Types of intestinal helminths, disease symptoms and treatment methods

There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of an adult. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, the disease helminthiasis develops. The vital activity of worms in internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but a higher rate of infection in children.

Most types of worms are inside the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain period of time.

Forms of parasitic worms and features of their development

Depending on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:

1. biological worms. In the process of going through the full development cycle, some owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
2. Geohelminths. It can spread without an intermediate host, but through soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Main representatives: roundworm, whipworm, necators.
3. Worms transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.

More than 150 species of helminths are known to have been recorded in humans.

Parasites also vary in location in the body:

• tissues affect the internal organs and tissues that make up their composition;
• cavitary lives in the intestinal lumen, absorbing nutrients necessary for a person.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• roundworms;
• flatworms;
• the blows.

Methods of infection with helminths

In most cases, parasites enter the host organism in the following ways:

1. Worm larvae or eggs, along with feces, end up in soil or water, infecting a person when he eats unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the chances of invasion through water bodies increase.
2. From contact with a sick person or shared items. This mode of distribution is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, as a result of which the eggs remain on the hands and insides. Then, they settle for a healthy person.
3. Tapeworm infection occurs when raw and insufficiently processed meat is eaten. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
4. Insects can carry worm eggs and larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential infestation.

The life cycle of the vast majority of parasites consists in the release of a large number (millions) of eggs, which, penetrating the human body, after a certain time turn into larvae.

The development of the parasite in the human body can cause acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and lasts up to two months. Chronic constipation can be seen throughout a person's life if left untreated.

The main types of helminths that parasitize humans

Each form of a microorganism is characterized by a lesion of a certain organ and the corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites join the method of obtaining nutrients - at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, a person's metabolism is disturbed, anemia and other types of diseases develop.

There are different forms of helminths:

1. Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine and larvae can move through the circulatory system to the lungs. Belonging to geohelminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Parasite eggs also accumulate in the sand.
2. Worms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution area - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of the parasite, enterobiasis is formed. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
3. tape helminths. These include bovine and porcine worms, broad tape. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at a rapid rate, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body consists of many parts, containing a reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases are formed. Localized in the small intestine, they damage the mucous membrane of the epithelium. They accumulate in the intestinal lumen and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs when undercooked beef, pork or fish is eaten.
4. Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like a hair with a thick back. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it penetrates the blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluid. Lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and cancer. The source of the invasion is unwashed products.

The cunning of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as other diseases.

The development of the parasite from an egg to a sexually mature individual occurs within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or appear in a mild form. If not treated, intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the fact that the disease becomes chronic.

Signs of disease with helminth infection

The main symptoms of worm infection are manifested in the form of:

• weakness and fatigue;
• pain in the intestines;
• constipation alternating with diarrhea;
• swelling in the face or all over the body;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes, coughing and choking;
• skin rashes that provoke itching;
• joint pain.

The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths have arisen about these harmful organisms.

The consequences of worm infestation are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between pathologies lies in the specific signs of disorders in the functioning of the body. Depending on the type of helminth, there may be:

• increased salivation, a slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
• frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbance, annoying pain in the navel when infected with worms;
• nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
• yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pain in the whole body in case of flux invasion.

It is important to detect worms at the right time with the help of tests and apply an effective treatment.

The symptoms of helminthiasis depend directly on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.

Methods for sampling material for the detection of intestinal parasites

The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the study of feces. The material is delivered to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and the penetration of urine into the material is unacceptable. The stool container should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4-5 degrees until it is sent to the laboratory.

In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:

• immunological test;
• blood and urine analysis;
• vaginal itching in women and girls;
• examination of sputum in the presence of cough;
• Ultrasound and endoscopy;
• bile analysis.

The ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect helminths in the body.

A person can be infected with one type of helminths, or several. As a rule, the presence of single individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. The increase in the number of worms leads to severe damage to the internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. The symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which also affects the resistance to the parasite.

Methods of treatment of helminthic invasions

Specialized drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescribe medications only after identifying the type of worm that attacked the body.

Ascaris and adult worms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and multiply.

Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasites to the drugs.

Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Preparations containing iron are necessary to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.

The course of treatment is strictly prescribed by the attending physician. Self-administration of drugs is unacceptable due to various contraindications.

Use of traditional medicine

The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, after they are ground and honey is added. The recommended dose is about 300 grams per hour. After taking, it is necessary to clean the stomach with laxatives.

Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:

• tansy;
• gentian yellow;
• sandy immortal;
• garlic.

Folk remedies for worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

A decoction of wormwood is recommended to be used as an enema. It is possible to use the fresh juice of the herb mixed with alcohol. Carrots and its juice also destroy parasites.

Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness

Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any kind of parasite infestation. The concept and rules of personal hygiene must be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the likelihood of disease.

Purified or boiled water should be available around the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquids. Vegetables and fruits are best washed with boiling water.

Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets need to be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Do not forget about routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Vaccinations will minimize the risk of losing a family member to one of the common diseases.

It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Worm infection can progress to dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of getting worms into the human body.