When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? (2024)

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Go to Urgent Care for Parasites

Parasites are common. Many people may be unaware they have an infection because they show few symptoms. Others may have serious medical conditions. There are many different kinds of parasites, and their symptoms may vary. Common parasite symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, exhaustion, and rashes. If you think that you might have a parasite, contact us at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, walk-in for a same-day appointment, or schedule a visit online. We have convenient locations to serve you.

When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? (1)
When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? (2)

Table of Contents:

When to go to an urgent care for parasites
What does a parasite infection feel like?
What are the symptoms of a parasite infection?
How do I check myself for parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, called a host, to survive and reproduce. While many people can have a parasitic infection without even knowing it, some cases can lead to severe symptoms that require medical attention in order to tend to.

when to go to an urgent care for parasites?

If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, it’s extremely important to know when to visit urgent care. Indications include:

– Persistent and severe symptoms. If you have a high fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping, it may be a sign of a severe parasitic infection that requires immediate medical attention.

– Recent travel to high-risk areas. If you’ve recently traveled to an area known for high-risk parasitic infections, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America, you should be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if you begin to show symptoms.

– Compromised immune system. If you have a weakened immune system due to an underlying condition, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplant, you’re at higher risk of parasitic infections, and the symptoms can be severe.

– Recurring infections. If you’ve had parasitic infections in the past and are experiencing a recurrence of symptoms, it’s important to visit urgent care as soon as possible.

What does a parasite infection feel like?

The sensations experienced during a parasite infection will vary from person to person depending on the type of parasite involved, its location, and the overall health of the affected individual. This includes:

– Discomfort and irritation. Many parasite infections lead to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, pain, or a sensation of crawling under the skin.

– Fatigue and weakness. Parasites can sap the body’s resources, leading to persistent fatigue, weakness, and a general decline in overall energy levels.

– Changes in appetite and weight. Some parasite infections can cause alterations in appetite and disrupt the digestive system, leading to weight loss or gain.

Seeking medical attention when suspecting a parasitic infection is crucial, as an accurate diagnosis and early treatment are vital for a speedy recovery.

What are the symptoms of a parasite infection?

Parasitic infections often don’t cause any symptoms in the initial stages, which can make them difficult to diagnose. However, as the infection progresses and the parasite reproduces, symptoms start to appear.
The specific symptoms of a parasitic infection can vary depending on the type of parasite and the part of the body it infects. However, in general, the following symptoms are common among different parasitic infections:

– Abdominal pain
– Bloating
– Diarrhea
– Fatigue
– Fever
– Gastrointestinal issues
– Headaches
– Muscle and joint pain
– Nausea
– Skin irritation
– Vision problems
– Weight loss

How do I check myself for parasites?

To avoid health risks, it’s important to check yourself over for parasites regularly. You can do this by:

Looking for the signs. Common symptoms of a parasitic infection include diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, weight loss, and itching around the anus. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked for parasites by a qualified healthcare provider.

Taking a parasite test. If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, you can take a parasite test to confirm its presence. Various kits are now available that allow you to take a stool sample and send it to a lab for analysis and your healthcare provider can order this test for you.

Seeking medical help. If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, seek medical help immediately. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the infection and prescribe treatment that will kill the parasites, which often includes involve taking medication orally or applying a topical ointment.

If you’re concerned that you may have contracted a parasite, contact us at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, walk in for a same day visit, or schedule an appointment online at your earliest convenience. Our superb medical team can provide the high-level care that you need to start feeling better as soon as possible. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.

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When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? (3)

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When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? (2024)

FAQs

When to Go to Urgent Care for Parasites? ›

Indications include: – Persistent and severe symptoms. If you have a high fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping, it may be a sign of a severe parasitic infection that requires immediate medical attention.

Should I go to urgent care if I think I have parasites? ›

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.

When should I worry about parasites? ›

How do I know if I've got a real problem? The symptoms of different parasites are all very similar, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms, a visit to your doctor may be in order.

How do you know if you are passing parasites? ›

Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea. Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)

How does the ER check for parasites? ›

An ova and parasite test looks for intestinal parasites and their eggs (ova) by checking a sample of your stool (poop) under a microscope. The test is also called an O&P. Intestinal parasites are tiny life forms that can live and reproduce in your digestive system.

How long can parasites go untreated? ›

Untreated tapeworms can live for years, and can lead to malnutrition. Long-term complications could include headaches, blindness, and seizures. The treatment for parasitic infections depends on the type of infection and how far the infection has progressed.

Can you get rid of parasites without going to the doctor? ›

Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have signs of a parasitic infection. They can make an official diagnosis and help prevent the spread of the parasite to others.

What are the odd symptoms of parasites? ›

10 Signs You May Have a Parasite
  • Digestive Problems. Intestinal Parasites. ...
  • Chronic Fatigue or Exhaustion. Parasites are tough on your body. ...
  • Skin Diseases and Issues. ...
  • Muscular and Joint Pain. ...
  • Anemia. ...
  • Lack of Satisfaction After Meals. ...
  • Itchiness. ...
  • Bruxism.

What does giardia poop look like? ›

Symptoms of giardiasis may include: Explosive, watery, foul-smelling stools. Greasy stools that tend to float. Bloating.

What kind of doctor to go to for parasites? ›

The Infectious Diseases team includes fellowship-trained specialists who received advanced training in detecting and treating parasitic diseases. Our experts are leaders in their field. They offer the highest level of patient care.

How do I check myself for parasites? ›

If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, you can take a parasite test to confirm its presence. Various kits are now available that allow you to take a stool sample and send it to a lab for analysis and your healthcare provider can order this test for you.

What do intestinal parasites look like in poop? ›

Intestinal worms that infect humans and their larvae vary in appearance and size, such as the following: Threadworms — These worms are like tiny white moving threads 2 – 13 mm long; they are visible to the naked eye. Strongyloides — The larvae are microscopic in size, but mature into 2 – 3 mm long worms.

How long does it take to realize you have parasites? ›

For those who do get sick, signs and symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may include: Watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools. Fatigue. Stomach cramps and bloating.

Should I go to urgent care if I have pinworms? ›

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You develop other symptoms, including: A fever or belly pain. Redness, tenderness, or swelling in the genital area.

Can urgent care order a stool test? ›

If you go to an urgent care center for food poisoning, they will likely start by asking you more about your symptoms. They may also order some lab tests, like a stool sample, to confirm the diagnosis.

Where do I go if I think I have worms? ›

Some worms cause few or no symptoms, but some can cause severe complications over time. Anyone who believes they may have an intestinal worm should contact a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and prompt treatment.

What doctor do I go to if I think I have parasites? ›

Your family doctor might refer you to a doctor trained in digestive disorders (gastroenterologist). You may need to see a surgeon if the worms have blocked the intestines.

Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have worms? ›

See a GP if you:

find a large worm, a piece of worm or worm eggs in your poo. have a red, itchy worm-shaped rash on your skin. have sickness, diarrhoea or a stomach ache for longer than 2 weeks.

How to get checked for parasites? ›

A fecal (stool) exam, also called an ova and parasite test (O&P) This test is used to find parasites that cause diarrhea, loose or watery stools, cramping, flatulence (gas) and other abdominal illness. CDC recommends that three or more stool samples, collected on separate days, be examined.

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