The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to the modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.BC
The now ubiquitous term “worm” was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been accumulating.
There are now more than 100,000 species.
All these types of helminths are classified as lower worms of the Scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- Flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukeworms);
- roundworms, which include a large class of nematodes;
- spiny-headed worms;
- Annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two species (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main phases of their life cycle in the bodies of humans or animals, called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the “host”;
- biohelminths,Their life activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the development process such worms can change several “hosts”.
There is also a group of so-called infectious helminths.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;This species includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematous helminth infestations are:
- ascariasis caused by human roundworms;
- Toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- Hookworms, their appearance is caused by parasitism of the hookworm and necator;
- Strongyloidiasis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- Trichostrongylidosis, caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinosis, caused by any of the four species of trichinae;
- Filariasis, its cause are filaria, also called filaments.
The following diseases are distinguished among cestodiases:
- Diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- Teniarinhoz, caused by bovine tapeworm;
- Taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- Hymenolepidosis, pathogen - dwarf tapeworm;
- Dipilidiasis caused by dog tapeworm parasitism;
- Echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
- Alveococcosis, pathogen - alveococci.
Of the trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- Fascioliasis, pathogen - Fasciola vulgaris;
- Opisthorchiasis, its cause is the parasitism of the cat leech;
- Clonorchiasis caused by the Chinese fluke;
- Metagonimiasis, pathogen - Metagonimus;
- Schistosomiasis (urogenital, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoan diseases, which are caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoeba, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they deal with on a daily basis.These microorganisms are found everywhere: in the soil, in sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, on the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, parasites die in the body of a healthy person and are excreted from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive tract and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Your life activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites cause mechanical damage to various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes when introduced into the body.The dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine down to its deepest layers.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissue, usually the liver, occurs as the larvae grow, resulting in jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms get into the main blood vessels and from there into almost every organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of the disease.The penetration of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory and digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms as well as the method of treatment depend on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause problems with the digestive tract.And the invasion of protozoa (e.g. amoebas) into the body can lead to meningoencephalitis, pericardial disease and death.Parasites settle in the skin, visual organs, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, infusions of celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).However, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal nutritional supplements cannot be used in severe and massive infestations.To kill worms, long-term drug therapy is required and helps restore basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of helminthiasis can only be prevented by compliance with certain preventive measures.
However, in order to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main manifestations of parasites in the human body:
- Orally through hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of pets and birds on which eggs and larvae of parasites and soil particles are found.This is how you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when eating thermally unprocessed meat, milk, fish and seafood.This transmission route is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Upon contact, for example through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through the blood through insect bites (e.g. filariasis).
- Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Given the realities of modern home medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs to combat helminthiasis are available without a prescription in any pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means for combating parasites are not the same in their therapeutic effect;In addition, different types of worms “require” an individual selection of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of its actions is as follows:
- Examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, a recent return from exotic countries requires special examinations to identify the pest);
- Appointment of a general blood test, stool, coprogram;
- Blood test for the presence of specific antibodies;this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- Assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- Identification of possible comorbidities that may represent contraindications to the prescription of certain medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the location
Tissue damage caused by helminths is accompanied by numerous punctate bleeding.This leads to anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to the disruption of metabolic processes and the absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens.A person loses weight quickly and often suffers from viral and infectious diseases.
The vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms also occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts accordingly to their appearance, so that if there are parasites in the human body, there are certainly symptoms of an allergic reaction.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifest themselves in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and a deterioration in well-being.
The development of a parasitic invasion into the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of severe dysfunction of the myocardium.
Patients complain about:
- Shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- Feeling unwell and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by an increased body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they arise against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body, when some worms penetrate the skin, may look like this:
- ulcers in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- Swelling and redness, sometimes during migration of helminths;
- the formation of swellings resembling Wen in appearance;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
The symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.When the helminth “lives” under the skin of the eyelid, its movements are noticeable or even visible.However, when worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment and reduced vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.Therefore, when parasites appear in the human body, symptoms mainly occur in the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- Pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- Diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, is especially typical in the initial stages of infection;
- admixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the occurrence of painful cramps simultaneously with the urge to defecate;
- decreased or absent appetite;
- Flatulence, flatulence.
As a result of a disruption in the work of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworms can cause an intestinal blockage.
The penetration of worms into the blood-forming system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.In addition, sometimes such an invasion does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, headaches, dizziness and drowsiness often occur, despite adherence to the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
In addition, signs of parasites in the circulatory system are accompanied by an enlargement of lymph nodes and an exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upward and the body temperature often rises.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign “creature” in the body should not be a reason to panic.Modern drugs make it possible to quickly and without side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and completely restore their function.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method of combating worms had been developed - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell of our body does not stand motionless in one place, but is in a mode of constant vibration and emits electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from that of our body's tissues.In bioresonance therapy, metal electrodes are attached to specific biologically active points.They emit waves of a certain length that do not affect the functioning of a person's own cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and freedom from pain.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven and the treatment devices do not have appropriate certificates.However, exposure to electromagnetic waves does not cause any harm or complications.
There are actually not that many drugs used to combat helminths and protozoa.The dosage of drugs, the regimen and the duration of their use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient's age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.
With relatively mild helminthic infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home and the components are available at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves that are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Add a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots to a glass of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Let it cool completely and take 3 tbsp.l.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon three times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.l.Cloves, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only way to prevent the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to the rules of hygiene that everyone knows since early childhood.This includes washing your hands before eating, after using the toilet and after a walk.In addition, careful thermal treatment of drinking water, milk, meat and fish is required, as well as the purification of fresh vegetables and fruits from harmful substances.
But human parasites appear at every turn, making it almost impossible to avoid encountering them.To prevent serious complications of invasion, it is necessary to strengthen immune defenses and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you must consult a doctor, take the prescribed tests and complete the entire treatment with mandatory monitoring of effectiveness.