The history of helminthology dates back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to the modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has accumulated.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this variety of helminths are classified as lower worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- hookworm;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 types in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the body of humans or animals, which are called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the "host";
- biohelminths,their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the development process such worms can change several "hosts".
There is also a group of so-called contagious helminths.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;this type includes pink and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematode helminthic infections are:
- ascariasis, caused by the human worm;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to infection with whipworms;
- enterobiasis caused by worms;
- The hookworm, their appearance is caused by the parasitism of the hookworm and the nekator;
- strongyloidiasis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinosis caused by one of the four species of Trichinella;
- filariasis, their cause is filariae, also called filaments.
The following diseases are distinguished among cestodiases:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad stripe;
- teniarhynchosis caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taenia or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, the causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidiasis caused by dog tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tape;
- alveococcosis, cause - alveococcus.
From trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, cause - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is the parasitism of the cat's bite;
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese shot;
- metagonimiasis, cause - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A special group includes the so-called protozoal diseases caused by the presence of single-celled protozoa: amoeba, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in the soil, sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, in the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, parasites die and are eliminated from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive tract and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Their vital activity is associated with:
- metabolic disorders;
- lack of vitamins;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative impact of toxic waste products of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) during their introduction into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.The dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine in its deeper layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there into almost every organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of the disease.The introduction of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively "harmless" worms and roundworms in most cases cause disruption of the digestive tract.And entering the body of protozoa (for example, amoeba) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathology and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleaning enemas with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive infections, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy the worms, long-term drug therapy and help in restoring the basic functions of the digestive tract are needed.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following some preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Oral through hands, unwashed food, fur, feathers of domestic animals and birds, in which parasite eggs and larvae are present along with soil particles.This way you can get infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food of thermally unprocessed meat, milk, fish and seafood.This route of transmission is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Contact, for example, through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through blood from insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Taking into account the realities of modern home medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs to get rid of helminthiasis can be bought without a prescription at any pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means to fight parasites are not the same in their therapeutic activity;In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of the dose and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you should contact a specialist.The algorithm of its actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, the recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the pest);
- appointment of a general test of blood, stool, coprogram;
- blood analysis for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the condition of the internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identification of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications for the prescription of certain medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infections is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the location
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by numerous pungent hemorrhages.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and decreased performance.Due to the interruption of metabolic processes and the absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair deteriorates.A person quickly loses weight and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance accordingly, so if there are parasites in the human body, the symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which appear in the form of illness, nervousness, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion in human heart tissue occurs against the background of severe disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain of:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by increased body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when some worms invade the skin can look like this:
- ulcers in the areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths;
- the formation of swellings that resemble wen in appearance;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eyes depend on several factors.If the helminth "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, visible vision impairment and limited visibility.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly from the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this is especially typical in the initial stages of infection;
- mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the appearance of painful spasms at the same time as the desire to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- swelling, swelling.
As a result of the breakdown of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworms can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disturbances throughout the body.Moreover, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness appear, regardless of compliance with the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
Also, the signs of parasites in the organism in the circulatory system are associated with the enlargement of the lymph nodes and irritation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upward, and body temperature often rises.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern medications make it possible to quickly and without any side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and fully restore their functioning.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method has been created to fight worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, every cell of our body is not stationary in one place, but is in a continuous vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of a person's cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and pain-free.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause complications.
In fact, there are not so many drugs that are used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dose of drugs, the regimen and the duration of their use are chosen by the doctor depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.
For relatively mild helminthic infections, the use of traditional medicine recipes is recommended.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the ingredients are sold at any pharmacy.
To remove helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots into a glass of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave until completely cool and take 3 tbsp.l.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.l.cloves, grind and take 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the shredded coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method to prevent the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is the strict observance of hygiene rules, known to everyone from early childhood.This is washing your hands before eating, after visiting the toilet and returning from a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants is also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every turn, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To prevent serious complications of the invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you should consult a doctor, take the prescribed tests and complete the full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.