Unfortunately, no one is immune from infection with worms - both adults and children are susceptible. A person lives and does not suspect that about 250 species of parasites live in his body - these can be both microscopic worms and up to a meter long. In order not to become a carrier of parasites, let's find out what types of helminths exist, what are the first signs and symptoms of infection with worms, how to treat them and how to get them out, and also talk about the consequences and needsPrevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites are there?
Helminthiasis is the collective term for the disease caused by various types of parasitic worms. It's just that in everyday life we are used to calling all parasites worms, without thinking about how many species there are. There are 3 main groups of parasites:
- nematodes;
- tapeworms;
- parasitic flukes (trematodes).
Nematodes are a type of roundworm. These include pinworms, roundworms and trichinella. Each of these parasites is dangerous because it causes various lung diseases in adults and children. But the pinworm parasite is especially dangerous from this group - it does not have a fixed habitat, but migrates through the human body, affecting various organs. Pinworms have the appearance of white worms, the infection of which in most cases occurs through contact with cats and dogs. With untimely treatment, it can stop in the brain, then the consequences will be the most unpleasant.
Flatworms include hydatid worms, different types of tapeworms. Tapeworms may not show themselves for a long time, eventually reaching up to 10 meters in length. The first sign of infection with worms is rapid weight loss. They are dangerous because they attack the intestines, nervous system, eyes and liver. The most common way of contracting tapeworms is by eating raw fish, sushi lovers in particular should be careful. It looks like a twenty-foot tapeworm removed by a person.
Fluke parasites, or trematodes, are the vectors of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease native to the tropics and second only to malaria in the world (according to the WHO). The most disappointing thing is that such parasites are resistant to anthelmintics. Therefore, the sooner you pay attention to the symptoms, see a doctor and get tested, the better. A little further down we tell you what kind of research is needed and from whom you can get qualified help.
Very often, worms are ignored and the problem is left to its own devices. However, this is not possible - each group of parasites is very dangerous and can cause irreparable damage to the body. In addition to the development of chronic diseases, cases of paralysis and blindness have even been recorded in people infected with worms. Therefore, treatment against worms should be carried out in a timely manner, and such a serious problem should not be postponed until later.
Causes of helminthiasis
Helminthiasis occurs when the eggs of worms penetrate the human body. And the most common reasons for this:
- disregard of hygiene rules;
- the presence of pets or contact with farm animals (especially cows and pigs);
- the use of unwashed vegetables and fruits;
- the habit of biting nails, pens, pencils;
- the use of meat and fish products that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment;
- drinking insufficiently purified water;
- contact with a person infected with worms;
- insect bites.
Most often at risk of infection with worms are children attending kindergarten or school, plumbers, specialists in cleaning sewage and sewage pipes, as well as farm workers.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
At first glance, the most "harmless" symptoms of damage to internal organs by worms are a rash or hives. But there are much more serious signs:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and fatigue;
- allergies in various manifestations;
- Swelling;
- persistent headache;
- persistent cough;
- nausea and vomiting not associated with intoxication;
- high temperature;
- acute abdominal pain;
- Anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- reduced or, conversely, increased appetite, especially for sweets (parasites suck glucose from the body);
- weight loss, even with a good appetite;
- inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- grinding teeth in sleep;
- Irritability and aggression without reason;
- the presence of white worms in the feces;
- constant itching in the anus.
If at least 5 of the above points appear, do not postpone a visit to the doctor and do not self-medicate. First, sign up for a counseling session with a therapist, who will tell you the next steps and refer you to a narrow specialist. A gastroenterologist is also competent in this matter, where even tests for some helminths are included in the basic examination.
Without timely treatment, complications such as inflammation of the pancreas, blockage of the bile ducts, intestinal obstruction, ulcers are possible.
What tests should be done if helminthiasis is suspected?
First, a stool test for worm eggs and an enzyme immunoassay must be passed. An X-ray of the intestine with contrast medium is carried out according to the doctor's prescription. For each parasite you need to take a separate blood test. And when looking for roundworms, only a fecal analysis will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers offer a number of services to pass the necessary tests, for which you need to properly prepare.
What are the treatments for worms?
