Intestinal Parasites in Humans

Parasites are living organisms that live off the host (a living organism) and utilize the host's nutrients completely, harming it in due process. Parasites enter the human body through many channels: air, water and the food we eat. Once they get in, not only do thrive on the food we eat, but also start eating us from within, to accelerate their multiplication. They can thrive anywhere in the body but are mostly found in the gastro-intestinal tract. There are over a thousand types of parasites that can live in the human body. Some are extremely microscopic while others are big enough for the human eye to see. Intestinal parasites in humans can cause serious health conditions by making the body weak and undernourished, increasing its vulnerability to viral, fungal, bacteria, chemical and metal poisoning as well as various diseases.

Types of Intestinal Parasites in Humans
The many different types of human intestinal parasites release toxins in the body, all the while reducing the resistance to fight infections. Intestinal parasites not only cause illness but exaggerate the ones you already have. The following intestinal parasites found in humans are mainly categorized as follows.

Protozoa: Protozoa is a single cell parasite, capable of multiplying inside the human body. They are microscopic in nature. They are transmitted orally (contaminated food or water) or through the fecal route. The common protozoic parasites are amoebae, giardia, neospora, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidium, sarcocystis, etc.

Helminths: Helminths are parasites that have many cells and are mostly big enough to be seen by the naked eye, when in adult stage. Once the helminths parasitic worms enter the adult stage, they cannot multiply in the human body. But by then they cause enough damage. The common helminthic worms are tapeworms, pinworms, hookworms, threadworms, roundworms, etc.

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Causes of Intestinal Parasites in Humans
As the parasites are present in the environment, it not very difficult for them to enter the body. Besides children and the aged, normal healthy people can also get infected. Poor sanitation and poor hygiene (mainly relating to food and water) are the most common causes for getting infected by these parasites. Poor digestive health can infect the anus easily. Living in areas that are not deemed for habitation and child care centers are common places one can contract parasites. People with immune compromised infections, like, HIV/AIDS or other diseases, where the body has no resistance, can also get infected. Even walking barefoot can make a person infected with parasites like hookworms.

Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites in Humans
Once the parasite enters the body, our body's immune defense systems try to tackle it, however, in most cases the parasites prove to be stronger and multiply with a strange ferocity. The earliest and most noticeable symptoms of intestinal parasites in humans are diarrhea, nausea and constant itching. Some also experience joint pain, chronic fatigue, a runny nose, restlessness, blisters upon the mouth and autoimmune deficiencies. In severe cases, bad smelling stools with mucous and blood also occurs. Flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and gas can also occur. One rare symptom is the passing of worms in the stool.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites in Humans
The fecal, sputum, urine, blood or skin testing is recommended for detecting parasites. These tests not only confirm the presence of worms but also the type: protozoa or helminths. Other diagnostic tests include scotch tape test, string test, etc. The most commonly prescribed treatments for parasites are mebendazole, thiabendazole, metronidazole, praziquantel and diphenoxylate. Colon cleansing is also a form of treatment. Besides these medications, natural herbs, like, garlic, vasaka, wormwood, calamus, pomegranate, black walnut, curl mint, barberry, etc. can also be used to treat intestinal parasites in humans.

Intestinal parasites in humans can be treated easily but early detection and timely intervention is needed to avoid major health complications. Good hygiene is the key to ensure that these worms are kept at bay but just in case one does get infected, consult a doctor immediately.