Intestinal parasites are organisms that live and feed off another organism. In humans, they can affect the person’s gastrointestinal system. There are two main types of parasites – the helminths and the protozoa.
Helminths are those worms with many cells. In the United States, the most common examples of helminths are tapeworms, roundworms, and pinworms. When helminths reach adulthood, they cannot multiply inside the person’s body.
Protozoa, on the other hand, are single-cell parasites. They can multiply inside the body, placing a person at risk for developing serious infections.
Risk Factors
The following can place a person at higher risk of developing intestinal parasites:
- Frequent traveling
- Poor hygiene
- Poor sanitation
- Age (too young and too old population are at higher risk)
- Compromised immune system
- Living or visiting in areas where intestinal parasites are common
Where People Get Parasites
There are different ways on how one contract parasite. They can get into the body through contaminated food and water. They can also get into one’s body through undercooked meat. This is common in developing countries where poor hygiene especially on food and water is common.
Once a person contracts a parasite, he/she can easily pass it through anything he/she touches if he/she doesn’t wash his/her hands after using the restroom. Parasites can also be contracted through handling animals.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of intestinal parasite include:
- Abdominal upset
- Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, or gas
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Fatigue
- Skin irritations or unexplained rashes/hives
- History of food poisoning or indigestion
Diagnosing and Managing Intestinal Parasites
When a person is suspected of intestinal parasites, the doctor will most likely conduct a thorough health history checking to see if the person has traveled (travelers especially in developing countries are at higher risk) to areas where intestinal parasites are common.
Aside from physical assessment, the doctor may also suggest fecal testing, “Scotch tape” test, or X-rays with barium if serious complications of intestinal parasites are suspected.
Drug Therapy
The doctor chooses the most appropriate drug for the patient. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for intestinal parasites include:
- Mebendazole
This drug is usually prescribed to those with hookworm, threadworm, whipworm, or roundworm. This can be safely given to children over the age of 2. - Albendazole
This is another commonly prescribed drug for those with threadworm, hookworm, whipworm, or ascariasis. This drug is also prescribed for those who undergo surgery for severe tapeworm infection. - Ivermectin
Aside from treating onchocerciasis, this drug is also recommended for certain species of pinworms, roundworms, and threadworms.
Surgery
Severe cases of infection can lead to obstruction in the intestinal tract or organs. In cases like this, surgery will most likely be recommended by the doctor.
Advance Gastrointestinal 