Can I Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? | Columbia Clinic (2024)

The parasite can live in the gut for years without causing any symptoms. If this is the case, symptoms include:

– Stomach aches
– diarrhea
– nausea or vomiting
– gas or bloating
– dysentery (loose stools with blood and mucus)
– rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
– stomach pain or tenderness
– feel tired
– lose weight
– worms in your stool

Choosing a doctor can be confusing. There are many medical specialties, each requiring different training, experience and expertise.

If you have parasites, the main person to visit is an infectious disease specialist who deals with illnesses caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

Parasite infections are common, and they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or social status. These infections can cause a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe illness. Unfortunately, many people neglect to treat these infections, believing that they will go away on their own. However, neglecting parasite infections can have serious consequences, both in the short and long term. In this essay, we will explore the consequences of neglecting parasite infections in detail.

Neglecting parasite infections can lead to chronic fatigue and malnutrition. This is because parasites consume nutrients from the host’s body, leaving the host depleted of essential vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition, which can cause a range of health problems, including weakened immune function, poor wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections. Chronic fatigue is also a common consequence of neglecting parasite infections. This occurs because the body is constantly fighting off the infection, which can leave the host feeling tired and run down. In some cases, chronic fatigue can persist long after the infection has been treated, leading to a lowered quality of life and decreased productivity.

Parasite infections can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other illnesses. This is because the immune system is constantly fighting off the parasite, leaving it less able to mount a defence against other infections. In addition, some parasites can suppress the immune system directly, making it even harder for the body to fight off other infections. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness and infection, which can further weaken the immune system over time. Ultimately, this can lead to a range of health problems, including chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.

In severe cases, neglecting parasite infections can result in organ damage or even death. This is because some parasites can cause significant damage to the organs they infect, leading to permanent scarring and dysfunction. For example, liver flukes can cause liver damage, while hookworms can cause anemia and intestinal damage. In some cases, these infections can be fatal, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as young children, the elderly, and those with HIV/AIDS. Even in less severe cases, neglecting parasite infections can lead to long-term health problems that can significantly impact the quality of life.

Symptoms of giardiasis usually start 1 to 2 weeks after infection.

Symptoms usually last 2 to 6 weeks. Symptoms may last longer in people with weakened immune systems (for example, due to diseases such as HIV). A healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate antiparasitic drugs to reduce the duration of symptoms.

Giardia infection (giardiasis) can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, including:

– diarrhea
– gas
– Foul, greasy poop that swims
– stomach cramps or pain
– upset stomach or nausea
– dehydration

Symptoms of giardiasis usually start with 2 to 5 loose stools (poo) per day and gets worse with fatigue. Other less common symptoms include fever, itchy skin, hives, and swelling of the eyes and joints. Over time, giardiasis can also cause weight loss and prevent the body from absorbing needed nutrients, such as fats, lactose, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Some people infected with giardia have no symptoms at all.

Anyone can get a parasite if they are not careful. Watching for the signs and symptoms of a parasite and ensuring you speak to a professional to get treatment are necessary. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.