Associated symptoms

The accompanying symptoms of an infection with intestinal parasites depend on the type of parasites. Most intestinal parasites share problems that affect the digestive tract. This can lead to stomach cramps with nausea and vomiting.

In addition, intestinal parasite infections in some patients are conspicuous by an unclear weight loss. This is due to the fact that the parasites either feed on the intestinal contents or bite into the wall of the intestine, damaging it and making it impossible for the food to be absorbed normally through the wall. At the same time, the appetite can be reduced or increased.

Accompanying symptoms are either attacks of ravenous appetite for sweet food or a persistent feeling of fullness. Furthermore, excretion is often particularly affected. Depending on the parasite, symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of both occur alternately.

It is very important to pay attention to abnormalities such as pain during bowel movement, or itching in the anal region. If these accompanying symptoms occur, the stool should be examined closely. In this context, attention should be paid to blood in the stool, black stool or small animals, or eggs.

For example, an infestation with amoebas can lead to severe slimy and bloody diarrhea. When the hookworms bite firmly, small wounds develop which can lead to blood loss. If the blood remains in the intestine for a long time, it coagulates, becomes black and the stool becomes darker.

In the case of intestinal infestation with pinworms, itching in the area of the sphincter muscle occurs especially at night. This is caused by the fact that the pinworms crawl out of the intestine there at night and lay their eggs in the anal region. In the morning, small balls are usually visible there.Every now and then these complaints are accompanied by sleep disturbances and exhaustion the next day.

The symptom of fatigue can also occur with other parasites in the intestine, as the parasites always cause damage to their host. If the damage is so great that the host is deprived of a lot of energy due to increased defence processes, blood loss or lack of food, the result is a reduction in general well-being. Symptoms such as restlessness, memory disorders and nervousness are common. The lack of nutrients can also lead to a lack of energy to build up an intact skin, which can cause major problems. The associated symptoms are usually dry skin, itching or rashes.