Intestinal parasites
Signs and Symptoms
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following:
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhea
* Nausea or vomiting
* Gas or bloating
* Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
* Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
* Stomach pain or tenderness
* Feeling tired
* Weight loss
* Passing a worm in your stool
What Causes It?
These things raise your risk for getting intestinal parasites:
* Living in or visiting an area known to have parasites
* International travel
* Poor sanitation (for both food and water)
* Poor hygiene
* Age. Children and the elderly are more likely to get infected.
* Exposure to child and institutional care centers
* Having a weakened immune system
* HIV or AIDS