While you might think of parasitic infections that could never affect you, in actuality, there are parasites for almost every letter of the alphabet. Even though the chances of you getting one are still rather slim, it’s best to be prepared.
Preparedness means knowing what to look for. Luckily, the symptoms of parasites are often shared by several different types.
If you’re worried that you might be suffering from a parasitic infection, we’re here to help. Here are some symptoms you need to watch out for.
1. Unexplainable Weight Loss
For many types of parasites, this is the first and most obvious symptom. When dealing with something such as a tapeworm, this is because it is actually eating your food.
Especially if this weight loss is accompanied by a loss of appetite and frequent nausea, you should go get checked out.
2. Intestinal Distress
If you contract a parasitic infection, it’s most likely Giardia. Giardia is the most common parasitic infection in the United States.
Its chief symptom is abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhea. Sudden, intense onset of those symptoms should alert you that something might be amiss.
3. Trouble Breathing
It’s uncommon, but it is possible for parasites to get into your lungs. While they generally prefer the gastrointestinal system, this is still something to be wary of.
If you’re having trouble breathing, experiencing shortness of breath, or suffering from unexplained coughing, it could potentially be a parasite.
4. Muscle and Joint Pain
Parasites take a toll on your whole body. As such, it’s not unusual to experience muscle and joint pain. If you’re experiencing a combination of that and other symptoms on this list, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Coincidentally, some treatments like a parasite cleanse can have a similar effect. The article 12 Parasite Die-off Symptoms and How to Fight Them from Microbe Formulas says that a symptom of the parasite cleanse is random aches and pains in your muscles.
5. Fatigue
No matter what sort of infection you’re suffering from, fatigue is sure to accompany it. As stated above, parasites don’t just affect one part of your body. Everything is connected, which means you’ll be feeling it in various ways.
As the infection worsens, you’ll likely notice unusual levels of fatigue. No matter how much you sleep, it won’t seem to do the trick. While there can be many causes for this, it should be a warning sign when paired with any of the other symptoms on this list.
Know the Symptoms of Parasites!
Knowing the symptoms of parasites is the most important step in fighting them. By staying in tune with your body and making note of any unusual symptoms like the ones we discussed, you can often catch the problem before it becomes a serious health concern.
If you want to learn more about parasites, there’s a whole lot more information out there. By all means, keep reading and get educated.
