Unfortunately, no one is immune to infection with worms - both adults and children are susceptible. A person lives and has no doubt that there are about 250 species of parasites in his body - they can be both microscopic worms and up to one meter long. In order not to become a carrier of parasites, let's understand what types of helminths are, what are the first signs and symptoms of worm infection, how to treat them and how to get rid of them, but also talk about the results and what is necessary. prevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites are there?
Helminthiasis is the common name for a disease caused by various types of parasitic worms. It so happened that we have become accustomed to calling all parasites worms without thinking about how many species there are in everyday life. There are 3 main groups of parasites:
- nematodes;
- ribbon worms;
- parasitic worms (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. However, the pinworm parasite is especially dangerous from this group - it does not have a permanent habitat, but travels through the human body, affecting various organs. Pinworms have the appearance of white worms, the infection is most often caused by contact with cats and dogs. With untimely treatment can stop in the brain, then the results will be the most unpleasant.
Flatworms include echinococci and various types of tapeworms. Tapeworms may not show up for a long time, and as a result, reach a length of 10 meters. The first sign of worm infection is rapid weight loss. They are dangerous because they affect the intestines, nervous system, eyes and liver. The most common way to get infected with tapeworms is to eat raw fish, especially sushi lovers. It's like a six-meter tape taken from a human.
Fluke parasites, or trematodes, are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a tropical disease that ranks 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, the better. A little later we will tell you what research you need and from whom you can get professional help.
Often people do not pay much attention to worms and leave the problem to its own devices. 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, paralysis and blindness have been reported in people infected with worms. Therefore, the treatment of worms should be carried out in a timely manner and should not delay such a serious problem.
Causes of helminthiasis
Helminthiasis occurs when worm eggs enter the human body. And the most common reasons for this are:
- disregard for the rules of hygiene;
- presence of pets or contact with farm animals (especially cows and pigs);
- use of unwashed vegetables and fruits;
- the habit of biting nails, pens, pencils;
- use of meat and fish products that have not undergone adequate heat treatment;
- drinking enough untreated water;
- contact with a person infected with worms;
- insect bites.
Children who often go to kindergarten or school, plumbers, sewer and sewer cleaners, and agricultural workers are at risk for worm infestation.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
The most common, seemingly "harmless" symptom of worm damage to internal organs is a rash on the skin or hives. But there are more serious symptoms:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and fatigue;
- allergies in various manifestations;
- swelling;
- persistent headache;
- prolonged cough;
- nausea and vomiting not related to poisoning;
- high temperature;
- severe pain in the abdomen;
- anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- decreased or, conversely, an increase in appetite, especially for sweets (parasites absorb glucose from the body);
- weight loss, even if good appetite;
- inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- grinding teeth in sleep;
- irritability and aggression for no apparent reason;
- presence of white worms in the stool;
- constant itching in the anus.
If you see at least 5 points from the above, do not delay the visit to the doctor and do not treat yourself. First of all, register for a consultation with a therapist who will explain the next steps to you and refer you to a narrow specialist. A gastroenterologist is also competent in this matter, and 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 when helminthiasis is suspected?
First of all, it is necessary to pass a stool test for helminth eggs and enzyme immunoassay. Contrast X-ray of the intestine is performed according to the doctor's instructions. A separate blood test should be performed for each parasite. And only fecal analysis will help with the search for roundworms. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers offer a number of services to pass the necessary tests, for which you need to be properly prepared.
What is the treatment for worms?
Treatment
What if the test results were disappointing? How to remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases are caused by worms in humans, so the fight against parasites requires special tactics. Oncology has long been linked to the presence of parasites in the body. It is often difficult to recognize an infection with worms, and doctors confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, relying on a general disorder of a person. Only after a proper diagnosis and the necessary tests can the disease be diagnosed and treatment started.
Treatment of parasites consists of complex therapy. As a result, not only do worms die, but also the consequences of their life activities are eliminated.
In addition to anthelmintic tablets, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes that normalize digestion are prescribed in the treatment of worms. The use of antihistamines is also not excluded. If you have anemia or are at risk, iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed.
Proper nutrition
Effective treatment also depends on diet. Eliminate carbohydrates from your diet for the duration of treatment: cereals, pasta, potatoes - they complicate the functioning of the intestines. There are fish that have not been sufficiently heat-treated, especially during treatment - white worms can be found in herring, sushi, pickled fish. It is recommended to use fermented dairy products, ripe melon juice, garlic. Do not neglect pumpkin seeds - this is an excellent prevention for both adults and children.
The duration of treatment is determined by the parasitologist and infectious disease specialist based on the results of the tests and the patient's condition.
It should be remembered that when at least one member of the family is infected with worms, the whole family carries out prophylaxis. If you have pets, they do too. Carry out heat treatment of underwear and bedding, bathroom with disinfectants. Dishes and other household items should also be processed. After 2-3 weeks of preventive measures, the whole family should be tested for the presence of worm eggs.
Folk remedies to combat helminths
A phytotherapeutic agent is recommended if the patient has drug intolerance. Herbal treatment is a long process that requires regular and daily adherence to a regimen.
There is a universal collection with a wide range of effects on parasites. His recipe is very simple. To do this, you need to take herbs:
- 2 tablespoons chamomile flowers;
- 1 tablespoon celery leaves;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tablespoon rice;
- 1 tablespoon rosemary;
- 2 tablespoons calamus root;
- 2 tbsp dandelion flowers;
- 2 tbsp.
Mix all components in a dry form, pour 2. 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then strain 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 not only does not harm the body, but also destroys most types of parasites. 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 detected during pregnancy? After all, in this case, you can not take strong drugs, and this is exactly what anthelmintic drugs. There are two ideas in this regard:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after birth if the medication is not harmful to the fetus.
- Others insist on starting treatment for worms as soon as possible, as parasites tend to penetrate the placenta and infect the baby's lungs, causing respiratory illness. Termination of pregnancy, miscarriage or premature birth is also possible. Therefore, a pregnant woman must consult a doctor and undergo 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 test, you can detect worms in a child. There is a concept of an incubation period, and sometimes the parasite begins to manifest itself no later than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often prescribed up to 3 stool tests.
Parents should also understand that anthelmintic medications are not just a vitamin pill, but serious parasitic medications that should only be taken under a doctor's supervision and prescription.
Prevention of worms - effective methods
Following the rules of prevention will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially if they are very simple:
- Always wash your hands after walking, before eating, and after going to public places.
- If you have a pet that you love very much, especially if you have a small child at home who is in close contact with the animal, pay attention to it. After all, in 60% of cases, animals are the distributors of worms that bring parasites from the street to their wool and paws.
- Pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Get rid of the habit of biting nails and other foreign objects.
- Make the meat and fish you eat 100% ready.
- Drink only purified water from reliable sources.
- Avoid contact with an infected person until complete recovery, as kissing can also transmit helminths.
- Avoid places where there are a lot of insects, especially mosquitoes - they are dangerous carriers of various types of parasites.
- Carry out regular deworming of pets twice a year. 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 case 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 you spend on treatment. Bless you!