Why do I lose so much weight with a parasite?
The weight loss is often accompanied by loss of appetite and upset stomach. Still, there are other health reasons to explain why you could be rapidly losing weight. A compromised immune system could inhibit your body’s ability to fight off a parasite.
Can a worm in your intestines cause weight loss?
There are many diseases that cause unexplained weight loss—and parasitic infection is one of them. “Tapeworms will cause you to lose weight because you have this huge worm in your intestines eating your food,” Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, the medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, told Today.
Can a parasite cause anemia in the body?
Among the many causes of anemia are parasites, which can cause iron deficiencies when they consume the mineral from iron-rich foods such as meat and fish rather than allowing it to do its essential work in the body. Over time, anemia causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and other issues.
How does the presence of parasites affect the body?
Once inside the body, parasites begin to procreate, and this causes pain to increase. The presence of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract can cause inflammation in the abdomen, as well as gas and indigestion as the organisms release byproducts that build up in the gut.
Can a parasite in your intestines cause weight loss?
19. Weight loss: Parasites like tapeworms can lead to weight loss because the parasite residing in your intestines consumes your food. 20. Coughing or other respiratory symptoms: If you have a parasite living in your lungs, it’s possible that you may suffer from respiratory symptoms.
What happens to your body when you have a parasitic infection?
Fatigue can lead to mood swings and increased stress or anxiety. As the body fights a parasitic infection, the extra calories needed for this process, in addition to the nutrients the parasites are stealing, can lead to weight loss, which may be severe and rapid.
What causes unexplained weight loss and decreased appetite?
Another cause of unexplained weight loss is tuberculosis (TB), a contagious condition that usually affects the lungs. It’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Weight loss and decreased appetite are major symptoms of TB, but the reasons aren’t fully understood.
Among the many causes of anemia are parasites, which can cause iron deficiencies when they consume the mineral from iron-rich foods such as meat and fish rather than allowing it to do its essential work in the body. Over time, anemia causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and other issues.