Parasite Specialist Brisbane Northside
There has been an increase in the number of afflicted individuals in Brisbane who reported to have gut/ parasite issues. It turns out, one of the contributing factors to this condition is a parasitic infection. Parasite specialists mention that most individuals have a parasite in them and are not even aware of their existence. In fact, approximately 75% of the world’s population has some form of parasite in their gut and do not experience symptoms.
What Are The Most Common Type of Parasites?
The gut parasites are usually acquired by consuming contaminated water or food, having poor hygiene, raw fruits and vegetables, and foods that are difficult to digest. Some common examples are:
- Roundworms. These parasites live in the stomach and intestines and are acquired through undercooked and contaminated foods.
- Tapeworms. They are situated in the lower intestinal tract and get into the body through poorly-cooked beef, fish, or pork.
- Pinworms. They are found in the intestinal tract and lungs and lay eggs at night around the rectal area. When the eggs hatch, the new pinworms re-enter the body through the anus.
- Hookworms and threadworms. These parasites enter through the feet and are found in unclean water. These worms and their eggs can last for several years inside the body.
What Are The Symptoms of Parasitic Infection?
If any of these symptoms are repeatedly experienced, it is best to be tested for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Repeated loose stools or constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling of tiredness
- Abdominal cramping
- Unexplained dizziness
- Foul-smelling flatulence
- Indigestion
- Food allergies
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy rectal area
- Mucus or pus in stools
- Teeth grinding
- Skin rashes
- Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
If a parasitic infection is not immediately addressed, it can contribute to gut-related medical conditions such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Malabsorption
- Crohn’s Disease
How is Parasitic Infection Diagnosed?
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is a technique used to detect parasites and bacteria in the DNA. An individual’s stool is examined and molecular screening of different parasites, rather than their detection, are done to determine the parasite composition in the gut.
What are the Available Treatments?
Anti-parasitic drugs are prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with parasites in their gut. Some common drugs are nitazoxanide, secnidazole, furazolidone, iodoquinol, paromomycin, diloxanide, and bismuth subcitrate. Low carbohydrate and low sugar diet can also be recommended to minimize parasitical growth and activity in the gut. Incorporating probiotics in the diet is also a must to increase good bacteria in the intestines.
At Ubuntu Medical, we also have Gastro Specialists. We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.