Helminths can begin to parasitize everyone's body. It doesn't matter if he is an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are quite easy to detect with routine medical examinations. Many helminths are distributed leaving the body in the external environment through the anus. This happens during the breeding season and when the female lays eggs. During a complete laboratory test it will be possible to determine the type of parasites, their number and duration of the life cycle.
Worm infection
If we talk about children, then they still do not understand that it is necessary to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they learn the world all the time. They often come into contact with foreign contaminated objects. But even conscious adults, following all the rules of hygiene, knowing about the serious consequences that can occur after the entry of parasites into the body, are often infected with helminths.
Ways of infection with helminthiasis:
- in contact with street animals;
- in public places. A large number of bacteria can be found on railings, in vehicles, in the supermarket, on door handles and banknotes;
- in the pool and open water in summer;
- through poorly processed food;
- helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of infection;
- too dusty rooms. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Handling and using a towel can lead to infection;
- Failure to follow the rules of personal hygiene can lead to a worm infection.
Contact with stray animals and pets is one of the most common ways to become infected with parasites.
So be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after visiting public places. Avoid dirty rooms, use antibacterial wipes to disinfect your hands.
Types of worms that can be found in the human body
It is possible to recognize helminths in the body based on a number of signs that are characteristic of a particular disease and form of behavior of parasites. Their life cycle and peculiarities of development are of great importance. The general symptoms of the vital activity of worms in the human body, how long they can live in the intestines and the diseases caused by various organs and systems are also determined.
The following types of worms can exist in the human body:
- nematode. Refers to roundworms. It parasitizes mainly in the intestines. The life cycle of nematodes is on average about 40 years. In many cases, there is damage to the stomach and respiratory system with roundworms. The most famous representatives: pinworms, round and whipworms;
- tapeworms. They initially settle in the intestine. In addition, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can be up to 10 meters long. Representatives: tapeworm, cattle and swine tapeworm;
- methyls and methyls. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous to human health and life.
Each of the presented groups of helminths includes the most well-known species of parasites that infect the human body. Each helminth causes great harm and a threat to the full functioning of all vital organs.
Parasitic worms should never be taken lightly. They enter the body with microscopic eggs and larvae and grow to impressive sizes. Fighting adults is often difficult. But before starting treatment for helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminths have settled in the body. For this purpose, laboratory diagnostics is performed.
The main symptoms of a worm infection
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations when constantly chewing people are advised to pass the appropriate tests. Increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, such as metabolic disorders or the functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find out the cause, you need to donate worm feces.
However, there are times when in the presence of parasites, a person loses his appetite. It can be due to other reasons. But if any incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to consult a specialist immediately.
Weight loss
If a person is healthy and he begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, he should warn immediately. Even if a diet is used, the weight should disappear gradually, not abruptly. Rapid weight loss may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Helminthiasis is insidious - its symptoms are very similar to many other diseases, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Itching and discomfort in the anal area
Often people consider discomfort in the anal area as a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. This is because this is how parasites leave the human body.
Of course, if such sensations occur, then it is better to check for the presence of worms and the development of hemorrhoids. This will help determine the tactics of treatment.
anemia
One of the signs of helminthiasis is anemia. People rarely associate these two phenomena because they do not know that anemia can also be a symptom of parasites.
Changes in the composition of the blood occur as a result of the suction of human blood by worms, which leads to a decrease in the level of red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person develops a feeling of weakness or other unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to do a laboratory blood test. In case of low hemoglobin values, it is recommended to contact your doctor, who will issue a referral for a stool test to diagnose helminthiasis.
Disorders of the digestive tract
An important factor in the determination of worms are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea is common, it may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs such as frequent heartburn, bloating and even vomiting are indicative of helminths. Most often, such symptoms indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but worms can be ruled out only by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorders
Today, everyone is constantly faced with stressful situations. And people in vain do not associate constant stress with the presence of parasites in the body. Frequent symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue may indicate that the worms have settled in the body. If you feel drowsy, lethargic, general weakness, irritability, you should make an appointment with a doctor.
If they are the cause of disorders of the nervous system, then with the elimination of parasites from the body, the problems with the nervous system will also disappear.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths enter the lungs, thus causing a violation of the respiratory system. One of the most common signs of helminthiasis is a persistent cough.
If a person is worried about a persistent cough, as long as there is no sore throat and no other signs of respiratory disease, it is worth checking for parasites. Coughing can be caused by their activity. The same goes for persistent runny nose, as worms can even enter the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
In the presence of worms in the human body, immunity immediately decreases. This is due to the fact that parasites use those resources that are vital to normal human life. As a result, in their absence, the body automatically loses weight. Persistent colds are a common and sure sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to clearly understand that in case of constant colds it is necessary to undergo a medical examination and pass the appropriate tests.
Skin lesions
The presence of helminths in the body often manifests itself on the skin. Plaques or rashes, redness, boils may appear on the skin of the face and body. All these formations can begin to peel off. Here again, the question of the nature of these rashes may arise, as their appearance is not always associated with helminthiasis.
It is worth checking for parasites if cosmetics and medications do not help get rid of the rash.
Strong gnashing of teeth in sleep
Obviously, one cannot know whether one is gnashing one's teeth during sleep. But anyone can notice such a symptom in someone close. In this case, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and pass all the necessary tests for the presence of parasites in the body. The earlier a person starts treatment, the faster he gets rid of worms.
