Unfortunately, no one is immune to a worm infection - both adults and children are susceptible. Man lives and does not suspect that in his body live about 250 species of parasites - these can be both microscopic worms and up to a meter long. In order not to become carriers of parasites, let's understand what are the types of helminths, what are the first signs and symptoms of worm infection, how to treat them and how to get rid of them, as well as talk about the consequences and necessary prevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites exist?
Helminthiasis is the collective name for the disease, which is caused by various types of parasitic worms. It so happened 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;
- tapeworm;
- 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 particularly dangerous in this group - it has no permanent habitat, but roams the human body, affecting various organs. Oysters have the appearance of white worms, which in most cases are transmitted by contact with cats and dogs. With untimely treatment can stop the brain, then the consequences will be most unpleasant.
Flatworms include echinococci, various types of tapeworms. The tapeworm may not show for a long time and eventually reach 10 meters in length. The first sign of a worm infection is rapid weight loss. They are dangerous because they affect the intestines, nervous system, eyes and liver. The most common way to catch tapeworm is to eat raw fish, especially sushi lovers should be careful. It looks like a six-foot tapeworm that has been removed by a human.
Methyl parasites or trematodes are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease of tropical origin that is second only to malaria in the world (according to the WHO). Most frustratingly, such parasites are resistant to anthelmintic drugs. Therefore, the sooner you pay attention to the symptoms, consult a doctor and get tested, the better. A little further we will tell you what research is needed and from whom to get qualified help.
Very often people do not pay much attention to worms and allow the problem to develop. But you can not do this - each group of parasites is very dangerous and can cause irreparable damage to the body. In addition to the development of chronic diseases, there have even been cases of paralysis and blindness in people infected with worms. Therefore, the treatment of worms should be carried out in a timely manner and not to postpone such a serious problem for later.
Causes of helminthiasis
Helminthiasis occurs when worm eggs enter the human body. And the most common reasons for this:
- neglect 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, children who attend kindergarten or school, plumbers, sewer and sewer cleaners, agricultural workers are at risk of contracting worms.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
At first glance, the "harmless" symptoms of damage to internal organs by worms are a skin rash or hives. But there are much more serious signs:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and fatigue;
- allergies in various manifestations;
- swelling;
- constant headache;
- prolonged cough;
- nausea and vomiting not related to poisoning;
- fever;
- acute abdominal pain;
- anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- decreased 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;
- gnashing of teeth in sleep;
- irritability and aggression for no reason;
- the presence of white worms in the stool;
- constant itching in the anus.
If at least 5 points above appear, do not delay the visit to the doctor and do not self-medicate. First of all, make an appointment with a therapist, who will tell you the next steps and refer you to a specialist. A gastroenterologist is also competent in this matter, in which even tests for some helminths are included in the basic examination.
In the absence of timely treatment, complications such as inflammation of the pancreas, obstruction of the bile ducts, intestinal obstruction, ulcers are possible.
What tests should be done if helminthiasis is suspected?
First of all, it is necessary to pass a test for feces for helminth eggs and enzyme immunoassay. Contrast-enhanced X-ray of the bowel is prescribed by a doctor. You must take a separate blood test for each parasite. And with the search for roundworms, only stool analysis will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers provide a number of services to pass the necessary tests for which you need to prepare properly.
What are the treatments for worms?
Medical treatment
What if the test results are disappointing? How to remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases occur due to the presence of worms in humans, so the war against parasites requires special tactics. The connection of oncology with the long-term presence of parasites in the body has also been proven. It is often difficult to recognize a worm infection and doctors, relying on the general malaise of a person, 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 involves complex therapy. As a result, not only do worms die, but the consequences of their vital activity are eliminated.
Along with anthelmintic tablets, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes that normalize digestion are prescribed to treat worms. The use of antihistamines is also not ruled out. Iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed if there is or is a risk of anemia.
Healthy diet
Effective treatment also lies in diet. During treatment, exclude carbohydrates from the diet: cereals, pasta, potatoes - they make it difficult to work the intestines. Especially banned during treatment is fish that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment - white worms may be present in herring, sushi, pickled fish. It is recommended to use fermented dairy products, juice of ripe melon, garlic. Do not neglect pumpkin seeds - this is also an excellent prevention for both adults and children.
According to the results of the research 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 when at least one family member is infected with worms, the whole family is doing prevention. And if you have pets, so do they. Performs heat treatment of linen and bed linen, bathroom with disinfectants. Dishes and other household items must also be handled. After the application of preventive measures after 2-3 weeks the whole family should be examined for the presence of worm eggs.
The fight against helminths with folk remedies
Phytotherapeutic agent is recommended in cases where the patient has intolerance to drugs. Herbal treatment is a long process that requires regular and daily adherence to the regimen.
There is a universal collection that has a wide range of effects on parasites. His recipe is very simple. For this you need to take herbs:
- 2 tablespoons chamomile flowers;
- 1 tablespoon of mistletoe;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tablespoon leotard;
- 1 tablespoon rosemary;
- 2 tablespoons calamus root;
- 2 tablespoons dandelion flowers;
- 2 tablespoons.
Mix all components in dry form, pour 2, 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then filter and take a glass of infusion in the morning and evening for 2 weeks. In severe cases, the course is extended to one month.
The uniqueness of the collection lies in the fact that it destroys most types of parasites while not 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 abortifacient properties.
Treatment during pregnancy
What to do if helminthiasis is found during pregnancy? After all, in this position you can not take powerful drugs, and anthelmintic drugs are just that. There are two opinions on the issue:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after birth when there is no harmful effect of the drug on the fetus.
- Others insist on starting treatment for worms as soon as possible, as the parasites tend to penetrate the placenta and infect the child's lungs, causing respiratory diseases. Abortion, miscarriage 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 responsibility for the treatment of children lies primarily with the parents. Not the first time you test, you can find worms in a child. There is the concept of an incubation period and sometimes the parasite begins to appear no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often prescribed to perform a stool test up to 3 times.
Parents also need to understand that anthelmintic drugs are not just a vitamin pill, but serious antiparasitic drugs that should only be taken under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
Prevention of worms - effective methods
Following the rules of prevention will save you and your family from a nasty disease - helminthiasis, especially since they are very simple:
- Remember to wash your hands after walking, before eating and after visiting public places.
- If you have a pet that you love very much, take care of it, especially if there is a small child in the house who is in close contact with the animal. After all, it is the animals that in 60% of cases are the spreaders of worms that bring parasites from the street in wool and on their paws.
- Before eating, pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables.
- Get rid of the habit of biting nails and other foreign objects.
- Prepare the meat and fish you eat to 100% readiness.
- Drink only purified water from reliable sources.
- Avoid contact with an infected person until he has fully recovered, as a kiss can also transmit helminths.
- Avoid places with high concentrations of insects, especially mosquitoes - they are dangerous carriers of various types of parasites.
- Regularly deworm pets twice a year. In the off-season, in spring and autumn, immunity is weakened, which is a favorable environment for the development of parasites. Farm animals are given anthelmintic drugs for the first 10 days of life, and then in cases of infection.
By applying 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. Be healthy!