Intestinal parasites invade gastrointestinal tract which is like a host for these organisms. Protozoa, helminths are the organisms feeding with the nutrients intended for the host thus depriving it of nutrition.
Humans get infected by the intestinal parasites in different ways. One of the most spread ways is the fecal oral route. Feces of infected people via improperly cooked food, contaminated hands, unsafe water, larva infested goes to people’s mouth. Then intestinal parasites are ingested and they can easily reach the intestines. After that proliferation takes place and diseases occur.
Not all have the symptoms parasite infections. The most common signs in the acute stage are bloating, coughing, sleep disturbance, abdomen cramping, gas in the stomach, diarrhea, loose bowel movement. Nausea, weight loss, vomiting, fever, blood in stool, low levels of red blood cells as well as skin itching indicate that the infection is rather severe. Some other symptoms and secondary manifestations are possible, like abscess of the liver; secondary infections may appear due to the disease development provoked by intestinal parasites.
The best way to cope with any parasite infection is to prevent it timely. Wash hands often to prevent the infection spread and protect yourself from the disease caused by intestinal parasites. Proper storage and preparation of food plays an important role in preventing the harmful organisms from getting into digestive and gastrointestinal tracts. Food is to be washed thoroughly before cooking.
Drinking water should be safe for you to drink. If any doubts arise, boiled the water for 1-3 minutes and let it cool before drinking. It is advisable to drink water in bottles as it is filtered and purified.
If you work with soil wear boots and gloves. Do not engage in oral and anal sex. Intestinal parasite infections are treated with such drugs as choroquine and metronidazole. In case of liver abscess aspiration is used as treatment.
People should keep proper hygiene and be careful with putting anything in the mouths. Always make sure that your hands are clean. Anything you put in the mouth is to be clean too as the mouth often serves as a body portal.
When proper hygiene is neglected the effect may be devastating. This can result in disease and makes humans spend their time, money, energy and brings discomfort and pain. Be careful and proper in keeping hygiene as this may save your health and even life.