The oldest parasites of mankind that have settled perfectly in the body are worms. Symptoms of parasites in the human body do not always appear at the initial stage of infection. Sometimes they resemble the clinical manifestations of other diseases. These are important factors that every adult should remember.
General information
It is difficult to imagine where they come from when parasites appear in the human body and how easily they adapt in the human body. The simplest are found on the hands, on the skin and in the organs. Each of them selects the part of the body for its vital activity in which the conditions are most favorable. Parasitic organisms are present in both adults and children. And the reasons for their appearance are many.
Types of classification
Over the years of development of microorganisms, their structure has been simplified, fixation and genital organs as well as internal respiration have been formed. Thanks to this, they can live and develop without oxygen. Parasitic organisms that cause a pathological condition are divided into three main groups:
- The simplest.The group includes a large number of creatures, but they are common: lamblia, trichomonas, toxoplasmosis.
- Ectoparasites.Live on the surface of the human body: lice, ticks.
- worms.The group includes such parasitic creatures: roundworms, pinworms, echinococcus, opisthorchis and many others.
Depending on the sales location
There are parasites:
- To be found everywhere (ubiquitous).
- Found in a certain climatic zone (tropical).
How they appear in the body
- Geohelminthiasis.The group includes helminths that live in the human body. For later life, they gradually move to a non-living environment.
- biohelminthiasis.The peculiarity of the group lies in the fact that the worm develops outside the human body, but a person is the ultimate host of the parasitic individual.
- Contact helminthiasis.They develop in the human body, are excreted by mature individuals and infect other people.
Through concentration in the body
- skylights.Cavity parasitic worms live in the intestine or another lumen organ.
- fabric.This group includes parasitic creatures that live on the human body.
By localization on the body
- External parasitic individuals (ticks, lice).
- Internal helminths:
- roundworms (pinworms, roundworms);
- flatworms:
- leeches (opisthorchis, schistosomes);
- tapeworms (tapeworms, tapeworms);
- bacteria that cause bacteriosis.
- The simplest parasites.
- mushroom.
Parasites in children and adults and natural defenses
Parasitic infestation in a child's body is more common than in adults. Localization of parasites in a child's body is especially dangerous. In the early stages it is difficult to identify parasites. The children's immune defense is severely weakened. Weak immunity increases the rate of development of helminths and develops parasitic diseases. The amount of waste products increases and causes poisoning.
The defense of an adult organism against parasites is stronger. The first barrier to their detoxification is enzymes found in the oral cavity of adults. The next test is stomach acid. And gut immunity can completely destroy all parasites in the body. It is these forms of protection that are not enough for a sick person and a baby.
Symptoms of the presence of parasites in the human body
What signs of parasites in the body should one look out for? Symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body are closely related to the place of their localization and differ in variability. However, the processes of their influence are always the same and interrelated:
- toxic effect;
- allergic reaction;
- protein energy deficiency;
- vitamin deficiency;
- decreased immunity.
Parasitic diseases caused by parasitic worms go through several development phases. The type of stage determines what the first signs of parasites appear in the body:
- Sharp.It is characterized by general intoxication due to allergies. The allergic reaction is more pronounced in children. The following symptoms also occur:
- increased body temperature;
- muscle pain;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- indigestion;
- irritability;
- inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract;
- weight loss;
- Damage to the nervous system (depression, irritability).
- Chronic(associated with organ damage). Diseases of parasites develop into a chronic form, which is characterized by a violation of the functionality of organs:
- The defeat of the intestines leads to intestinal obstruction, colitis.
- Signs of hepatitis and cholecystitis predominate when localized in the biliary tract (often the concepts of heartburn and parasites are inextricably linked).
- There are parasitic worms like trichinosis that can affect the cardiovascular system.
The appearance of a person is the main indicator of a violation of the correct functioning of internal organs.
How does it affect the human body?
