Worms are parasites belonging to the group of helminths. Existing in the body of mammals, fish and humans, they feed on the "host", harming the body by reducing the nutritional value of food, excreting waste products, reducing immunity and increasing sensitivity to allergens. helminthiasis mankind has invented many methods of treatment. We consider the effectiveness of these methods, the effect of prevention in the form of regular intake of worm pills and separate the truth from fiction.
Worms: parasites that are harmful to health
Although there are symbiotic parasites in nature that exist at the expense of the host, but bring not only harm but also benefit to the main organism, worms are parasites whose presence in the body significantly impairs health. The degree of damage to helminthiasis is compared to diseases such as tuberculosis, coronary heart disease and chronic diarrhea.
Worms are parasites that, even in the early stages of helminthiasis, can cause digestive problems, immunity and allergic reactions. With the development of the disease, anemia, there are various states of deficiency due to the consumption of nutrients, vitamins, minerals from helminths, which enter the human body with food.
The group of worms, parasites, helminths includes roundworms, pinworms, nematodes, toxocara. In terms of the prevalence of helminthiasis, they are compared to infectious diseases, second only to influenza. And the presence of helminths in the body against the background of an acute infectious process can significantly complicate recovery, prolong the disease.
Severe helminthiasis also affects reproductive function, can be a cause of infertility, the birth of children with developmental disabilities. The spread of worms in the body causes injury to a person.
The spread of helminths is most often explained by non-compliance with hygiene rules ("dirty hand disease"), the quality of living conditions and the pollution of areas around livestock farms, both personal and commercial. of food, hands, surfaces in public places creates in our climatic conditions a favorable environment for the reproduction of helminths and their transmission from one carrier to another.
Children and the elderly are most susceptible to parasitic diseases due to reduced immune protection. Children, too, have not yet developed the habit of washing their hands, but they have an instinct to look at everything with their mouths, as well as the need to bite their nails and suck their fingers.
Myths and reality: for the treatment and prevention of helminthiasis
The existence of various "home", alternative methods of treatment of helminthiasis, humanity owes to the opinion that it is "shameful" to visit a doctor with such a diagnosis. Therefore, after learning about the presence of worms from test results or suspect helminthiasis itself on common symptoms, people often try to avoid consulting a specialist by buying "worm pills" in pharmacies or resorting to "folk remedies. "methods of treatment.
Self-diagnosis is often based on false indications and treatment attempts are harmful to health. One of the common myths is that nocturnal bruxism, the gnashing of teeth in sleep, is an indisputable sign of the presence of worms in the body, parasites that contribute to restless sleep. This version has not found any confirmation in the course of research, the most common cause of bruxism is stress and nervous system dysfunction. And "to cure worms" in this case makes no sense.
Let's look at some of the common alternative techniques used for helminthiasis.
Eating large amounts of greens rich in aromatic substances: parsley, dill, celery, coriander has no effect on helminths and other groups of parasites living in the body and on the body surface. In the same way helminths are indifferent to vegetables, fruits, oranges, which are also attributed medicinal properties. The increased amount of vitamins supplied with large amounts of greens or pumpkin, sea buckthorn, carrots, persimmon, can improve the general condition for some time, but not cure helminthiasis. But hypervitaminosis and indigestion are quite common in those who like this method of therapy. Not to mention the possibility of additional infection when using poorly washed herbs: to get rid of worm eggs, greens should be washed well several times before meals.
Different types of bowel lavage, intestinal enemas with lemon juice or garlic promise instant relief from parasites. The small intestine cavity, a habitat for helminths, is not accessible to Esmarch enemas and mugs. The consequences of such a pseudo-scientific method are not the treatment of helminthiasis, but a violation of the intestinal microflora with regular enemas and, as a result, erosion of its mucosa when using caustic juices.
The dangers of self-prescribing worm tablets
If folk remedies do not help, then it is necessary to resort to drugs. Worm tablets, drugs that treat helminthiasis, are quite common and are sold freely in pharmacies.
However, it is worth remembering that there are quite a number of helminthiasis and other parasites, and despite the existence of drugs with combined action, there is not a single "worm pill". Different drugs are produced for different types of helminths.
In addition, drugs for helminthiasis are quite toxic and have a number of contraindications, both in terms of general health and in terms of age or physiological conditions (pregnancy in different periods). The choice of an appropriate drug is made by a specialist who takes into account all the factors, the degree of infection. In some cases, a course of treatment is needed that combines several drugs, additional drugs to support the body during treatment and prevent the most likely complications.
Preventing helminthiasis in the form of regular antiparasitic drugs that some people, especially pet breeders, follow can cause more harm than the initial stage of the disease. The action of anthelmintic drugs is based on parasite poisoning, but they are toxic to humans and should not be taken "just in case, for prevention. "