{"id":1003,"date":"2022-12-14T08:50:34","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T13:50:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2022-12-14T08:50:34","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T13:50:34","slug":"health-signs-that-you-may-have-a-parasite-t2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/health-signs-that-you-may-have-a-parasite-t2\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Health Signs That You May Have A Parasite"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Healthline<\/p><\/div>\n

It may sound like something out of a bad horror movie, but getting a parasite isn\u2019t all that uncommon. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, \u2018there are over 300,000 people living in the United States who are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. More than 300 infected babies are born every year in the United States.\u2019 And that\u2019s not the only parasite that can infect humans.<\/h6>\n
The CDC also notes that parasites happen to be organisms that live on or in a host organism, getting its food from the host it\u2019s infecting. Moreover, the three main classes of parasites that can affect humans are protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. These make up the otherwise known parasitic worms, such as tapeworms, roundworms, thorny-headed worms, and ticks, fleas, lice and mites that work to burrow deep in the skin and cause disease and in worse cases, death.<\/h6>\n
Many times, parasites tend to go undiagnosed, which can make millions of people sick without truly understanding what is causing them harm. For some, the symptoms are just annoying and bothersome, but not necessarily life-threatening. While others can truly put your life in danger. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of parasites before it\u2019s too late.<\/h6>\n
Here are 14 signs you might have a parasite.<\/strong><\/h6>\n

1. <\/strong>Abdominal Pain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
One of the most common signs of a parasite infection is abdominal pain<\/a>. The problem with this is that this type of symptom is common in a variety of different health conditions and diseases. Many times, parasites invade the bowel walls and bile ducts, causing inflammation and other changes within those areas. Because parasites are not the first thing that doctors consider when someone complains about abdominal pain, it often gets misdiagnosed as something else completely. Depending on your other symptoms, it may take a few tests to figure out that you have a parasite in your system. Depending on what type you are dealing with, your doctor will check the amount of damage it may have caused so that they can prescribe the proper treatment for you to get you back on your way to health.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Gas or Bloating<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Emedi Health<\/p><\/div>\n

Another very common symptom of a parasite infection is having gas and bloating<\/a>. Many times, these signs lead doctors to believe that what they are dealing with is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and not a parasite, since the side effects are very similar. IBS isn\u2019t the only condition that causes these types of side effects either. Others include celiac disease, diabetes, eating disorders, constipation, even colon cancer and more. But when it comes to an internal parasite, the gas and bloating are usually caused by a build-up of additional gas within your GI tract, leading to bloating and a distended stomach.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Medicine Net<\/p><\/div>\n

Parasite infections usually come from someone swallowing a parasite or having contact with water that\u2019s contaminated by particular parasites, or coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by certain parasites. When this occurs, one of the more usual effects that comes along with the gas, bloating, and abdominal pain is diarrhea, which is smelly, loose or watery stools that may even be very dark in color. Sometimes, the infection is so acute that it causes dysentery<\/a>, which is when your stool contains blood and mucus. If left untreated, dysentery can actually be fatal, which is why you need to seek immediate medical attention if you notice this in your stool.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a04.\u00a0<\/strong>Nausea or Vomiting<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Medicine<\/p><\/div>\n

More often than not, patients that suffer from parasite infections feel stick to their stomach, so much so that they are nauseated to the point of vomiting, which is forceful throwing up of your stomach contents. While the nausea may last for hours or worse, days, vomiting can also last for just as long. Vomiting too much or too often can lead to other serious conditions such as dehydration<\/a>, electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure, acid reflux, and tons more. Whether you\u2019re infected by a parasite or not, continuous vomiting can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Speak with your doctor about all other symptoms you may be feeling so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

5. <\/strong>Chronic Fatigue<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Well Integrative<\/p><\/div>\n

Having a parasite is very tough on the body, especially when you don\u2019t know you have one. Many times, they leave you feeling exhausted, and chronic fatigue<\/a> becomes a problem. That\u2019s because these parasites release their waste into your system, which your liver needs to filter out. Plus when their waste reaches other organs, it can cause the immune system to kick into high gear, sometimes even working against itself and leaving you feeling completely worn out. Moreover, they can also cause certain nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption of particular vitamins and minerals meant to give you better energy but instead, you\u2019re left tired, confused, with intense brain fog.<\/h6>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

6. <\/strong>Ache or Pain in Muscles and Joints<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Mission Health<\/p><\/div>\n

If you notice that your muscles and joints have been feeling extra painful and achy, one reason could be due to a parasite infection. That\u2019s because many of these intestinal parasites work their way into your muscles and joints, making them inflamed and incredibly painful, a condition also known as myositis<\/a>. In addition, there is also a link between parasite infections and arthritis, often accompanied by stiffness and just an overall feeling of soreness and being uncomfortable. If you notice your body aching alongside other symptoms on this list, but you haven\u2019t exercised or done anything to make them feel that way, be sure to speak to your doctor about the possibility of having a parasite infection.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

7. <\/strong>Dehydration<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Emedi Health<\/p><\/div>\n

Because parasite infections cause stomach issues, bloating, and diarrhea, some people may also become dehydrated as a result. Dehydration<\/a> occurs when your body loses more fluid than what you manage to take in. When this happens, it causes you to feel extremely tired, disoriented, and you can\u2019t function the way you normally do. To make matters worse, when the dehydration is caused by a parasite, there are chances of it becoming dangerous quickly. Other symptoms to watch out for are excessive thirst, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and when pinching skin, it remains raised. Be sure to get medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

8. <\/strong>Unexplained Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Rush<\/p><\/div>\n

