Symptoms of intestinal parasites you need to watch out for during summer

Summer is a season where many of us will find ourselves outdoors, enjoying plenty of sunshine and fun-filled activities. While there may be a high incidence of sunstroke during this period, there is one other risk you need to watch out for-parasite infections.

Knowing what you can do to prevent infections and understanding what their symptoms are, will allow you to have a healthy summer.

While intestinal parasitic infections are not unheard of, there is a higher risk of those in the summer. Infections like cryptosporidiosis caused by cryptosporidium, for example, show a heightened risk in summer.

Types of intestinal parasites

Two main types of intestinal parasites can cause infections.

The helminths are visible to the naked eye and include worms like roundworms and flatworms. Of the many symptoms of infections caused by helminths, a common one to identify is the presence of worms or segments of worms in the faeces.

The second type, protozoans, are microscopic worms living in the intestine and can easily multiply like giardia, and cryptosporidium.

How do you get intestinal parasites?

The risk of a parasitic infection rises in summer due to high temperatures and increased exposure to the outdoors — unless of course, you follow good hygiene.

You are also more likely to get insect bites that increase the risk of intestinal infections.

Consuming contaminated food and water and raw food are other causes of infections in your intestine. If you enjoy a summer cookout, be cautious when grilling and make sure your food is always cooked through.

You will also interact more with people during your summer vacations and outdoor activities, which in turn increases your exposure to other people who may be carrying the infection.

What are the symptoms of intestinal parasites?

There are many symptoms of parasitic infections.

Symptoms in the digestive tract like diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, gas, vomiting, and nausea are some of the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include discomfort in the stomach like bloating, cramps, pain, and tenderness.

You may also experience changes in your appetite and malnutrition. Craving sugary food, constant hunger, increased or loss of appetite may occur due to the worms feeding at the same time as their host.

In severe infections, you might also experience anaemic conditions due to blood loss with stool, and the parasitic attack on the blood tissue.

You might also feel lowered energy with constant fatigue, tiredness, depression, mood swings, and muscle and joint pain. It is often a side effect of malnutrition and anaemia.

The symptoms are not limited to your digestive tract alone. With the usual abdominal pains and nausea, you might also feel skin irritation with conditions like rash, hives, rosacea, or eczema.

Traveler’s diarrhoea — diarrhoea that develops right after travelling or a vacation is one main sign of a summer infection. This condition occurs because of the heightened interaction with people and easy exposure to contamination.

Symptoms of severe conditions include:

• Blood or pus in the stool
• Diarrhoea over three days
• Diarrhoea over 24 hours in children
• High fever over 38 ℃
• Vomiting blood
• Severe abdominal pain

How can you prevent parasitic infections during summer?

Following appropriate health and hygiene practices such as washing and sanitising your hands, especially after the use of a public toilet, is very important.

When eating fruits and vegetables, make sure to wash them with boiled or purified water. Make sure your summer travel plans also include health and safety precautions.

When on vacation, ensure you drink from sealed water bottles, eat only thoroughly cooked food, and do your research before choosing eateries.

In addition, avoiding swimming in unknown places, and poorly maintained spas or hotels which can increase the risk of infection.

How do you treat an infection?

You can try home medications like ginger or OTC medicine for mild or common symptoms, like nausea or stomach pains. They will help soothe the pain and relieve the discomfort you are feeling.

The best treatment method to end a parasitic infection is those prescribed by an expert.

Especially if you are experiencing continuous symptoms or severe conditions, consult a gastroenterologist for accurate testing and the best treatments.