You may have parasites if you experience a variety of symptoms, especially related to your digestive system and overall health. Common signs of parasitic infection include:
- Digestive problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, constipation, and dysentery (loose stools with blood and mucus)
- Feeling tired or experiencing chronic fatigue and exhaustion without a clear reason
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite, or never feeling full after meals
- Itching or rash around the rectum, vulva, anus, or genital area, often caused by parasites like pinworms laying eggs
- Muscle and joint pain, anemia or iron deficiency, and swollen lymph nodes
- Bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep), mood changes, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
- Passing worms or worm segments in your stool, which may be visible as small white threads or larger worms
Because many symptoms overlap with other conditions, the only definitive way to know if you have parasites is through medical testing. Common diagnostic methods include stool tests to detect eggs or worms, blood tests for specific parasites, and procedures like endoscopy or colonoscopy in some cases
. If you suspect a parasitic infection, especially after travel or exposure to contaminated water, soil, or food, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and treatment.
