The hot and humid tropical climate, along with habits related to lifestyle and diet, increases the risk of parasitic infections.
Individuals infected with parasites may show no symptoms or exhibit warning signs that can easily overlap with many common health issues. Additionally, due to the diverse types of parasites, infected individuals may present different symptoms.
Below are some common warning signs of parasitic infection, according to doctors from Thu Duc City Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City):
Itching or hives are signs that you may be infected with parasites. (Photo: Freepik).
Itching or Hives
Parasitic infections in humans can cause various skin issues, such as red rashes, eczema, and allergic reactions. Furthermore, waste products from parasites accumulating in the skin over time can lead to swelling, skin damage, and infections.
Prolonged Fever
Parasitic infections often present with prolonged fever, which may be high accompanied by chills, or may present as intermittent fever. Sometimes, individuals infected with parasites may experience fever along with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Gastrointestinal Abnormalities
Digestive disorders or symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal distension are common signs in individuals with gastrointestinal parasites, but these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other intestinal diseases. Parasitic waste can lead to constipation, bloating, and nausea for those affected.
Weight Loss and Malnutrition
Parasitic infections affect intestinal function, resulting in symptoms like constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Moreover, some parasites feed on the host’s blood and nutrients, leading to weight loss and even malnutrition.
Itching Around the Anus
Anal itching is characteristic of individuals infected with worms, particularly pinworms. Infected individuals often experience itching around the anus at night when female worms lay their eggs.
anemia
Most parasites, once they enter the human body, feed on the host’s blood to survive, grow, and reproduce. Therefore, individuals infected with parasites may develop anemia if the infection goes undetected.
In practice, when parasites invade the human body, they can trigger initial reactions such as fever and itching. These mild initial symptoms are often overlooked by the infected individual as they can be confused with many other diseases. Many cases of parasitic infection remain asymptomatic and are only discovered during routine health check-ups.
Depending on the type of parasite, there are suitable testing methods such as stool tests, blood tests, and PCR molecular biology tests. Additionally, supportive methods like CT scans and MRIs can be used for accurate diagnosis.
Therefore, anyone experiencing any of the suspected symptoms should visit a healthcare facility for examination and early treatment.