How do we know that a child has parasites?
The process of helminthiasis in a child's body is difficult to diagnose based on the child's words. Since children still cannot answer the questions exactly, the only way to determine if a child has worms is to do a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of the bad symptoms that may indicate the presence of parasites in the child.
First, the baby may experience changes in behavior. He becomes capricious and restless. On the other hand, if the child becomes lethargic, apathetic, gets tired quickly, loses interest in games and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are a number of signs that cannot be identified immediately. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, flaking of the skin - all these can be symptoms of the presence of worms in the child's body.
The most likely symptom of helminthiasis is when the baby scratches his butt. It often happens that helminths, especially pinworms, come out of the anal canal. In general, this process takes place during sleep. If parents notice worms in a baby pot or on things, they should consult a doctor immediately.
Common signs of advanced helminth infestation
Typical signs of prolonged presence of worms in the body are symptoms of general intoxication, combined with signs of digestive disorders, allergic reactions and decreased immune system. They include:
- Skin rashes.
- Lethargy, headache, migraine.
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating.
- Painful abdominal cramps.
- Nausea, infrequent vomiting.
- Bad breath.
- Weight fluctuations (sudden weight loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Frequent recurrent colds and viral diseases (as a result of reduced immunity).
- anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Spontaneous abortions and menstrual disorders in women.
- Children have developmental delays, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of a worm infection appears, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When the parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of worms will be as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, sputum with blood. There will be obvious wheezing when listening to the lungs. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets is easily adhered to such a patient.
Echinococci, settling in the liver, cause dysfunction of this organ and the appearance of "liver" symptoms.
Thus, worms have a very strong negative effect on the whole body, causing various symptoms. Helminthiasis is difficult to respond to drug therapy, so treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis.
Worm tests
Only laboratory tests will help determine the exact presence of worms in the body. Doctors prescribe a set of tests based on the clinical picture and the patient's complaints. Clinical analyzes include:
- scraping is the simplest and most reliable method. A smear is taken from the folds of the anus and the presence of helminth eggs is determined;
- stool analysis is considered uninformative, as not every helminth can be found in a single material;
- chemical blood test helps to determine the level of hemoglobin and determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
- The PCR reaction is designed to detect DNA parasites in the blood. This is one of the most accurate research methods. This reaction accurately shows the type of helminth and the number of its individuals in the human body;
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay involves testing the patient's blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which gives the impression that the immune system has activated protection against parasites.
In some cases, additional tests are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs must be carefully examined, as most helminths are able to migrate into the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. The diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminths, which organs and how much they are affected.
The best remedy for worms
It is possible to choose the most effective means of combating worms only after accurately determining the type of worms. Not all drugs are active against certain classes of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of a parasitic disease. It is initially recommended to take sorbents (eg activated carbon) so that they bind and remove from the body toxic substances from the vital activity of parasites, which accumulate in large quantities. Then they are actually taking anthelmintic drugs).
The course of treatment with pills is usually 3 weeks. It is better to consult a doctor before using drugs. Self-medication may not lead to the desired results, and sometimes even lead to unwanted consequences.
The use of any medication should always be agreed with a doctor, as there are cases when they are ineffective. If there is an exacerbation of helminth infestation, you should urgently consult your doctor.
Such treatment consists in the use of sorbents and anthelmintic drugs, but also includes restorative therapy of all internal organs and systems. To do this, take the following steps:
- injections of ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and vitamin B;
- infusion therapy with glucose solution, saline.
All other drugs are prescribed individually depending on the acquired health problems. All treatment procedures should be performed under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Only oral medications can be taken alone at home. But they must be taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the treating specialist.
Folk remedies for the treatment of worms in adults
Traditional methods only supplement the basic medical treatment. To do this, you need to use only well-proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients in a pharmacy or from trusted healers.
Enemas with garlic. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 cloves of peeled and well chopped garlic are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter wormwood extract. A teaspoon of dry crushed mixture is poured with two cups of boiling water. The mixture is cooled well. For sweetness you can add a spoonful of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many effective folk remedies in the fight against worms, but they must all be in addition to the basic treatment.
Tapeworm collection. It is taken twice: in the morning and at bedtime. Main ingredients: wormwood, buckthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin seeds - help get rid of tapeworm. Raw seeds are cleaned and crushed well. Pour two glasses of water and add a spoonful of honey. All this mix well and take one teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours you should apply a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is much easier to prevent the appearance of worms in the body than to treat them. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene, to know how to properly disinfect living spaces and toilets.
There are a number of other rules that are recommended to follow to avoid getting infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables must always be cooked;
- be careful when buying seafood, milk and eggs;
- use only boiled or purified water.
Clean hands, well-washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis
You need to keep your hands clean in the summer, so it's important to have wet wipes with you, and to wear safety gloves in the winter. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transport, shops, toilets). If you have to travel by public transport, wash your hands or then wipe with a wet towel.
At the pharmacy you can buy medicines to prevent worms, as well as to remove them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescribed drugs should be selected by the doctor individually, based on the patient's health, chemical composition of the drug and allergic reactions of a particular person to certain components.
Clean hands, well-washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.