Helminths can start to parasitize in any person's body. It doesn't matter if it's an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are fairly easy to spot with routine medical examinations. Many helminths betray themselves, exiting the body into the external environment through the anus. This happens during the breeding season and when the female lays eggs. It will be possible to determine the type of parasites, their number and the duration of the life cycle when passing a comprehensive laboratory examination.
Worm infection
If we are talking about children, then they still do not understand that it is necessary to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they are learning about the world all the time. They often come into contact with contaminated foreign objects. But even conscious adults, observing all the rules of hygiene, knowing the serious consequences that can arise after the entry of parasites into the body, are often infected with helminths.
Modes of helminth infection:
- in contact with street animals;
- in public places. A large number of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in supermarkets, on doorknobs and on banknotes;
- in the swimming pool and reservoirs open in summer;
- through improperly processed foods;
- helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of infection;
- too dusty rooms. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Shaking hands and using just one towel can lead to infection;
- non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene can lead to infection with worms.
Contact with street animals and pets is one of the most common ways to get parasites.
Therefore, remember to wash your hands with soap and water after visiting public places. Avoid dirty rooms, use antibacterial wipes to disinfect hands.
Types of worms that can be found in the human body
It is possible to recognize helminths in the body on the basis of a number of signs characteristic of a particular disease and a form of parasitic behavior. Their life cycle and developmental characteristics are of great importance. The general symptoms of the vital activity of worms in the human body, their lifespan in the intestine and diseases caused by various organs and systems are also determined.
The following types of worms can exist in the human body:
- nematode. Refers to roundworms. It mainly parasitizes in the intestines. The life cycle of nematodes is on average about 40 years. In many cases, there is a defeat of the stomach and respiratory system with roundworms. The most famous representatives: pinworms, roundworms and whipworms;
- flatworms. Initially, they settle in the intestines. In addition, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can be up to 10 meters long. Representatives: tapeworm, bovine tapeworm and pork;
- moats and moats. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous for human health and life.
Each of the presented groups of helminths includes the most famous varieties of parasites that infect the human body. Each helminth brings great damage and threatens the full functioning of all vital organs.
Parasitic worms should never be taken lightly. They enter the body with microscopic eggs and larvae and reach impressive sizes. Fighting adults is often difficult. But before starting the treatment of helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminth has settled in the body. For this, laboratory diagnostics are carried out.
The main symptoms of infection with worms
Loss of appetite
The increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations when people who constantly chew are advised to take the appropriate tests. The increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, for example, metabolic disorders or the functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find out the reason, you need to give feces for the worms.
However, sometimes it happens that in the presence of parasites a person loses his appetite. It can also be due to other reasons. But if incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to consult a specialist immediately.
Weightloss
If a person is healthy and begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should immediately alert. Even if a diet is used, the weight should come off gradually and not suddenly. Rapid weight loss can indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Helminthiasis is insidious - its symptoms are very similar to those of many other diseases, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Itching and discomfort in the anal area
Often people consider discomfort in the anal area to be a sign of hemorrhoids. And not many people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. This is because this is how the parasites leave the human body.
Of course, if such sensations appear, it is better to check for the presence of worms and the development of hemorrhoids. This will help determine treatment tactics.
Anemia
Anemia is one of the signs of helminthiasis. People rarely combine these two phenomena because they are unaware that anemia can also be a symptom of the presence of parasites.
Changes in the composition of the blood occur as a result of the aspiration of human blood by worms, which leads to a decrease in the level of red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person develops a feeling of weakness or other unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to have a blood test in the laboratory. In case of reduced hemoglobin levels, it is recommended to contact your doctor, who will recommend a stool exam for the diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Disruption of the digestive tract
Disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract are an important factor in the determination of worms. If constipation or diarrhea is frequent, it may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs such as frequent heartburn, bloating, and even vomiting are indicative of helminths. Most often, such symptoms indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but worms can only be excluded by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorders
Today everyone is constantly faced with stressful situations. And in vain, people do not associate constant stress with the presence of parasites in the body. Common symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue can indicate that worms have taken up residence in the body. If you suffer from drowsiness, lethargy, general weakness, irritability, you should make an appointment with a doctor.
If they are the cause of disorders of the nervous system, then with the elimination of parasites from the body, the problems with the nervous system will also disappear.
Chronic runny nose and cough
Sometimes helminths enter the lungs, causing disruption of the respiratory system. One of the most common signs of helminthiasis is a persistent cough.
If a person is worried about a persistent cough, while they do not have a sore throat and there are no other signs of respiratory tract disease, it is worth looking for parasites. Cough can be caused by their activity. The same goes for a persistent runny nose, as the worms can even enter the nasopharynx.
frequent colds
In the presence of worms in the human body, immunity immediately decreases. This is due to the fact that the parasites use up vital resources for normal human life. As a result, with their lack, the body automatically weakens. A persistent cold is a common and certain sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to fully understand that with persistent colds it is necessary to undergo a medical examination and pass the appropriate tests.
Skin lesions
The presence of helminths in the body is often manifested on the skin. Patches or rashes, redness, boils may appear on the skin of the face and body. All of these formations can start to come off. Here again, the question may arise as to the nature of these skin rashes, their appearance not always being associated with helminthiasis.
It is worth looking for parasites if cosmetics and drugs do not help get rid of the rash.