There are a number of reasons for unexplained weight loss, including an overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, diabetes, irritable bowel disease and many more. But one health condition that many doctors tend to overlook for unintentional weight<\/a> loss is a parasitic infection. In fact, tapeworms in particular cause you to lose weight since they are in your intestines eating your food, while also causing malabsorption and malnutrition since the parasite is eating up all your nutrients. Usually, because this symptom is accompanied by having an upset stomach and loss of appetite, doctors don\u2019t assume that it\u2019s due to a parasite. If you notice you\u2019ve been losing weight, alongside other symptoms on this list, speak to you doctor about the possibility of having an undiagnosed parasite in order to immediately begin medication and needed treatment.<\/h6>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

9. <\/strong>Itching or a Rash Around the Vulva or Rectum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Chicago Health Online<\/p><\/div>\n

Having itching or a bothersome rash around the rectum or vulva can mean a number of different health conditions. But it is actually one of the more common signs that you could be dealing with a parasite. In fact, one particular parasitic infection is called Trichomonas vaginalis<\/a>, which is actually a very common sexually transmitted disease. Aside from itching in those areas, you may also experience discharge that\u2019s either thin or thick in consistency, while being white or slightly yellow or greenish in color. Moreover, it is also usually accompanied by a fishy smell, as well as redness and soreness. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.<\/h6>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

10. <\/strong>Never Feeling Satisfied After a Meal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Aaptiv<\/p><\/div>\n

There are some people that you could call a bottomless pit, meaning they eat and eat and eat, and could probably eat some more. More often than not, the joke is that they probably have worms in their stomachs, but the not so funny reality is that this could actually be true. A perfect example of this is someone having tapeworms<\/a>, which can be eaten via raw or infected beef, pork and fish, which then end up in your stomach, lay eggs, grow into worms, and cause horrible destruction to the body. Tapeworms can cause many of the symptoms on this list, plus intense hunger that never gets satisfied. When left untreated, these parasites can cause irrevocable damage to the liver, eyes, heart, and brain that can lead to death in severe cases.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

11. <\/strong>Anxiety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

The Conversation<\/p><\/div>\n

Recent studies have shown that inflammation within the body can contribute to issues with anxiety<\/a> or other mental illnesses. Because parasites can affect the brain, the nerves and the immune system, causing sickness, disease, depression and the like, all of these side effects may also create problems with sleeplessness, nervousness, feeling on edge, and paranoia. If you suffer from anxiety and also notice that you have issues with other symptoms on this list such as fatigue, weight loss, stomach issues and the like, speak to your doctor about the possibility of having a parasite infection so you can begin treatment right away.<\/h6>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

12. <\/strong>Sleep Disturbances<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Indian Express<\/p><\/div>\n

A lack of sleep puts someone at a higher risk of infection since it weakens one\u2019s immunity. In fact, a lack of sleep has been found to raise the number of people infected with the common cold. And in the same way, sleep issues may also cause people to be more susceptible to other health conditions and infections, such as those that come from parasites. But parasite infections may also cause disturbances with one\u2019s sleep<\/a>, leading to insomnia, irritability and daytime sleepiness. One main reason for this is because parasites depend on their host to get their food and energy, and more often than not, they are most awake and active in the middle of the night when their host is supposed to be asleep, which activates the immune system and causes people to wake up. If you having trouble sleeping, alongside other signs on this list, talk to you doctor about possibly having a parasite infection.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a013.\u00a0<\/strong>Passing a Worm In Your Stool<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

CTF<\/p><\/div>\n

Passing a worm in your stool<\/a> is a telltale sign that you have a parasite in your system. Although many times this comes along with other symptoms on this list, there are some people that have experienced finding signs of worms in their stool without having any other signs at all. Moreover, depending on what kind of parasite you\u2019re dealing with, these worms may look different from one another. Pinworms are usually thin and white and can sometimes even be seen around the anal region, while roundworms tend to be larger and alive, which you can see in your feces after using the bathroom. If you find worms in your stool, make sure to head to the emergency room immediately to get the treatment that you need.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

14. <\/strong>No Symptoms At All<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Wexner Medical<\/p><\/div>\n

Many times, patients are infected with a parasite<\/a> but they have no clue that anything is wrong. In fact, they don\u2019t even have signs, or else, any side effects or symptoms that they may be feeling are being attributed to other health conditions. While some people don\u2019t have any adverse side effects from the infection, others chalk up their symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and other such symptoms to other issues like irritable bowel syndrome, stomach flu, norovirus, or other such conditions. Eventually though, these parasitic infections will make themselves felt, causing many negative and unfavorable indications that something is wrong. When in doubt of any health issue or problem you notice in your body, it is always best to speak to your doctor about what you\u2019re going through.<\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

When to See a Doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Health E-careers<\/p><\/div>\n

Regardless of what you may be feeling, whether just one sign from this list or many, it is always the best choice to seek medical help as soon as possible. Because parasites can cause such severe reactions in the people they are infecting, it\u2019s important to seek out medical attention immediately and not wait it out, especially when these symptoms have become severe, causing dehydration, lethargy, confusion or weakness in any part of the body. The faster you get the help you need, the quicker you\u2019ll be on your way to better health.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It may sound like something out of a bad horror movie, but getting a parasite isn\u2019t all that uncommon. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), \u2018there are over 300,000 people living in the United States who are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. More than 300 infected babies are born every year in the United States.\u2019 And that\u2019s not the only parasite that can infect humans. The CDC also notes that parasites happen to be organisms that live on or in a host organism, getting its food from the host it\u2019s infecting. Moreover, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":975,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[40,83,34,35],"yst_prominent_words":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1003"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1004,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions\/1004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/975"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1003"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=1003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}