The parasitic invasion in the human body is the cause of disturbances in vital functions and deterioration in health. The risk group includes babies and the elderly. The amount, location of their concentration, the length of time from the time of infection, and the general condition of the patient all affect what kind of harm is inflicted on a person.
Mechanical violations
With small suction cups on the body, parasites of a person can attach themselves to the walls of any organ. This leads to tissue damage. In addition, pathogens actively grow, multiply and accumulate in a group, forming a whole lump. This leads to the formation of blockages in the organ. When the parasitic creatures are large, this situation is doubly dangerous.
Nutrient decrease
In human organs, worms reduce the protective function of human immunity. They feed on vitamins and nutrients that are essential for human health. They are in an environment favorable to their existence and are increasing in size and quantity. You always need more vitamins and nutrients for life. A person loses weight, during the examination, a vitamin deficiency can be detected.
Toxic damage from parasites
Parasitic creatures not only live in organs, but also excrete waste products. These are dangerous poisons that poison the body. Organic parasites can disrupt the regulation of protein metabolism. And this substance is an important structural part of cells and tissues. Traces of parasites in humans are immediately expressed in allergic reactions, a decrease in immune defense and nervous breakdowns.
Diagnostic methods
The well-known diagnostic method - stool analysis - is ineffective. Worm eggs are viewed under a microscope. They are difficult to find as they don't move after a certain time every day. In order to determine whether they are present, the feces must be taken several times within 3 weeks for analysis. This is impractical, which is why modern medicine has improved diagnostic methods:
- Immunoassay.The efficiency of the method is approx. 90%. It is based on the ability of antibodies to change color. With the help of the analysis it is possible to recognize the type and amount and to follow the course of the disease development with parasites.
- hemoscanning.The detection of an invasion is done according to a relatively new method. A blood test will be done immediately after a finger stick sample is taken.
- Computer diagnostics.Exposure to electromagnetic waves helps identify the presence of worms in organs and possible parasitic diseases.
- MRI of the abdomen.Enables the identification of parasitic localization foci.
Features of the therapy
It is not difficult to understand which doctor treats helminth infestations. The number of parasitic protozoa and worms is quite large, there are also enough methods of treatment and specialists for therapy. Treatment of parasites is carried out by therapists and parasitologists. The fight against worms includes a number of measures that are carried out according to the scheme, taking into account the individual factors of the patient. Which drugs are used more often and for which types of parasites?
Drug treatment
First of all, the body must be prepared for the treatment against parasites. Special products bind all harmful secretions of parasitic organisms and remove them naturally. Then they start anti-parasitic therapy. As a rule, every drug in the public domain is offered in a pharmacy. Medicines are more often made in tablet form, but there are suspensions, creams and suppositories.
Self-treatment is not recommended. The drug is selected by a specialist based on the results of the test and other factors.
After drug treatment, the patient must undergo repeated tests.
Therapy with folk remedies
Treating parasites with drugs is toxic. A sure way to deal with invasions at home is with folk remedies. You can relax at home with the help of:
- Pumpkin seeds, honey and jam. The remedy is taken in small portions on an empty stomach.
- onions and boiled water. Insist 10 hours and drink 100 ml for 4 days.
- horseradish and garlic. In equal amounts, the plants are poured with vodka, insisted on it for 10 days. Drink 1 tbsp. l per day.
How do I avoid infection?
The fight against parasites is difficult. Treatment for parasites doesn't always work the first time. Compliance with elementary rules will help avoid infection with parasites and prevent all diseases:
- Compulsory hand washing before eating, after using the toilet.
- Thorough processing of fish and meat.
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (especially for girls).
It is understood that it is quite difficult to avoid parasites by being in public places all the time. Therefore, it is important to drink an antiparasitic drug once a year for prevention, not forgetting all the hygiene rules. Only a specialist can appoint it. Remember, self-medication is dangerous. It can make prevention a big problem.