Having a parasite can produce a wide range of symptoms and feelings. Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host and get their food from or at the expense of the host. There are many different types of parasites that can infect humans, including protozoa, worms, and insects. The effects of a parasitic infection depend on the type of parasite, where it is located in the body, and how long the person has been infected. Even small parasites can cause significant symptoms if they are present long-term.
Some common feelings and symptoms of having a parasite include:
Digestive issues
Parasites that live in the digestive tract can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. These may include:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Greasy stools that float
- Weight loss or reduced appetite
Intestinal parasites interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, causing these types of symptoms. Parasites may also damage the intestinal lining, leading to poor nutrient absorption.
Fatigue and weakness
Many people with parasitic infections experience chronic tiredness or fatigue. Parasites can create a heavy burden on the body that leads to exhaustion. Fatigue occurs because the parasite is consuming nutrients from the host’s body while exposing the body to toxins the parasite produces.
In addition, parasites cause inflammation in the body, which taxes the immune system. Responding to this inflammatory response requires energy that then isn’t available for normal body processes, contributing to weakness and fatigue.
Anemia
Some parasites, like hookworms and whipworms, feed on blood from intestinal capillaries. This can cause chronic blood loss leading to iron deficiency anemia. The lost iron needed to produce hemoglobin causes anemia and pale skin.
In addition, many parasites inflict damage on the intestinal wall. This increases blood loss further and impairs the absorption of nutrients like iron that are essential for red blood cell production.
Skin irritation
Parasites that invade the skin or circulatory system can cause hives, rashes, and itching. For example, pinworm infections often cause anal itching. Larval migrans infections produce tracks of itchy redness on the skin as the parasite tunnels through the skin.
Allergic reactions to parasites or their waste products may also trigger skin irritation and rashes. Scratching to relieve itching can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Restlessness and trouble sleeping
The discomforts caused by many internal parasites make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Abdominal pain and itching cause frequent waking during the night. Even without overt symptoms, parasitic infections cause immune responses and inflammation that can disrupt sleep.
Restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are common among those suffering from chronic parasitic infections. The chronic fatigue caused by parasites also makes falling and staying asleep more difficult.
Headaches
Headaches are commonly caused by intestinal parasites, especially roundworm and hookworm infections.
Parasites create toxins as a byproduct of their metabolism. These toxins often cause headaches when released into the bloodstream, by creating inflammation in blood vessels of the scalp. Headaches may also result from fatigue, low-grade fever, and anxiety associated with having a parasitic infection.
Nervousness and irritability
Some parasite infections directly impact the central nervous system and can alter mood and cognitive function. For example, the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi found in Chagas disease invades brain tissue and causes mood disorders.
Even in cases where parasites don’t infect the brain, chronic infections tax the immune system and are associated with anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. Feeling nervous, jittery, or irritable are common when suffering the discomforts and exhaustion of parasitic disease.
Fever
Low grade fevers often accompany parasite infections. The immune system responds to the infection with inflammation, which raises body temperature. Certain parasites can also raise body heat by increasing metabolic rates.
Fever from parasites usually involves a temperature between 100-101°F – not extremely high, but enough to feel alternately chilled and flushed. Thyroid hormones may become imbalanced as well, interfering with the body’s temperature regulation.
Muscle and joint pain
Aching muscles and joints are common symptoms of parasitic diseases. The immune activation triggered by parasites generates inflammation chemicals linked to muscle and joint pain.
Severe infections with GI bleeding impair oxygen transport and nutrient absorption, which can worsen muscle cramps and body aches. Inflamed joints may also swell and become tender when hosting a parasitic infection.
Cough and congestion
Lung parasites like Paragonimus westermani can cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and chest congestion as the parasite invades lung tissue. The immune system attacks the parasite and its eggs in the lungs, triggering an inflammatory response.
Even gut parasites can cause increased mucus production and coughing. Particles released by parasites in the intestines may irritate the lungs when small amounts are inhaled. Coughing helps clear this lung irritation.
Difficulty Concentrating and Mental Fog
In addition to physical symptoms, many people with parasitic infections experience decreased ability to concentrate, difficulty learning new things, and a sense of mental fog.
Parasites produce toxic waste that is released into the body, affecting brain function and cognition. Chronic infection also triggers inflammatory cytokines that interfere with clear thinking.
Feeling distracted, scattered, and unable to focus are common cognitive effects. Decision-making abilities and short-term memory may also decline.
Mental fatigue from constantly fighting infection makes it hard to give full attention. Brain scans show decreased brain activity, especially in areas related to mental performance, in those with chronic parasitic infections.
Mood Disturbances
Struggling with a parasitic illness can take a psychological toll. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, anger, and irritability often accompany long-term parasitic disease.
Both biochemical and emotional factors are at play. Parasites increase stress hormones and inflammatory agents that interfere with neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Feelings of sadness may occur as a result of being chronically ill.
Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nausea also contribute to mood instability and a tendency to become emotionally reactive. The sense of frustration and violation at having parasites can also lead to anger and depression.
Seeking treatment is important not just for physical recovery but also to help stabilize mood and mental health disrupted by chronic parasitic infections.
What causes parasites?
Parasites are transmitted to humans in a variety of ways:
Fecal-oral route
Ingesting microscopic parasite eggs or cysts from contaminated food, water, or surfaces is a common route of infection. Proper handwashing, thorough cooking, and clean produce will help prevent infections transmitted by the fecal-oral route.
Insect vectors
Mosquitos, fleas, lice, and ticks can carry parasitic diseases. Avoiding bites with insect repellent, protective clothing, and tick checks helps reduce infections caused by parasites utilizing insect vectors.
