Worms are parasites belonging to the group of helminths. Existing in the body of mammals, fish and humans, they feed on the "host", harming the body by reducing the nutritional value of food, excreting wastes, reducing immunity and increasing sensitivity to food. allergens. During the history of the fight against helminthiasis, mankind has invented many methods of treatment. We consider the effectiveness of these methods, the effect of prevention in the form of regular intake of pills against worms and separate truth from fiction.
Worms: parasites harmful to health
Although in nature there are symbiont parasites that exist at the expense of the host, but which not only harm, but also benefit the main body, worms are parasites, the presence of which in the body significantly affects health. In terms of the degree of damage, helminthiasis is compared to diseases such as tuberculosis, coronary heart disease and chronic diarrhea.
Worms are parasites, which even at the initial stage of helminthiasis can cause disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, immunity and allergic reactions. With the development of the disease, anemia, varieties of deficiency conditions are noted due to the consumption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals by helminths, which enter the human body with food.
The group of worms, parasites, helminths includes roundworms, pinworms, nematodes, toxocaras. In terms of the spread of helminthiasis, they are compared to infectious diseases, just behind the flu. And the presence of helminths in the body against the background of an acute infectious process can significantly complicate recovery, prolong the disease.
Severe helminthiasis also affects reproductive function, can be the cause of infertility, the birth of children with developmental disorders. The spread of worms throughout the body becomes the cause of a person's disability.
The prevalence of helminths is most often explained by non-compliance with hygiene rules ("dirty hand disease"), the quality of living conditions, and the pollution of the areas around farms, both personal and commercial. Non-compliance with health and hygiene standards: the processing of food, hands, surfaces in public places creates in our climatic conditions an environment favorable to the reproduction of helminths and their transmission from one carrier to another.
Children and the elderly are most susceptible to parasitic diseases due to reduced immune defense. Children haven't gotten into the habit of washing their hands yet, but there is an instinct to examine everything with their mouths, as well as the urge to bite their nails and suck their fingers.
Myths and reality: about the treatment and prevention of the disease "helminthiasis"
The existence of various "home", alternative methods of treating helminthiasis, mankind owes to the opinion that it is "shameful" to consult a doctor with such a diagnosis. Therefore, having learned of the presence of worms from test results or suspecting helminthiasis in themselves through general symptoms, people often try to avoid seeing a specialist by purchasing "worm pills" in the shops. pharmacies or using "popular" methods of treatment.
Self-diagnosis is often based on false indications and attempts at treatment are harmful to health. One of the common myths says that nocturnal bruxism, teeth grinding in a dream, is an indisputable sign of the presence of worms in the body, parasites that contribute to restless sleep. This version has not found any confirmation during scientific research, most often the cause of bruxism is stress and dysfunction of the nervous system. And "to be treated against worms" in this case makes no sense.
Let's take a look at some of the common alternative techniques used for helminthiasis.
Eating a large amount of green vegetables rich in aromatic substances: parsley, dill, celery, cilantro has no effect on helminths and other groups of parasites living in the body and on the surface of the body. Likewise, helminths are indifferent to vegetables, fruits, orange berries, which are also credited with healing properties. An increased amount of vitamins provided with large amounts of green vegetables or pumpkin, sea buckthorn, carrots, persimmons can improve the general condition for a while, but does not cure helminthiasis. But hypervitaminosis and indigestion in those who like this method of therapy are quite common. Not to mention the possibility of further infection when using improperly washed herbs: in order to get rid of the eggs of worms, greens should be thoroughly washed several times before eating.
Different types of bowel washes, lemon juice or garlic bowel enemas promise instant relief from parasites. However, the small intestine cavity, the habitat of helminths, is not available for enemas and Esmarch cups. The consequences of such a pseudoscientific method is not a remedy for helminthiasis, but a violation of the intestinal microflora with regular enemas and, as a result, the erosion of its mucous surface when using caustic juices.
Dangers of self-prescription tablets for worms
If folk remedies do not help, then it is necessary to resort to medication. Tablets against worms, remedies which cure helminthiasis, are quite common and are sold freely in pharmacies.
However, it should be remembered that there is a fairly large number of helminthiasis and other parasitoses, and despite the existence of drugs with combined action, there is not a single "worm pill". For different types of helminths, different drugs are produced.
In addition, drugs for helminthiasis are quite toxic and have a number of contraindications, both in terms of general health and for periods of age or physiological conditions (pregnancy in different periods). The selection of a suitable drug is carried out by a specialist who takes into account all the factors, the degree of infection. In some cases, treatment is needed that combines multiple drugs, additional drugs to support the body during treatment, and prevention of the most likely complications.
Preventing helminthiasis in the form of regular antiparasitic drugs, which some people, especially pet breeders, follow, can do more harm than the initial stage of the disease. The action of anthelmintic drugs is based on the poisoning of parasites, but they are toxic to humans and should not be taken "just in case, as a preventive measure".