Intestinal parasites symptoms

Parasites that are found in the gastrointestinal tract are called intestinal parasites. Even though these parasites can live throughout the whole body they are mostly found in the intestinal walls. A person can get these parasites by the intake of some meat that is undercooked, drinking infected water and through skin absorption.
Protozoans and parasitic worms or helminths are considered to be the major parasitic groups. Protozoans are organisms that have only one cell. People who are infected with the HIV virus usually have protozoan types of parasites like cryptosporidium, microspiridia and andisospora. These parasites attack the digestive tract and it is not rare that two or three of these parasites do that at the same time.

Infection

Parasites enter the human system usually through the mouth via unwashed or undercooked food, infected water or hands or they can enter by skin contact with larvae infected soil. These parasites usually stay in the intestine where they reproduce and cause certain symptoms. Children are commonly more frequently affected by the parasites than adults. It is because the kids are usually not sterilized properly after the possible contact with the infected soil.
Sometimes people are not aware of the symptoms of intestinal parasites. Chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome could be the symptoms but people are more likely to neglect them.
There are various types of parasites, Some cause irritation and make problems for normal bodily functions. On the other hand, some parasites destroy the host tissues and cause diseases by releasing toxins into the body.
It is not uncommon that a person has picked up some parasites while swimming in a lake or a stream that has been infected.

What are the symptoms of intestinal parasites?

A person may have parasites if he or she experiences itchiness of the nose, ears and anus. Chronic bloating and gases could mean that a person is infected with parasites as well.
Some symptoms do not even need to be connected to the bowel. They include mental confusion, allergies, food or chemical sensitivities, rashes and even blurry vision. In these cases not many people connect them with the parasite infection.
Constipation, diarrhea and indigestion are more common symptoms of intestinal parasites. Also, if a person eats more than he or she needs and still feels hungry afterward, that is the symptom of the intestinal parasites as well.
Some other symptoms include poor immune functions, lack of sex drive, mouth sores, numbness, burning sensations, chronic fatigue, bladder infections and thrush.