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 from the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been accumulating.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this variety 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 (flukes);
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- spiny worms;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two species (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the body of humans or animals, which are 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 vital activity takes place only in living organisms, and in the process of development 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 type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematode helminthic infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by the human roundworm;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- enterobiosis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by hookworm and nekator parasitism;
- Strongyloidiasis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongyllidosis caused by the same parasites;
- trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- filariasis, their cause is filaria, also called filaments.
Among cestodiases, the following diseases are distinguished:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- teniarynchosis caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipylidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the causative agent of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcus tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
The following helminthiasis are often diagnosed from trematodes:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is cat fluke parasitism;
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese fluke;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A special group includes the so-called protozoan diseases caused by the presence of single-celled protozoa: amoeba, malaria plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in soil, litter boxes, fences, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, on 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, in the body of a healthy person, parasites die and are eliminated 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.
Their life activity is monitored by:
- metabolic disorders;
- lack of vitamins;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative impact of toxic helminth waste products.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.Larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) damage the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes when they enter the body.Dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine to its deepest layers.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, there is mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, most often the liver, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter 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 entry of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively "harmless" pinworms and roundworms cause digestive tract disorders in most cases.And entry into the body of protozoa (for example, amoeba) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, enemas for cleaning with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive infestations, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.Long-term drug therapy and help in restoring the basic functions of the digestive tract are needed to destroy the worms.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Orally through the hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, on which parasite eggs and larvae are present along with soil particles.In this way, you can get infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food from uncooked meat, milk, fish and seafood.This route of transmission is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- In contact, for example, through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacentally from mother to fetus, toxoplasmosis is transmitted in this way.
Considering the reality of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last moment, especially since drugs to eliminate helminthiasis can be bought without a prescription in any pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means for suppressing parasites are not the same in their therapeutic effect;in addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of the dose and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you should 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 studies to identify pests);
- appointing a general blood test, stool, co-program;
- blood testing for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the cause of the disease;
- assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- recognition of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications for the prescription of certain drugs.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the place of localization
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by numerous spot bleeding.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to disturbances in metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair deteriorates.The person loses weight quickly and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms takes place through the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance accordingly, so if there are parasites in the human body, the symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also appear, which are manifested in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion in the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of severe disorders in the work of the myocardium.
Patients complain of:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
An additional inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by elevated body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when some worms attack the skin can look like this:
- ulceration in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during helminth migration;
- the formation of swellings that resemble wen in appearance;
- appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the helminth "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment and limited vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.Therefore, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms primarily appear from 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, which is especially typical in the initial stages of infection;
- admixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the appearance of painful cramps at the same time as the urge to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence, flatulence.
As a result of disorders of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworms can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders in the whole body.Moreover, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, there are frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, despite following the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
Also, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes and worsening of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upwards, and the body temperature often increases.
Doctors point out that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a reason for panic.Modern medicines allow to clean all organs from helminths quickly and without any side effects and completely restore their work.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced the creation of a new safe method for fighting worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the creators of this method, each cell of our body is not motionless in one place, but is in a mode of constant vibration, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from the tissues of our body.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of the person's own cells, but destroy the bodies of the parasite.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause any complications.
There are actually not that many drugs used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dose of drugs, the regimen and the duration of their use are chosen by the doctor depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.
For relatively mild helminthic infestations, the use of traditional medicine recipes is recommended.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which 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.
- Pour a spoonful of crushed and dried nettle roots with a glass of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave it until it cools completely and take 3 tbsp.l.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take one tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.l.cloves, grind and take in the amount of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture of 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 to strictly adhere to the rules of hygiene, which are known to everyone from early childhood.This is hand washing before eating, after going to the toilet and returning from a walk.Careful thermal treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, and fish is also necessary, as well as the cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants.
But human parasites appear at every turn, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.In order to prevent severe complications of invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you must consult a doctor, take prescribed tests and complete the entire course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.