Unfortunately, no one is immune to the worm infection - both adults and children are susceptible. A person lives and does not suspect that about 250 species of parasites live in his body - these can be microscopic worms and up to one meter in length. In order not to become a carrier of parasites, let us understand what are the types of helminths, what are the first signs and symptoms of worm infection, how to treat and remove them, as well as talk about the consequencesand necessary. prevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites exist?
Helminthiasis is the collective name of the disease, which is caused by different types of parasitic worms. It so happened that in everyday life we are used to calling all parasites worms, without thinking how many species there are. There are 3 main groups of parasites:
- nematodat;
- ribbons;
- parasitic flux (trematoda).
Nematodes are a type of roundworm. These include needles, roundworms and trichinella. Each of these parasites is dangerous because it causes various lung diseases in adults and children. But the breastworm parasite is particularly dangerous from this group - it does not have a permanent habitat, but wanders through the human body, affecting various organs. The worms have the appearance of white worms, the infection of which in most cases occurs from contact with cats and dogs. With premature treatment, it can stop in the brain, then the consequences will be more unpleasant.
Flatworms include echinococci, various types of tapeworms. Tapeworms may not show up 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 get infected with tapeworms is by eating live fish, especially sushi lovers should be careful. It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring.
Fluke parasites or trematodes are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease born in the tropics, which is second only to malaria in the world (according to the WHO). The most disappointing thing is that such parasites are resistant to anti-helminthic drugs. Therefore, the sooner you pay attention to the symptoms, consult a doctor and do an analysis, the better. A little further we will show you what kind of search is needed and from whom to get qualified help.
Too often people do not pay special attention to worms and let the problem take its course. But you can not 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, cases of paralysis and blindness have been reported in persons infected with worms. Therefore, treatment for worms should be carried out in a timely manner and not delay such a serious problem until later.
Causes of helminthiasis
Helminthiasis occurs when worm eggs enter the human body. And the most common reasons for this:
- ignoring hygiene rules;
- the 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 sufficient heat treatment;
- drinking insufficiently purified water;
- contact with a person who is infected with worms;
- insect bites.
Most often, children attending a kindergarten or school, plumbers, sewage and sewer cleaning specialists, and agricultural workers are at risk of worm infection.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
The most, at first glance, "harmless" symptoms of worm damage to internal organs are a rash on the skin or urticaria. But there are much more serious signs:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and feeling tired;
- allergies to various manifestations;
- swelling;
- persistent headache;
- prolonged cough;
- nausea and vomiting not associated with poisoning;
- elevated temperature;
- acute abdominal pain;
- anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- reduced or, conversely, increased appetite, especially for sweets (parasites absorb glucose from the body);
- weight loss, even with a good appetite;
- inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- gnashing of teeth in sleep;
- irritability and aggression for no reason;
- the presence of white worms in the feces;
- persistent itching in the anus.
If at least 5 of the above appear, do not postpone the visit to the doctor and do not self-medicate. First of all, sign up for a consultation with a therapist who will show you the next steps and refer you to a close specialist. A gastroenterologist is also competent in this matter, in which tests for some helminths are also included in the basic examination.
In the absence of timely treatment, complications such as inflammation of the pancreas, blockage of the bile ducts, intestinal obstruction, ulcers are possible.
What tests should be done if helminthiasis is suspected?
First of all, it is necessary to pass a stool test for helminth eggs and an immunological enzyme analysis. Contrast-enhanced bowel X-ray is done according to the doctor's prescription. For each parasite, you need to do a separate blood test. And with the search for roundworms, only fecal analysis will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers offer a range of services for passing the necessary tests, for which you need to be properly prepared.
What are the treatments for worms?
Medical treatment
What if the test results were disappointing? How to get rid of parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases arise due to the presence of worms in a person, so the fight against parasites requires special tactics. The connection of oncology with the long-term presence of parasites in the body has also been confirmed. It is often difficult to recognize a worm infection, and doctors, relying on a person's general illness, confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only after an accurate diagnosis and passing the necessary tests, it is possible to diagnose the disease and start treating it.
Treatment of parasites involves complex therapies. As a result, not only do worms die, but the consequences of their vital activity are also eliminated.
Along with anthelmintic tablets, in the treatment of worms, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes are prescribed, which normalize digestion. 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 also lies in diet. For the duration of treatment, exclude from the diet carbohydrates: cereals, pasta, potatoes - they complicate the work of the intestines. Especially under ban during treatment is fish that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment - white worms may be present in herring, sushi, pickled fish. It is recommended to use fermented milk products, roasted melon juice, garlic. Do not neglect pumpkin seeds - this is also a great prevention for both adults and children.
According to the results of the analysis and the patient's condition, the duration of treatment is determined by the parasitologist and infectologist.
It is important to remember that when at least one family member is infected with the worm, the whole family carries out prevention. And if you have pets, then so are they. Perform thermal treatment of the interior and freedoms of the bed, bath with disinfectant. Utensils and other household items should also be processed. After applying preventive measures in 2-3 weeks, the whole family should be tested for the presence of a worm egg.
The fight against helminths folk remedies
A phytotherapeutic agent is recommended in cases where the patient has intolerance to drugs. Herbal treatment is a long process that requires regular and daily observance of the regime.
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 the herb:
- 2 tablespoons chamomile;
- 1 tablespoon mistletoe leaves;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tablespoon knots;
- 1 tablespoon wild herbs;
- 2 tablespoons calamus root;
- 2 tablespoons dandelion;
- 2 tablespoons centaur.
Mix all the ingredients in a dry form, pour 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 lies in the fact that it destroys most types of parasites, without harming the body. It can also be taken as a preventative 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 position, you can not take powerful drugs, and anthelmintic drugs are exactly that. There are two opinions on this:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after giving birth, when there is no harmful effect of the medication on the fetus.
- Others insist that worm treatment be started as soon as possible, as the parasites tend to penetrate the placenta and infect the baby's lungs, causing respiratory illness. It is also possible to terminate a pregnancy, miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor and pass the necessary tests.
What to do if a child has parasites?
The responsibility for the treatment of children lies primarily with the parents. Not from the first time of testing, you can detect worms in a child. There is the concept of an incubation period, and sometimes the parasite begins to appear no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often advised to have a bowel test up to 3 times.
Also, parents need to understand that anthelmintic drugs are not just a vitamin pill, but serious antiparasitics that should only be taken under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
Worm prevention - effective method
Adherence to the rules of prevention will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially since they are very simple:
- Be sure to wash your hands after walking, before eating, 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 pet. After all, it is the animals that in 60% of cases are the spreaders of the worms, bringing the parasites out of the way into their fur and 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 they are completely healed, 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.
- Perform removal of pet worms twice a year. In the 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 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!