Skin contact
Some parasites burrow into the skin directly when walking barefoot or swimming in contaminated water. Wearing shoes and not swimming in bodies of freshwater prevent these types of parasitic infections.
Eating raw or undercooked meat/fish
Meat or fish that is not thoroughly cooked may contain parasitic larvae or cysts that can cause infection when consumed. Always cook fish and meat to recommended safe temperatures.
Blood transfusion/organ transplant
While rare, parasites can be transmitted in donated blood and organs if not properly screened. Reputable banks follow protocols to detect parasitic infections to prevent transmission to recipients.
Mother to unborn baby
Certain parasites like toxoplasmosis protozoa can pass to a fetus through the placenta or during the birth process. Getting tested and treated for parasites before becoming pregnant helps prevent congenital transmission.
Diagnosing Parasitic Infections
Some parasites cause obvious symptoms, but others produce vague or non-specific feelings. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm that symptoms are actually being caused by parasites.
Microscopic examination
Microscopic examination can reveal the presence of parasite eggs and larvae in stool, sputum, blood, or tissue samples. Different techniques like direct smear or fecal concentration may be used.
Antigen detection
This blood test identifies proteins and glycoproteins unique to certain parasitic worms. It provides immediate, accurate detection of active parasitic infections.
PCR assays
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests amplify parasitic DNA present in blood, urine, or spinal fluid. PCR assays are extremely sensitive in detecting parasites.
Serologic testing
ELISA, western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests detect antibodies produced in response to parasites. Rising antibody levels confirm active infections.
Biopsy
Removing a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis can provide definitive diagnosis of certain parasitic infections, like Chagas disease.
Imaging
Radiologic studies like ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs allow visualization of parasites in organs and tissue in the body. This helps stage more invasive parasitic diseases.
Test | How It Works | Examples |
---|---|---|
Microscopic exam | Detects eggs, cysts, or larvae | Pinworms, whipworms, Giardia |
Antigen detection | Finds parasitic proteins in blood | Strongyloides, Filariasis |
PCR assay | Amplifies parasitic DNA/RNA | Babesiosis, Chagas disease |
Serologic testing | Measures antibody levels | Toxocariasis, Cysticercosis |
Biopsy | Microscopic analysis of tissue sample | Amebic dysentery, Trypanosomes |
Imaging | Visualizes parasites in body | Cysticercosis, Echinococcosis |
Treating Parasitic Infections
Successfully treating and eliminating parasitic infections involves medications to kill parasites and relief of symptoms. The specific medication depends on the type of parasite causing infection.
Antiparasitic drugs
Prescription antiparasitic drugs are used to kill parasites, encourage their excretion from the body, and treat symptoms they cause. Different classes of antiparasitic drugs target different types of parasites.
- Anthelmintics: Treat infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths)
- Antiprotozoals: Treat infections caused by parasitic protists like Giardia and Plasmodium
- Pediculicides: Treat lice infestations
- Scabicides: Treat scabies mite infestations
Taking antiparasitic medication according to instructions is vital for completely killing parasites and preventing recurrence. A short course alone may only temporarily suppress parasites rather than fully eliminate them.
Manage symptoms
While antiparasitic drugs target the root cause, medications that manage symptoms may also be beneficial. These may include:
- Antidiarrheals
- Anti-inflammatories
- Iron supplements
- Stool softeners
- Antihistamines
- Pain relievers
Lifestyle measures like drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest, warm baths, and eats bland foods also help relieve symptoms and support healing.
Treat related infections
Some parasitic infections create openings for secondary yeast, bacterial, and viral infections. Treating these co-infections with appropriate anti-fungal, antibiotic, or antiviral drugs facilitates recovery.
Follow-up testing
Repeat testing is often needed after completing anti-parasitic treatment to confirm complete parasite eradication. Further medication and retesting may be required if initial treatment does not fully eliminate the parasitic infection.
Medication Class | Examples | Uses |
---|---|---|
Anthelmintics | Mebendazole, albendazole | Treat worm infections |
Antiprotozoals | Metronidazole, atovaquone | Treat protozoan infections |
Pediculicides | Permethrin, ivermectin | Treat lice |
Scabicides | Permethrin, crotamiton | Treat scabies |
Anti-inflammatories | NSAIDs, steroids | Reduce inflammation |
Antidiarrheals | Loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate | Slow diarrhea |
Preventing Parasitic Infections
Preventing exposure to parasites through good hygiene and avoiding transmission routes is key to staying parasite-free. Recommended preventive measures include:
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Only drink clean potable water
- Cook meat thoroughly to safe internal temperatures
- Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers
- Wear shoes to avoid direct skin exposure to potentially contaminated soil
- Use insect repellent and get rid of excess standing water to avoid parasite-carrying bug bites
- Practice safe sex and get tested regularly if at risk for STIs
- Disinfect kitchen surfaces and thoroughly clean after contact with uncooked meat or fish
Vaccinations are available to prevent some parasitic diseases like typhoid and cholera that are acquired by the fecal-oral route. Avoiding the behaviors that increase exposure risk is the most effective way to prevent parasitic infections.
Conclusion
Parasitic infections impose both physical and psychological burdens, causing a wide range of uncomfortable and distressing symptoms. Fatigue, digestive issues, allergic reactions, muscle pains, and cognitive issues are common problems. Mood disturbances like depression and anxiety frequently occur as well.
A variety of specialized tests like microscopic inspection of stool or blood and PCR assays can detect parasites. Once diagnosed, parasitic infections are treated with medications that kill parasites and provide symptom relief. Preventing contact with parasites through good hygiene and avoiding transmission routes is crucial to avoid these troubling infections. While parasites can make you feel miserable, the discomforts they cause are very manageable if caught and treated promptly.