What are blastocysts
These are protozoa that live in the large intestine of humans and many animals. They are distributed throughout the world, more often found where the quality of drinking water and sanitary conditions are poorer. There are several genetic subtypes, and these are likely to determine whether a microorganism will be a harmless neighbor or cause complaints. In a regular laboratory, the subtype is not determined. The detection of blastocysts in itself only indicates that a person has had contact with them; This is not a sentence or an indicator of contamination of the body, as is sometimes presented.
- Single-celled inhabitants of the large intestine
- Distributed throughout the world
- Different subtypes with different aggressiveness
- Often detected in people without complaints
- Transmitted through water, food, or dirty hands
When can blastocysts cause complaints?
A connection with symptoms is considered if a person has persistent intestinal complaints, blastocysts are found in significant numbers, and more common causes have been excluded. Typical manifestations are bloating, rumbling, spasms, alternating weakness and constipation, sometimes nausea and fatigue. Some patients experience skin itching and urticaria. In people with reduced immunity and after chemotherapy, the course is more pronounced. If the picture is normal and there are no alarming signs, there is no need to rush into antiparasitic courses.
- Bloating and increased gas production
- Unstable chair
- Abdominal cramps and discomfort
- Nausea and fatigue
- Sometimes skin itching and rashes
- More severe symptoms with reduced immunity
How to examine
They start with a coprogram and stool examination for protozoa and helminth eggs, and it is advisable to submit the material three times on different days: the release of blastocysts is not constant. In parallel, they are looking for other reasons: stool culture if an intestinal infection is suspected, tests for Giardia, examination for celiac disease, assessment of lactose tolerance, complete blood count and indicators of inflammation. The gastroenterologist evaluates whether the complaints fit into the picture of irritable bowel syndrome. Only then is it decided whether the symptoms are related to the blastocysts.
- Coprogram and stool analysis for protozoa, preferably three times
- Feces for helminth eggs and Giardia
- Stool culture for suspected intestinal infection
- General blood test
- Testing for celiac disease according to indications
- Assessing signs of irritable bowel syndrome
Treatment
If there are no complaints, treatment is usually not required - attempts to completely get rid of blastocysts in a healthy person do not make sense and are not always possible. If the connection with the symptoms is confirmed, the doctor prescribes a course of antiprotozoal drugs, after which he evaluates the result based on how he feels, and not just on a repeated analysis: the microorganism can persist, but the complaints go away, and vice versa. At the same time, they work with nutrition: limit foods that increase gas formation, and establish a regimen. Folk remedies, garlic and wormwood courses, as well as cleansing procedures are useless and can cause harm.
- If there are no complaints - observation
- Antiprotozoal drugs as prescribed by a doctor
- Evaluation of the result based on well-being
- Correction of nutrition for bloating
- Treating associated causes of symptoms
- Refusal of cleansing and self-medication with herbs
Prevention
Infection occurs through the mouth, so the measures are the same as for other intestinal infections. Drink boiled or bottled water, especially when traveling and in rural areas, wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, thoroughly rinse vegetables, herbs and fruits with running water. Do not use water from open reservoirs for washing dishes and food. When in contact with pets and farm animals, be sure to wash your hands. In a family, if symptoms are detected in several people, it makes sense to have everyone examined.
- Boiled or bottled water
- Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet
- Thorough washing of vegetables and herbs
- Be careful with water from open sources
- Hygiene after contact with animals
- Examination of family members for group complaints