:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and when preparing food. If you wish to be extra safe, apply hand sanitiser after drying your hands.
• Clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces regularly, with proper disinfectants, especially after food preparation. Try to use separate utensils (esp. cutting boards) for meat and vegetables (i.e. products that you eat raw vs. products that are going to be cooked).
• Boil water or take water purification tablets if you are travelling to places with poor water sanitation. Consume mainly bottled water.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bed linen, or cutlery to reduce opportunities for parasite transfer.
• Keep a clean living space, with particular care taken in those places where food preparation and consumption take place.

With online platforms like Transtoyou, it’s easier than ever to access help. It’s possible to see a doctor over the web, even for minor symptoms or early indications of parasitic infection. Transtoyou makes it possible to get the treatment you need without leaving your home at all.