Types of intestinal helminths, symptoms of the disease and methods of treatment

There are about 250 species 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 the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but higher rate of infection in children.

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

Forms of parasitic worms and characteristics 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, several owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
2. Geohelminthes. It can spread without intermediate hosts, but through soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. The main representatives: roundworm, whipworm, nectaries.
3. Helminths transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and tapeworms.

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

Parasites also differ in their location in the body:

• The tissue affects the internal organs and the tissues that make up their composition.
• cavity live in the intestinal lumen, absorbing the nutrients that a person needs.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• Roundworms;
• flatworms;
• stings.

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, contaminating a person when they eat unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the possibility of invasion through water bodies increases.
2. In contact with a sick person or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes intense itching, resulting in the eggs remaining on the hands and underwear. They are then given to a healthy person.
3. Tapeworm infection occurs when raw and undercooked meat is eaten. Films 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 huge number (millions) of eggs, which, penetrating the human body, after a certain period of 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 intense symptoms and lasts up to two months. Chronic invasion can be seen throughout a person's life if left untreated.

The main types of helminths that parasitize humans

Each form of microorganism is characterized by damage to an organ and the corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by 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 several forms of helminths:

1. Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine and larvae can travel through the circulatory system to the lungs. Belonging to geohelminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Pest eggs also accumulate in the sand.
2. Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution zone - 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. Film helminths. These include beef and pork strips, wide strip. 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, various diseases are formed. They are located in the small intestine, damage the mucous membrane of the epithelium. They accumulate in the lumen of the intestine and may cause its obstruction. Contamination occurs when you eat undercooked beef, pork or fish.
4. Vlasoglav - a round, hair-like worm 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 invasion is unwashed products.

The insidiousness 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 manifest in a mild form. If left untreated, intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the fact that the disease becomes chronic.

Signs of disease with helminthic infestation

The main symptoms of worm infection manifest themselves in the form of:

• weakness and fatigue;
• pain in the intestines;
• constipation alternating with diarrhea.
• swelling of the face or all over the body.
• inflammation of the lymph nodes, cough and suffocation.
• itchy skin rashes;
• joint pain.

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

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

• increased salivation, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis.
• frequent urge to urinate, disturbed sleep, annoying pain in navel when infected with pinworms.
• nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension with tape.
• yellowing of the sclera, vertigo, heaviness in the liver, pains in the whole body in case of vesicular invasion.

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

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

Material sampling methods 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 inflow of urine into the material is unacceptable. The stool container should be kept in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until it is sent to the laboratory.

In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:

• Immune test?
• blood and urine analysis.
• vaginal scraping in women and girls.
• sputum examination in 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 helminth or with many. As a rule, the presence of individual individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the population of worms leads to serious damage to the internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. The symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which additionally affects the resistance to the parasite.

Methods of treating helminthic infestations

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

Adult roundworms and worms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which inhibits 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.

The use of traditional medicine

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

Various infusions and decoctions have proven their effectiveness:

• tansy;
• Gentian yellow;
• immortal sandy;
• 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 fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and their 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 parasitic 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 developing the disease.

Purified or boiled water should be available around the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquid. 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 external and internal. Don't forget regular 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 develop into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of worms entering the human body.