How to Treat Liver Parasites

While the thought of parasites living in your body is hardly pleasant, it is nevertheless very important to diagnose and treat liver parasites immediately. Some species can pose major long-term health risks if left alone. Your liver is there for your benefit, so take steps to evict any freeloaders before they have a chance to turn your vital organs into a buffet.

Instructions

1. Know the symptoms of parasitic infestation. Human parasites can be tricky to diagnose, since there can be a variety of symptoms. Look for stomach upset, abdominal bloating, constipation or diarrhea, bloody stools, asthma, anemia, skin rashes and feelings of exhaustion and nervousness. Some infestations also result in eye pain, insomnia and compromised immunity.

2. Pocket your pride and see your doctor. The embarrassment and disgust factors are nothing compared to what liver parasites can do to you. Common parasites are tapeworms and roundworms, also called helminthes. These pests reside in various areas, including the liver, where they consume nutrients that should be benefiting you while excreting wastes that can make you extremely sick. Left undiagnosed and untreated, parasites can cause severe health issues.

3. Be aware of the risk factors. If you have consumed contaminated food such as improperly washed vegetables, underdone fish or contaminated water, you may have picked up liver parasites. You may also be at risk if you have encountered human or animal feces used as fertilizer or if you have swum in contaminated water.

4. Tell your doctor where you have been and what you have been doing. This will help determine what hitchhikers you may have picked up and how best to give them the boot. Praziquantel is one of the most common drugs used to treat liver parasites in both humans and animals. However, parasites like Fasciola hepatica may not respond to Praziquantel, so other medications such as triclabendazole or bithionol may be given instead.

5. Undergo surgery, if necessary. Usually only a severe infestation of liver parasites requires surgery. Surgery may be needed to instill drugs into the liver or bile ducts or to draining abscesses and blocked ducts. If a large number of parasites are present, they may need to be surgically extracted through a procedure such as endoscopy.

6. Make sure that parasites that invade one area do not simply relocate to another neighborhood. For example, amoeba can cause abscesses or ulcers at the point of entry to the bloodstream, but they may travel on to take up residence in the liver. Keep all follow-up appointments to ensure that the liver parasites do not return.

7. Take steps to prevent future invasions. Reduce your exposure to risk factors such as contaminated food and water. Consider alternative treatments to prevent future infestations of parasites. Natural remedies include black walnut hull oils, wormwood capsules, fresh ground cloves and other herbs. Search online for information on parasite cleansing programs and talk to your doctor about options.