In recent times, some common "non-pathogenic" parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Diantamoeba fragilis have been associated with abdominal pain, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [1, 2].
Entamoeba histolytica is one of the predominant GI parasites in developing regions of the world, and the symptoms of non-dysenteric amebic colitis may mimic those of IBS, which makes them difficult to distinguish from each other.
Background. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder of uncertain etiology and multifaceted pathogenesis. Protozoa, such as Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia spp, are common enteric parasites and their carriage is believed to be linked to IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a particularly common misdiagnosis as it may be confused with a range of diseases and disorders, including irritable bowel diseases, celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and stomach or colon cancer.
Many parasites can imitate inflammatory bowel disorders (18) and some studies showed that infection with helminthes can improve disorders like IBD or moderate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorders (19).
Fecal testing (examination of your stool) can identify both helminths and protozoa. Stool samples must be collected before you take any anti-diarrhea drugs or antibiotics, or before x-rays with barium are taken. Several stool samples may be needed to find the parasite.
Depending on the specific pathogen and the host's overall health, parasitic intestinal infections can develop acutely with severe abdominal pain and fever mimicking appendicitis or in a chronic fashion with weight loss and diarrhea presenting like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Common irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
The main symptoms of IBS are: stomach pain or cramps – usually worse after eating and better after doing a poo. bloating – your tummy may feel uncomfortably full and swollen. diarrhoea – you may have watery poo and sometimes need to poo suddenly.
“Like IBS, people with IBD can suffer from diarrhoea and abdominal pain but the red flags we look out for are blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, waking up in the middle of the night with pain or needing to go to the toilet urgently and unexplained mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
There's no test for IBS, but you might need some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. The GP may arrange: a blood test to check for problems like coeliac disease. tests on a sample of your poo to check for infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Many of the symptoms of parasitic infections are similar to those experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Parasites are a major cause of diarrhea, even in developed countries such as the UK. Additionally bloating, nausea, pain, constipation, gas, fatigue and skin problems have been reported.
It can occur after a bacterial infection or a parasitic infection (giardiasis) of the intestines. This is called postinfectious IBS. There may also be other triggers, including stress. The intestine is connected to the brain using hormone and nerve signals that go back and forth between the bowel and the brain.
10 signs that may mean you have a parasite
Here are the most common symptoms: Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You traveled internationally and got diarrhea on your trip. You have had food poisoning and your digestion has not been the same since.
Yeast and other fungal elements are common in stool. Depending on the size and shape, they may be confused for a variety of helminth and protozoan species.
For roundworms, you may find pieces of worms or large, live worms in your feces. For pinworms, you may see thin, white worms that appear like pieces of thread. Pinworms, which are about the length of a staple , are sometimes visible around the anal region at night, when females lay their eggs on the surrounding skin.
Can a colonoscopy detect IBS? No, a colonoscopy can't detect IBS, a condition also known as irritable bowel syndrome. You may wonder why a colonoscopy can't detect IBS when it can diagnose the IBD conditions we outlined earlier. IBS is different from IBD.
There's no test to definitively diagnose IBS . Your health care provider is likely to start with a complete medical history, physical exam and tests to rule out other conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.
Celiac Disease (Sprue)
Patients do not absorb their food properly as a result of the damage. The GI symptoms of celiac disease can mimic IBS. Diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and/or constipation are the most common symptoms. Celiac disease is diagnosed by blood tests and an endoscopy.
It is well known that dietary FODMAPs can trigger gut symptoms in people with IBS. However, as FODMAPs have their effects mostly in the small and large intestine, it usually takes at least 4 hours after eating a high FODMAP meal for FODMAP-related symptoms to occur (see blog on timing of symptoms here).
Whether the culprit is a helminth or protozoa, the most recognizable symptoms of a parasite are: Gastrointestinal distress — since parasites take up residence in the intestines, this is where the most damage occurs. Diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and nausea are all common symptoms of parasites.
Digestive problems including unexplained constipation, diarrhoea or persistent gas. Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching. Continuous muscle and joint pain. Fatigue, even when you get enough sleep.
Endoscopy/Colonoscopy
This test looks for the parasite or other abnormalities that may be causing your signs and symptoms.