The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about pests has been accumulating.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this variety of helminths are classified as lower worms of the type scolecida (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four categories:
- Flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (sheetworms).
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes.
- spiny worms;
- annelids.
The human body is infested with helminths of the first two types (over 250 species 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 life 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 pinworms and tapeworms.
The most common filamentous helminthic infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by human roundworm.
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals.
- trichocephaly, develops due to whiplash.
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms.
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by hookworm and nectar parasitism.
- ichthyosis, its cause is intestinal acne.
- trichostronylidosis caused by parasites of the same name.
- trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella.
- filariasis, their cause is filariae, also called filaments.
Among the custodians, the following diseases are distinguished:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tape.
- teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm.
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm.
- Membranous squamous cell carcinoma, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm.
- Dipilidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism.
- echinococcus, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcus tape.
- alveolus, causative agent - alveolar.
Of the trematodes, the following helminths are often diagnosed:
- Fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is cat parasitism.
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese prickly pear.
- metagonimosis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (urogenital, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoan diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoebae, malaria plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonads.
The average person has no idea how many pests they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are everywhere: in soil, litter boxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, 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 expelled from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive system and the endocrine system, further transformation of the worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Their life is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mineral and protein deficiency.
- the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes.
- negative effect of toxic helminth waste.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.Larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) when entering the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tape causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine in its deeper layers.With echinococcosis and alveoli, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, leading to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels and from there into almost any organ.Identifying the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of the disease.The entry of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the damage and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively "harmless" worms and roundworms in most cases cause a disturbance of the digestive tract.And the entry into the body of protozoa (for example, amoebae) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies 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, cleansing enema with garlic and soda, taking infusions with phellathin, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive attacks, 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 system are required.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by observing certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- From mouth to hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, in which there are eggs and larvae of parasites along with soil particles.In this way you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food of uncooked meat, milk, fish and seafood.This route of transmission is characteristic of trichinosis and taeniasis.
- In contact, for example, through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in warm climates).
- Transmitted through blood from insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacentally from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Taking into account the realities of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone the visit to the doctor until the last moment, especially since drugs to get rid of helminthiasis can be bought without a prescription in any pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means for combating pests are not the same in terms of their therapeutic effect.In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of dosage 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 memories (for example, recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the parasite).
- appointment of general examination of blood, feces, joint program.
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease.
- assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites.
- identification of possible accompanying diseases that may be contraindications for the prescription of certain drugs.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites on the body depending on the location
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by numerous pinpoint bleedings.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to the disruption 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, there will definitely be symptoms of an allergic reaction.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which are manifested in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion of the tissues of the human heart occurs in the context of serious disorders in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain of:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate.
- feeling short of breath;
- 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.
Cutaneous helminths are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites on the body when some worms invade the skin may look like this:
- ulcers in areas of contact with feces.
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths.
- the formation of wen-like swellings in appearance.
- the appearance of purulent acne.
The symptoms of parasites entering the eye 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, significant visual impairment and limited vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.Therefore, 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 characteristic in the initial stages of infection.
- mixing 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.
- flatulence, bloating.
As a result of the disorder of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a roundworm ball can cause an intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders 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, despite the observance of the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
Also, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upwards and the body temperature often increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a reason for panic.Modern drugs make it possible to quickly and without side effects clean all organs from helminths and fully restore their function.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method has been created to combat worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the creators of this method, each cell of our body is not stationary in one place, but is in a state of continuous vibration, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the coordination 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 given 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 painless.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 cause no complications.
Actually there are not that many drugs used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage of the drugs, the scheme 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 infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To eliminate helminths from the intestines, therapists 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 simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave until it cools down completely and take 3 tbsp.large.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.large.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.large.clove, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is the strict observance of the rules of hygiene, which are 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 step, 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 must consult a doctor, take the prescribed tests and complete the full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.