How to Know If You Have Parasites

According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library article "Parasitic Infestations," parasites are organisms that invade the inside or outside of a human host and live off the host while causing damage to the host's body and organs. Parasitic infections primarily occur via the skin and mouth and can cause damage to the digestive, nervous, circulatory, muscular and respiratory systems. Symptoms of parasitic infestation depend on the severity of the infection and the type of parasite. Traveling to underdeveloped countries and rural areas can increase your chances of parasitic infection, so use caution when eating or drinking in these places.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer

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Instructions

Parasite Symptoms

• 1

  Visit a doctor. If you even have a mild suspicion that you have parasites, you should visit a physician to make sure. Doctors will perform specialized tests to detect the presence of parasites--tests that cannot be performed at home. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library article "Parasitic Infestations" states that infection is primarily diagnosed by analyzing stool samples, urine samples, blood samples, phlegm samples or tissues samples.

• 2

  Monitor your bowel movements. Almost all parasitic infestations disrupt the digestive system and often cause constipation, diarrhea or both. According to the article "14 Common Symptoms of Parasites" by Dr. Edward F. Group III on Parasite Cleanse Resource Center, constipation and diarrhea are listed as the top two symptoms of parasitic infection. Jan Modric's article "Human Intestinal Parasites -- Symptoms and Treatment" on Health Hype states that one clear way that doctors can determine the presence of parasitic infection is in the stool, especially if it is bloody or black. Black stool indicates internal bleeding in the stomach, intestines or colon. Other telltale symptoms in the stool include pus and mucous.

• 3

  Monitor yourself for nausea and vomiting as these are also two symptoms of parasites. Often, parasitic infestation results in malnutrition as parasites in the digestive system can absorb the nutrients you eat, leaving you with little to nourish your body. Feelings of tiredness and an inability to fight off other infections or sicknesses can also be signs of parasitic invasion. Over time, parasites can weaken your body's immune system by leeching you of the nutrients needed to support proper immune function. If you often feel bloated and are gassy, this can also be a sign of parasitic infection.