Uninvited Guests in the Lungs: Unveiling the Mystery of Lung Parasites

Author: Wang Ling Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Reviewer: Liu Yulin, Chief Nurse, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Most parents may think that parasites have nothing to do with children, but do you know? In the lungs of some children, there is an unknown "secret kingdom" where some "uninvited guests" live - lung parasites! They are very cunning and will sneak into children's bodies in an unexpected way. Imagine that when children are enjoying the fun of playing by the stream in the hot summer, or tasting delicious drunken crabs in the cool autumn breeze, these "uninvited guests" may be quietly "camping" in the children's lungs. Today, let us unveil the mystery of children's lung parasites so as to develop strategies to protect children's health.

1. Get to know the little “tenant” - lung parasites

Lung parasites are a class of parasites that can invade the human lungs and cause lesions. These tiny organisms enter the human body through different pathways and grow, reproduce or trigger an immune response in the lungs, leading to a range of health problems.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

2. The mischievous behavior of the little "tenants"

(1) Schistosoma

Generally, people are infected by drinking infected water containing schistosomiasis cercariae. The larvae and adults of pulmonary schistosomiasis migrate, develop, and parasitize in the lungs.

After being infected, children may show symptoms such as coughing, sputum, hemoptysis, chest pain, etc., and may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and allergic reactions.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

(2) Paragonimus

Lung fluke mainly enters the body through children's inadvertent ingestion of freshwater crabs, crayfish and other aquatic products containing metacercariae, or drinking contaminated water. Once parasitic in the lungs, they will begin their "big adventure", and the manifestations of lung fluke disease vary, but the most common symptoms include coughing, sputum, chest pain and fever. You may also feel uncomfortable due to long-term coughing, and there may even be rust-colored or rotten peach-like blood in the sputum. In addition, lung fluke may also cause symptoms such as pleural effusion, hepatomegaly, and ascites. What's more serious is that if the parasites invade important organs such as the brain and spinal cord, it may also cause headaches, epileptic seizures, limb paralysis and other serious consequences.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

(3) Ascaris larvae

It is often caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with eggs. Ascaris larvae infection often leads to ascariasis, with symptoms including cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and fever, with body temperature up to 40°C. Some children cough up white foamy sputum, in which ascaris larvae can be detected. Severely infected people may also develop bronchopneumonia, lung abscess, etc.

Figure 4 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

(4) Hookworm larvae

The infection is usually caused by skin contact with contaminated soil, and the larvae migrate to the lungs. After infection, paroxysmal dry cough and sputum with blood and mucus may occur, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to diseases such as bronchial asthma and anemia.

Figure 5 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3. How to discover the little "tenant"

(1) Laboratory examination: A general increase in eosinophils in a routine blood test often indicates the possibility of parasitic infection, and a routine stool examination can look for parasite bodies and eggs.

(2) Sputum examination: Check for parasites or worm eggs. The presence of a large number of eosinophils in the sputum is of reference value for diagnosis.

(3) Examination of body fluids: including examination of ascites and pleural effusion, and cerebrospinal fluid examination if necessary.

(4) Immunological examination: parasite antigen and antibody tests, etc.

(5) Histopathological examination of the biopsy tissue.

(6) Chest X-ray or CT scan: helps to detect the imaging features of pulmonary parasitic diseases.

(7) Bronchoscopy may be performed.

Figure 6 Copyrighted images are not authorized for reproduction

4. Fight to drive away the little tenants

Once a lung parasitic disease is diagnosed, treatment should be started immediately. The treatment plan needs to be formulated according to the type of parasite and the degree of infection. Drug treatment is usually used, such as praziquantel. Surgery can be used for the formation of cysts and nodules. During the treatment, parents should pay close attention to changes in their children's condition, take medication according to the doctor's orders, and have regular follow-up visits.

5. Prevent small "tenants" from invading

Children’s lungs are the castle that protects their breathing. In order to prevent such “tenants” from appearing again, we have a comprehensive “defense strategy” that can prevent parasites from hiding from eating habits to environmental hygiene!

(1) Diet tips to prevent monsters

1) Cooked food party: As we said before, sashimi, half-cooked crayfish, raw pickles and other "suspicious elements" must be "baptized by high temperature" before they can be served. Let cooked food become the protagonist on the table, and the parasites will naturally be helpless!

2) Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: Before eating fruits and vegetables, remember to rinse them with running water, especially those that need to be peeled, such as water chestnuts and water caltrops. Peeling them is like taking off their "parasite coats", making them safer to eat!

Figure 7 Copyright image is not authorized for reproduction

3) Kitchen hygiene: Keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross contamination. Knives and cutting boards should also be disinfected regularly!

(2) Cleaning skills: Clean your room regularly, especially the beds and carpets where dirt and grime are easily hidden. Remember, a clean environment is a "forbidden place" for parasites!

(3) Hand-washing Ode: Before meals and after defecation, remember to sing "Hand-washing Ode". Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water, just like putting on protective clothing to keep bacteria and parasites away.

(4) Water source guardian: Do not drink raw water, especially stream or river water that may contain parasite eggs but may appear clear. Tell your parents to boil the water at home before drinking it, or choose bottled water, which is safer!

(5) Comprehensive defense to enhance resistance: For example, take your pets for regular checkups and deworming to prevent them from becoming a "transit station" for parasites. Participate in more outdoor activities, exercise, enhance immunity, and make the body a "fortress" that is difficult for parasites to break through!

Figure 8 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Well, now you are half an expert on lung parasites! Remember, although these little "uninvited guests" sound a little scary, as long as we maintain good hygiene habits, they will never settle in our bodies. I hope every child can become a little guardian of their own health, so that all lung parasites stay away and never dare to approach again!