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 tiny worms up to a meter long. In order not to become a carrier of parasites, let's find out what types of helminths are, what are the first signs and symptoms of worm infection, how to treat them and how to get rid of them and also talk about the consequences and the necessary prevention.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites are there?
Helminthiasis is the collective name of the disease, which is caused by various species of parasitic worms. It just so happened that in everyday life we are used to calling all parasites worms, without thinking about how many species there are. There are 3 main groups of pests:
- nematodes?
- film?
- parasitic bloating (trembling).
The nematode is a kind of round worm. These include pinworms, roundworms and trichinella. Each of these parasites is dangerous because it causes various lung diseases in adults and children. But the pinworm parasite is particularly dangerous from this group - it has no permanent habitat, but wanders in 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 untimely treatment, it can stop in the brain, then the consequences will be the most unpleasant.
Flatworms include echinococci, various types of tapeworms. Tapeworms may not show up for a long time and eventually grow 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, the nervous system, the eyes and the liver. The most common way to get infected with tapeworm is to eat raw fish, especially sushi lovers should be careful. It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring.
Fluke parasites are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease endemic to the tropics, the second most common malaria in the world (according to the WHO). The most frustrating thing is that such parasites are resistant to anthelmintic drugs. Therefore, the sooner you notice the symptoms, consult a doctor and get tested, the better. A little below we will tell you what kind of research is needed and from whom to get specialized help.
Too often people do not pay much attention to worms and let the problem get in the way. 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 people infected with worms. Therefore, treatment for worms should be carried out in a timely manner and such a serious problem should not be postponed.
Causes of helminthiasis
Helminthiasis occurs when worm eggs enter the human body. And the most common reasons for this:
- ignoring the rules of hygiene;
- the presence of pets or contact with farm animals (especially cows and pigs);
- the use of unwashed vegetables and fruits.
- the habit of biting nails, pens, pencils.
- the use of meat and fish products which have not undergone sufficient heat treatment;
- drinking insufficiently purified water.
- contact with a person infected with worms.
- insect bites.
Most often, children attending kindergarten or school, plumbers, sewer and sewer cleaning specialists, and agricultural workers are at risk of being infected by worms.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
The most, at first glance, "harmless" symptoms of damage to internal organs by worms are a skin rash or urticaria. But there are signs that are much more serious:
- indigestion;
- constant lethargy and feeling tired.
- allergies to various manifestations.
- swelling;
- persistent headache;
- prolonged cough;
- nausea and vomiting not related to poisoning.
- increased temperature;
- acute abdominal pain;
- anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- decreased or, on the contrary, 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.
- constant 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 tell you the next steps and refer you to a close specialist. He is also a gastroenterologist, in which the basic examination even includes examinations for certain helminths.
In the absence of timely treatment, complications such as inflammation of the pancreas, obstruction 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 enzyme immunoassay. X-ray of the intestine with a contrast agent is done according to the doctor's prescription. For each parasite, you must have a separate blood test. And with the search for roundworms, only fecal analysis will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers provide a range of services to pass the necessary examinations, for which you must prepare properly.
What are the treatments for worms?
Medical care
What if the test results were disappointing? How to remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that many diseases occur due to the presence of worms in a person, so the fight against parasites requires special tactics. The association of oncology with the long-term presence of parasites in the body has also been proven. It is often difficult to recognize a worm infection and doctors, based on a person's general malaise, confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only after proper diagnosis and transmission of the necessary tests, it is possible to diagnose the disease and begin treatment.
The treatment of parasites includes complex therapy. As a result, not only do worms die, but the consequences of their life activity are eliminated.
Along with anthelmintic tablets, in the treatment of worms, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes are prescribed, which normalize digestion. The use of antihistamines is also not excluded. Iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed if there is anemia or there is a risk.
Proper nutrition
Effective treatment also lies in diet. During treatment, exclude carbohydrates from the diet: cereals, pasta, potatoes - make it difficult for the intestines to function. Especially under ban during treatment are fish that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment - white worms may be present in herring, sushi, pickles. The use of fermented dairy products, ripe melon juice, garlic is recommended. Do not neglect pumpkin seeds - this is also a great prevention for both adults and children.
According to the test results and the patient's condition, the duration of treatment is determined by the parasitologist and the infectious disease specialist.
It is important to remember that when at least one family member is infected with worms, the whole family takes precautions. And if you have pets, then so do they. Heat underwear and bed linen, bath with disinfectants. Crockery and other household items must also be processed. After applying precautionary measures in 2-3 weeks, the whole family should be checked for the presence of a worm egg.
The fight against helminths folk remedies
A phytotherapeutic agent is recommended in cases where the patient has an intolerance to drugs. Herbal treatment is a long process that requires regular and daily maintenance of the shape.
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 herbs:
- 2 kg of chamomile flowers;
- 1 kg of mistletoe leaves;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tablespoon knotweed;
- 1 kg of wild rosemary;
- 2 tbsp.
- 2 kg dandelion flowers;
- 2 Mr. Centaur.
Mix all the ingredients in dry form, pour 2. 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then filter and take a glass of infusion morning and night 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 pests, while not harming the body. It can also be taken as a precaution. It is not recommended to take this collection during pregnancy, as some herbs have deterrent properties.
Treatment during pregnancy
What to do if helminthiasis is detected during pregnancy? After all, in this position, you can not take strong drugs, and anthelmintic drugs are just that. There are two views on this:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after childbirth, when there is no harmful effect of the drugs on the fetus.
- Others insist that treatment for the worms be started as soon as possible, as the parasites tend to penetrate the placenta and infect the baby's lungs, causing respiratory illness. Termination of pregnancy, miscarriage or premature birth are also possible. Therefore, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor and pass the necessary tests.
What to do if parasites are found in a child?
The responsibility for the treatment of children lies primarily with the parents. Not from the first time the test, you can detect worms in a child. There is the concept of the incubation period and sometimes the parasite begins to manifest no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often prescribed to have a stool test up to 3 times.
Also, parents should understand that anthelmintic drugs are not just a vitamin pill, but serious antiparasitic drugs that should only be taken under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
Worm prevention - effective methods
Adherence to prevention rules will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially because 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 has close contact with the animal. After all, it is the animals that in 60% of cases are the worm distributors, bringing parasites from the street to their wool and legs.
- Pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Get rid of the habit of biting your fingernails and other foreign objects.
- The meat and fish you eat, bring to 100% readiness.
- Drink only clean water from reliable sources.
- Avoid contact with an infected person until they are fully recovered, as kissing can also transmit helminths.
- Avoid places with a high concentration of insects, especially mosquitoes - they are dangerous carriers of various types of pests.
- Regular deworming of pets twice a year. In the off-season, spring and autumn, immunity weakens, which is a favorable environment for the growth of pests. Farm animals are given anthelmintic drugs for 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!