Home Remedies and Herbs for Parasitic Disease

Parasitic disease is a term used to describe a group of infections caused by parasites. There are several types of parasitic diseases depending on the specific type of parasite causing the infection. Different parasites affect different parts of the human body and produce different symptoms. ^{1 2}

Parasites are living organisms that live off other organisms (hosts) to survive. Often, a living organism, like a human, will host a parasite without any noticeable symptoms. However, when a parasite begins reproducing and invading different human body systems, it can cause a severe infection. ²

• Trichomoniasis
• Giardiasis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Toxoplasmosis

What Causes Parasitic Disease?

Parasitic disease causes are due to a particular type of parasite invading the human body. There are three types of parasites that cause parasitic infections. These parasite types are: ²

• Helminths
• Protozoa
• Ectoparasites

Protozoa are typically contracted through contaminated water sources. Helminths are also known as worms or tapeworms. Ectoparasites, such as ticks or mosquitoes, feed off the skin. Parasitic diseases can be contracted in many different ways. Some of the ways people contract parasites include: ¹

• Food
• Water
• Bug bite
• Sexual contact

Parasitic causes are often associated with travel to subtropical regions, including Central and South America and different regions throughout Africa. Malaria is one of the most well-known parasitic diseases but it’s also one of the deadliest. Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. ^{1 2}

People traveling to subtropical regions or who have compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of contracting parasitic diseases. ² Parasitic disease causes can be prevented by employing proper sanitation practices. This includes only consuming safe drinking water and eating fully cooked foods.

Parasitic Disease Symptoms

• Itching, redness and irritation around the site of infection
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Upset stomach
• Greasy stools
• Dehydration
• Stomach cramps
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches and pains

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/parasiticdiseases.html
2. http://www.healthline.com/health/parasitic-infections#overview1