How do I know if I have parasites?
Intestinal parasites
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Gas or bloating.
- Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
- Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva.
- Stomach pain or tenderness.
- Feeling tired.
Can you test yourself for parasites?
By using a simple at-home stool test, the Parasitology test is a direct examination of stool for ova and parasites (O&P) in order to determine the presence of parasites and/or their eggs in the gastrointestinal tract. O&P is considered the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
What does having a parasite feel like?
Digestive problems including unexplained constipation, diarrhoea or persistent gas. Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching. Continuous muscle and joint pain. Fatigue, even when you get enough sleep.
How common is it to have parasites?
It is estimated that around 80% of both adults and children have parasites in their gut. People can be infected with these parasites in a number of ways.
What happens if you leave a parasite untreated?
The symptoms may be mild and non-specific, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Untreated tapeworms can live for years, and can lead to malnutrition. Long-term complications could include headaches, blindness, and seizures.
Do you poop out parasites?
Any worms in your gut will eventually pass out in your poo. You may not notice this. To avoid becoming infected again or infecting others, it’s very important during the weeks after starting treatment to wash your hands: after going to the toilet.
What happens if parasites are left untreated?
Often they can go unnoticed, with few symptoms. But many times these infections cause serious illnesses, including seizures, blindness, heart failure, and even death.
Can parasites gain weight?
Because parasites come in so many different shapes and sizes, they can cause a very wide range of problems. Some consume your food (from inside your body), leaving you hungry after every meal and unable to gain weight.