All about the Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are living species living within a living organism (host), feeding on their nutrients. One in three people is infected with intestinal parasites at some point in their life, and most of the time the immune system eliminates them before causing any symptoms.

Although they can be found anywhere in the human body, the intestine is the ideal environment for the development and multiplication of parasites.

Classification:

There are two types of intestinal parasites:

Helminths- are pluricellular organisms, such as tapeworms, pinworms, roundworms. Helminths can have a length from a few millimeters to a few feets and they feed on the intestine.

Protozoa- are unicellular organisms such as giardia, lamblia, microsporidia. They multiply within the body.

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Symptoms of parasite infection

headaches
diarrhea
constipation
nausea
bloating and intestinal gas
stomach ache
fatigue and drowsiness
weight loss
lack of appetite

People infected with intestinal parasites are also at increased risk for other health problems because parasites affect the immune system of the body.

Causes:

Worms and intestinal parasites are the results of the following factors:

Food and contaminated water consumption.
The consumption of raw or poorly prepared meat.
Poor body hygiene, especially inappropriate handwashing.
Frequent trips to poor or developing countries where poor sanitary conditions exist.
Age – children and the elderly are predisposed to this type of infection.
A weakened immune system.

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How parasites are transmitted

Some parasites can easily be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. These parasites reach inside the body via the air, water, food, hands by contact with the soil or other environment infected, either because of poor hygiene or because of contact with animals.

How do we prevent them from occurring?

Water is a source for many parasites, do not drink tap water from an insecure source when traveling, wash your hands before touching the food, treat all types of meat appropriately. It is important to have the right hygiene, to wash the dishes, the cutlery, wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly.