According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.5 million people are affected by parasitic infections. Parasites are organisms that make themselves at home within humans or other host organisms. Since parasites are unable to create their own food or energy, they thrive by leeching off of their hosts. People with a parasitic infection get sick because parasites have started to consume their nutrients, cells and body tissues, also leaving toxic waste in their hosts' bodies. Americans are not as susceptible to contracting and succumbing to parasitic infections due to a sanitary living environment, but people who travel to and live in underdeveloped countries face higher risks.
Types of Parasites
Two different types of parasites can make people sick: large ones and small ones. Large parasites, such as intestinal worms, are large enough to be seen without magnification. They lay eggs on the walls of the intestines, feed off the food within the intestinal tract, and grow to reproduce more parasites. Large parasites can get through the intestines and make their way into the blood, muscles and more organs.
Small parasites, such as amoebae and protozoa, are microscopic but very dangerous. They can also migrate from the intestines into the blood, muscles and organs, including the brain and liver. Both parasites can be transmitted through mediums such as contaminated food and water, infected people, the ground, contaminated air and insect bites.
Altered Bowel Habits
Throughout the duration of the parasitic infection, abdominal problems are prevalent. Painful, watery diarrhea is one common abdominal problem. So much fluid can be lost that a person can experience severe dehydration and loss of nutrients. Over time, bowel habits might begin to fluctuate between watery diarrhea and constipation.
Abdominal Bloating
According to the Natural Vitality Centre, some parasites thrive in the upper portion of the small intestine, causing inflammation, gas and bloating. If an affected person eats foods that are more difficult to digest (such as beans, raw fruits and raw vegetables) gas and bloating may be even more evident.
Skin Irritation
Itching--particularly itching around areas where there is a lot of moisture (nose, ears, eyes and anus)--can be a symptom of a parasitic infection. Also, parasitic infections such as intestinal worms can cause skin sensitivity such as rashes, hives, eczema and allergic eruptions.
Other Affected Areas
Where the body feels the effects of a parasitic infection depends upon where the parasites have entered the body. Parasites can live in the joint fluids and the muscles, causing pain that seems like it could be related to arthritis. Joints and muscles can also feel inflamed and painful because parasites cause tissue damage. Many parasites can also irritate the nervous system and cause hyperactivity (or restlessness), sleep disturbances and anxiety. A symptom that may be associated with anxiety is teeth grinding, according to the Natural Vitality Centre.