Loud teeth grinding during sleep
Obviously, a person himself cannot tell whether he is grinding his teeth while sleeping. But everyone is able to notice such a symptom in a loved one. In this case, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and pass all the necessary tests to detect the presence of parasites in the body. The earlier a person starts treatment, the faster they get rid of worms.
How to understand that a child has parasites?
The process of helminthiasis in the body of a child is difficult to diagnose based on the words of the child. Since children still cannot answer questions accurately, the only way to tell if a child has worms is to take a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of bad symptoms that can indicate the presence of parasites in a child.
First of all, the baby may experience changes in behavior. He becomes sullen and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, listless, tires quickly, loses interest in games and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are a number of signs that cannot be immediately identified. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, peeling of the skin - all this can be a symptom of the presence of worms in the child's body.
The most likely symptom of helminthiasis is when the baby is scratching his buttocks. It often happens that helminths, especially pinworms, emerge from the anal passage. Basically, this process takes place during sleep. If parents notice worms in a baby potty or on objects, they should immediately see a doctor.
Common signs of advanced helminthic invasion
Typical signs of the prolonged presence of worms in the body are symptoms of general intoxication, associated with signs of digestive disorders, allergic reactions and a decrease in the immune system. These include:
- Rashes.
- Lethargy, headache, migraine.
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating.
- Painful abdominal cramps.
- Nausea, rarely vomiting.
- Bad breath.
- Weight fluctuations (sudden weight loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Recurrent colds and viral illnesses (due to decreased immunity).
- Anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Miscarriages and menstrual cycle disruptions in women.
- Children have developmental delay, growth retardation.
- Memory and school problems.
If at least one of the signs of worm infection appears, you should seek medical advice immediately /
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When the parasites take up residence in the lungs, the signs of the appearance of the worms will be: fever, shortness of breath, cough, coughing up with blood. There will be wheezing evident when listening to the lungs. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets easily clings to such a patient.
Echinococci, settling in the liver, cause dysfunction of this organ and the appearance of "hepatic" symptoms.
So, worms have a fairly strong negative effect on the whole body, causing various symptoms. Helminthiasis respond poorly to drug therapy, so treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Worm tests
Only laboratory tests will help to accurately determine the presence of worms in the body. Doctors prescribe a set of studies based on the clinical picture and patient complaints. Clinical analyzes include:
- scratching is the easiest and most reliable method. A smear is taken from the folds of the anus and determines the presence of helminth eggs;
- the analysis of feces is considered uninformative, since not all helminths can be found in one material;
- a chemical blood test helps determine the level of hemoglobin and establish the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
- the PCR reaction is designed to detect DNA parasites in the blood. It is one of the most accurate research methods. This reaction shows precisely the type of helminth and the number of its individuals in the human body;
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay involves a study of the patient's blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which gives an idea that the immune system has activated protection against the parasites.
In some cases, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs should be carefully examined, as most helminths are able to migrate throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. The diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminth, the organs and the severity of the disease.
The best remedy for worms
It is possible to choose the most effective remedy for combating worms only after accurately determining the type of worms. Not all drugs are effective against certain classes of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of a parasitic disease. At first, it is recommended to take absorbents (for example, activated carbon) so that they bind and remove from the body toxic substances of the vital activity of parasites, which accumulate in large quantities. Then they take anthelmintic drugs).
The duration of treatment with pills is usually 3 weeks. Before using any medication, it is better to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not bring the desired results, and sometimes even lead to unwanted consequences.
Taking any medication should always be coordinated with a doctor, as there are cases when they are ineffective. If there is an exacerbation of helminthic invasion, you should urgently consult your doctor.
Such treatment consists in the use of sorbents and anthelmintic drugs, but also includes restorative therapy of all internal organs and systems. To do this, take the following steps:
- injections of ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and vitamin B;
- infusion therapy with glucose solution, saline.
All other drugs are prescribed individually based on acquired health problems. All treatment procedures should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Only oral medications can be taken at home alone. But they should be taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the attending specialist.
Folk remedies for worms in adults
Traditional methods only supplement the main drug therapy. To do this, you should use only proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is best to buy all the ingredients at a drugstore or from trusted healers.
Garlic enemas. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 peeled and well chopped garlic cloves are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter wormwood extract. A teaspoon of crushed dry mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The mixture is well cooled. For more sweetness, you can add a spoonful of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many folk remedies that are effective in combating worms, but all of them should be added to the main treatment.
Collection of tapeworms. It is taken twice: in the morning and before bedtime. Main ingredients: wormwood, buckthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The duration of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin seeds - Helps get rid of tapeworms. Raw seeds are cleaned and well ground. Pour two glasses of water and add a spoonful of honey. All this is mixed well and taken in a teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours, you need to apply a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is much easier to prevent the occurrence of worms in the body than it is to cure it. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene, to know how to properly disinfect living rooms and sanitary facilities.
There are a number of other rules that it is advisable to follow in order not to get infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables must always be heat treated;
- be careful when buying seafood, milk and eggs;
- only use boiled or purified water.
Clean hands, carefully washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods is a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis
In the summer you should keep your hands clean, so it is important to have wet wipes with you and in the winter to wear gloves for safety. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transport, shops, toilets). If you have to travel by public transport, you should wash your hands or wipe with a damp cloth afterwards.
In the pharmacy, you can buy drugs to prevent worms, as well as to eliminate them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescribed drugs should be selected individually by the doctor, depending on the patient's state of health, the chemical composition of the drug and the allergic reactions of a particular person to certain components.
Clean hands, carefully washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods is a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.