Medical treatment
What if the test results were disappointing? How do I remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases arise from the presence of worms in a person, so the fight against parasites requires special tactics. The connection of oncology with the long-term presence of parasites in the body is also proven. It is often difficult to detect infection with worms, and doctors, relying on a person's general malaise, confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only after a correct diagnosis and passing the necessary tests is it possible to diagnose the disease and start treatment.
Treatment of parasites includes complex therapy. As a result, not only worms die, but also the consequences of their vital activity are eliminated.
Along with anthelmintic tablets, when treating worms, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes that normalize digestion are prescribed. The use of antihistamines is also not excluded. If anemia is present or at risk, iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed.
Right nutrition
An effective treatment also lies in diet. For the period of treatment, exclude carbohydrates from the diet: cereals, pasta, potatoes - they complicate the work of the intestines. Especially forbidden during treatment is fish that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment - white worms may be present in herring, sushi, pickled fish. It is recommended to use fermented milk products, ripe melon juice and garlic. Do not neglect pumpkin seeds - this is also an excellent prevention for adults and children.
Depending on the results of the examination and the patient's condition, the duration of treatment is determined by the parasitologist and the infectious disease specialist.
It is important to remember that if at least one member of the family is infected with worms, then the whole family takes preventive measures. And if you have pets, then so do they. Carry out heat treatment of underwear and bed linen, bathrooms with disinfectants. Dishes and other household items also need to be processed. After carrying out preventive measures in 2-3 weeks, the whole family should be tested for the presence of a worm egg.
The fight against helminth folk remedies
In case of drug intolerance, a phytotherapeutic agent is recommended. Herbal treatment is a long process that requires regular and daily adherence to the treatment plan.
There is a universal collection that has a wide range of effects on parasites. Its recipe is very simple. To do this, you need to take herbs:
- 2 tbsp chamomile flowers;
- 1 tbsp mistletoe leaves;
- 1 tbsp eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tbsp knotweed;
- 1 tbsp wild rosemary;
- 2 tablespoons calamus root;
- 2 ELdandelion flowers;
- 2 ELcentury.
We mix all the components in dry form, pour 2. 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then we filter and take a glass of infusion morning and evening for 2 weeks. In severe cases, the course is extended to a month.
The uniqueness of the collection lies in the fact that it destroys most types of parasites without harming the body. It can also be taken as a preventive measure. It is not recommended to take this collection during pregnancy, as some herbs have abortive properties.
treatment during pregnancy
What to do if helminthiasis is detected during pregnancy? After all, in this position you can not take strong drugs, and anthelmintics are just that. There are two opinions on this:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after childbirth, when there is no harmful effect of drugs on the fetus.
- Others insist on starting treatment for worms as soon as possible, since the parasites tend to invade the placenta and infect the child's lungs, causing respiratory illness. Termination of pregnancy, spontaneous termination of pregnancy or premature birth are also possible. Therefore, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor and pass the necessary tests.
What to do if parasites are found in a child?
The primary responsibility for the care of children lies with the parents. Not from the first time of testing you can detect worms in a child. There is a concept of an incubation period, and sometimes the parasite manifests itself no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often prescribed up to 3 stool tests.
Also, parents should understand that anthelmintics are not just a vitamin pill, but serious antiparasitic drugs that should be taken only under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
Prevention of worms - effective methods
Compliance with the rules of prevention will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially since they are very simple:
- Be sure to wash your hands after walking, before eating, and after visiting public places.
- If you have a pet that you love dearly, take care of it, especially if there is a small child in the house who is in close contact with the animal. Finally, in 60% of cases, it is animals that are wormers that bring parasites in wool and on their paws from the street.
- Pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Get rid of the habit of biting nails and other foreign objects.
- Meat and fish you eat bring you to 100% readiness.
- Drink only purified water from trusted sources.
- Avoid contact with an infected person until they have fully recovered, as kissing can also transmit helminths.
- Avoid places with a large concentration of insects, especially mosquitoes - they are dangerous vectors of various types of parasites.
- Conduct regular pet deworming twice a year. In the off-season, in spring and autumn, immunity is weakened, which is a favorable environment for the development of parasites. Antihelminthic drugs are given to livestock for the first 10 days of life and then when infected.
By using these simple prevention methods, you will protect yourself and your family from helminthiasis. The more time you spend on prevention, the less time on treatment. Bless you!