By ELLEN COUGHLAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 02:54 EDT, 1 May 2023 | UPDATED: 05:07 EDT, 2 May 2023
A doctor has revealed the signs that may mean you have intestinal parasites – from muscle joint pain to hunger after meals.
Dr. Sara Mesilhy, who is a Gastroenterologist with the Royal College of Physicians UK, told FEMAIL what to do if you suspect you have a parasite.
An intestinal parasite infection is a condition in which a parasite infects the gastrointestinal tract.
Such parasites can live anywhere in the body, but most prefer the intestinal wall.
The infectious diseases expert said you can avoid getting a parasite in the first place by cooking meat thoroughly.
While also washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, and practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing after using the bathroom or handling soil or waste material, is a good idea.
Dr. Sara Mesilhy, who is a Gastroenterologist with the Royal College of Physicians UK, told FEMAIL the signs that may mean you have intestinal parasites – from muscle joint pain to hunger after meals (stock image)
SIGNS OF INTESTINAL PARASITES
1. Hunger after meals
Parasites can consume the nutrients from the food you eat, leaving you feeling hungry even after a full meal.
Some parasites also produce substances that can interfere with the signals that regulate appetite and metabolism, causing an increase in hunger and a decrease in satiety.
They can cause inflammation and damage the lining of the digestive system, which can impair nutrient absorption and cause malnutrition, leading to increased hunger.
2. Digestive issues and weight loss
Parasites cause digestive problems by damaging the intestines, interfering with digestion and absorption of food, and producing toxins.
This leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malnutrition.
The presence of parasites disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Parasites cause weight loss by consuming the host’s nutrients or causing diarrhea, leading to fluid and nutrient loss.
They can also disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, resulting in weight loss.
Weight loss alone is not a definite sign of parasitic infection, and other symptoms such as digestive problems, fatigue, and skin issues should also be considered.
4. Itchiness
Parasites can cause itchiness in various ways like Pinworms for example, lay eggs around the anus, leading to intense itching and the risk of re-infection.
Toxins released by other parasites can trigger allergic reactions and skin problems like hives and eczema, leading to itching. The exact mechanism of itching depends on the parasite and the immune response.
Dr. Sara’s advice
Dr. Sara said: ‘If you suspect you have a parasitic infection a medical professional can perform tests to confirm the type of parasite and provide appropriate treatment.
‘Treatment options for intestinal parasites depend on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection but commonly prescribed medications include albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, and metronidazole, among others.
‘My main advice is don’t ignore any symptoms as they may lead to chronic health problems, such as anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint problems, and fever.’
5. Anemia
Parasites can cause anemia in several ways. First, some parasites, such as hookworms, attach themselves to the lining of the small intestine and suck the blood of their host, which can lead to significant blood loss and anemia.
Second, some parasites consume or compete for the host’s nutrients, particularly iron, which is necessary to produce red blood cells.
Third, certain parasites, such as Plasmodium, which causes malaria, can destroy red blood cells directly, leading to anemia.
The severity of anemia caused by parasites depends on the type of parasite, the duration of infection, and the host’s nutritional status.
6. Muscle and Joint Pain
Parasitic infections cause muscular and joint pain by inducing inflammation in the body.
They trigger an immune response that releases inflammatory molecules, damaging the tissues, and causing pain and stiffness.
They can also migrate to the muscles and cause direct damage or lead to anemia, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the muscles and joints, leading to weakness and pain. The exact mechanism varies depending on the type of parasite and host response.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of contracting intestinal parasites include living in or visiting an area known to have parasites, poor hygiene, exposure to child and institutional care centers, and a weakened immune system.
Additionally, handling soil or waste material and working closely with animals can also increase the risk of parasitic infection.
One of the most common ways intestinal parasites are contracted is through contaminated food and water.
Foods to be cautious of include undercooked meat and contaminated vegetables and fruits.
Contaminated water sources can be ponds, creeks, and lakes in underdeveloped countries.
Not washing hands after using the bathroom or gardening is also said to increase the risk of parasitic infections.
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