How to recognize a parasitic infection

Helminthiasis, or worm infection, is a common parasitic disease that can be asymptomatic or mimic other illnesses. Symptoms of helminthiasis are diverse and depend on the type of parasite, its localization, and the duration of the invasion. Let's consider the main signs of worm infection in humans.

Helminthiasis is often detected by chance during routine examinations or when a person seeks medical attention with complaints of general malaise. The absence of obvious symptoms does not guarantee the absence of parasites, so it is important to know the key signs and seek medical help in a timely manner.

General symptoms of intoxication

During their life cycle, worms release toxic substances that poison the human body. This leads to the development of the following general symptoms:

• chronic fatigue and weakness, decreased work capacity;
• headaches and dizziness;
• increased irritability, sleep disturbances;
• subfebrile temperature (37.0–37.5 °C) without apparent cause;
• allergic reactions: skin rash, urticaria, itching of the skin.

These symptoms are often attributed to stress, overexertion, or seasonal diseases, but their combination, especially in the presence of risk factors, should be alarming.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Since most worms live in the intestines, the gastrointestinal tract is primarily affected. Typical manifestations include:

• abdominal pain, often in the navel area, of a gnawing or cramping nature;
• nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• flatulence, bloating;
• diarrhea or, conversely, chronic constipation;
• change in appetite (increase or sudden decrease);
• weight loss with normal nutrition.

With a long course of helminthiasis, malabsorption-related deficiency states may develop, leading to anemia, hypovitaminosis, and overall exhaustion of the body.

Specific signs

Some symptoms are characteristic of certain types of worms. These signs help the doctor make a preliminary diagnosis:

• intense itching around the anal area, worsening at night — a classic sign of enterobiasis (infestation with pinworms);
• dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain — may indicate the migration of ascaris larvae through the lungs (ascariasis);
• jaundice of the skin and sclera, pain in the right hypochondrium — a possible sign of liver and bile duct damage (e.g., in opisthorchiasis);
• skin itching, rashes, edema — often observed in toxocarosis and other tissue helminthiasis;
• bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep — although this sign is not strictly specific, it often accompanies worm infestations in children.

Signs of nervous system damage

Neurotoxins released by worms can affect the central nervous system. People with worms often experience:

• insomnia or superficially anxious sleep;
• increased anxiety, depressive states;
• decreased concentration and memory impairment;
• in children — delayed psychomotor development, moodiness, whining.

Diagnosis of helminthiasis

The following diagnostic methods are used to detect worms:

• microscopic examination of feces for worm eggs (coproscopy);
• swab for enterobiasis (presence of pinworms);
• serological blood tests (ELISA) for antibodies to specific types of parasites;
• polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting worm DNA;
• instrumental methods: ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy if necessary.

Important note about the reliability of tests

A negative result of a single feces analysis does not guarantee the absence of infection. Worm eggs are not excreted in feces every day, but at certain intervals. Therefore, for a reliable result, it is recommended to submit a feces analysis at least three times with an interval of several days.

Treatment of helminthiasis

The appointment of anthelmintic drugs should be carried out exclusively by a doctor after confirming the diagnosis. Self-medication can be dangerous, as different types of worms require the use of different medications. In addition, many anthelmintic drugs have contraindications and side effects. Treatment usually includes:

• administration of specific anthelmintic drugs (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel, and others);
• desensitizing therapy to reduce allergic reactions;
• restoration of intestinal flora with the help of probiotics;
• repeated control analysis after the course of treatment.

Prevention of worm infection

Preventing helminthiasis is much easier than treating it. The main preventive measures include:

• thorough hand washing with soap before eating and after using the toilet;
• consumption of only washed vegetables, fruits, and greens;
• sufficient thermal processing of meat and fish;
• boiling or filtering drinking water;
• regular wet cleaning in living spaces;
• periodic deworming of household animals;
• preventive courses of anthelmintic drugs for children in organized groups as prescribed by a doctor.

If any suspicious symptoms appear, especially if they are combined with risk factors (contact with animals, consumption of raw or insufficiently thermally processed food, trips to tropical countries), it is necessary to consult a therapist, an infectious disease specialist, or a parasitologist. Timely diagnosis and properly prescribed treatment will help avoid serious complications and maintain health.

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