Unfortunately, no one is immune to worm infections - both adults and children are susceptible. Man lives and has no doubt that about 250 species of parasites live in his body - these can be microscopic worms 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, and also discuss the consequences and necessary prevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites are there?
Helminthiasis is the collective name for a disease caused by various types of parasitic worms. It happened that in everyday life we used to call all parasites worms, not 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 trichinae. 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 has no permanent habitat, but roams the human body, affecting various organs. Pinworms have the appearance of white worms, whose infection 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 echinococci, various types of tapeworms. The ribbons may not show for a long time and eventually reach up to 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 infect tapeworms is to eat raw fish, especially sushi lovers should be careful. It looks like a six-foot tape that has been removed from a person.
Parasite or trematode parasites are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease originating in the tropics, which is second in the world after malaria (according to the WHO). The most disappointing thing is that such parasites are resistant to anthelmintic drugs. Therefore, the sooner you pay attention to the symptoms, consult a doctor and get tested, the better. We will tell you a little further what research is needed and from whom to get qualified help.
Very often people do not attach special importance to worms and let the problem go its course. But you can't do that - any 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 on time and not 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:
- ignoring the rules of hygiene;
- the presence of pets or contact with domestic animals (especially cows and pigs);
- use of unwashed vegetables and fruits;
- the habit of biting nails, pencils, pencils;
- use of meat and fish products that have not been sufficiently heat-treated;
- drinking insufficiently purified water;
- contact with a person infected with worms;
- insect bites.
Children who attend kindergarten or school, plumbers, sewer and sewer cleaners, and agricultural workers are most at risk of worm infection.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
The biggest, at first glance, "safer" symptoms of damage to internal organs by worms are skin rashes or hives. But there are signs more serious:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and feeling tired;
- allergies in various manifestations;
- swelling;
- persistent 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 lymph nodes;
- gnashing of teeth in sleep;
- irritability and aggression for no reason;
- the presence of white worms in the feces;
- constant itching in the anus.
If at least 5 points of the above appear, do not delay the visit to the doctor and do not self-medicate. First of all, sign up for a consultation 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 taken if helminthiasis is suspected?
First of all, it is necessary to pass a stool test for helminth eggs and an enzyme immunoassay. Contrast-enhanced bowel X-rays are done as recommended by your doctor. You must take a separate blood test for each parasite. And in the search for roundworms, only the analysis of feces will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers provide a range of services for taking the necessary tests, for which you must properly prepare.
What are the treatments for earthworms?
Treatment
What if the test results are disappointing? How to remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases are caused by the presence of worms in humans, so special tactics are needed to fight parasites. The connection between oncology and 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 a person’s general weakness, confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only after the correct diagnosis and passing the necessary tests, it is possible to diagnose the disease and begin treatment.
Treatment of parasites involves complex therapy. As a result, not only do worms die, but the consequences of their life activity are eliminated.
In addition to anthelmintic tablets, in the treatment of worms, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes that normalize digestion are prescribed. Also, the use of antihistamines is not excluded. Iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed if anemia is present or at risk.
Proper nutrition
Effective treatment is also in the diet. During treatment, exclude carbohydrates from the diet: cereals, pasta, potatoes - make it difficult to work the intestines. It is especially forbidden during the treatment of fish that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment - white worms can be present in herring, drought, sour fish. It is recommended to use fermented dairy products, ripe melon juice, garlic. Don’t neglect pumpkin seeds - this is also a great prevention for both adults and children.
Based on the test results and the patient's condition, the duration of treatment is determined by a parasitologist and an infectologist.
It is important to remember that when at least one family member is infected with worms, the whole family carries out prevention. And if you have pets, so do they. Carry out thermal treatment of underwear and bedding, bathrooms with disinfectants. Dishes and other household items must also be handled. After implementing preventive measures for 2-3 weeks, the whole family should be tested for the presence of worm eggs.
Fight against helminths folk remedies
Phytotherapeutic agent is recommended in cases when 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 plants:
- 2 tablespoons chamomile flowers;
- 1 tbsp mistletoe leaves;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 teaspoon knotweed;
- 1 tbspwild rosemary;
- 2 tablespoons calamus root;
- 2 tablespoons dandelion flowers;
- 2 tbsp.
Mix all components in dry form, pour with 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 is that it destroys most types of parasites without harming the body. It can also be used as a preventive measure. It is not recommended to take this collection during pregnancy, because some plants have abortifacient properties.
Treatment during pregnancy
What to do if helminthiasis is detected during pregnancy? After all, you can’t take strong medications in this position, 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 that the treatment of worms should be started as soon as possible, because 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 from the first test, you can detect worms in a child. There is a concept of the incubation period, and sometimes the parasite begins to manifest no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often prescribed stool tests up to 3 times.
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.
Worm prevention - effective methods
Following the rules of prevention will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially because they are very simple:
- Be sure to wash your hands after walking, before meals, 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, in 60% of cases, animals are distributors of worms, bringing parasites from the street in wool and on their paws.
- Pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Get rid of the habit of biting your nails and other foreign objects.
- Bring the meat and fish you eat to 100% readiness.
- Drink only purified water from reliable sources.
- Avoid contact with an infected person until he or she has fully recovered, as kissing can also transmit helminths.
- Avoid places with a high concentration 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, the immunity is weakened, which is a favorable environment for the development of parasites. Animals on the farm are given anthelmintic drugs in 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 on treatment. Be healthy!