Helminths can begin to parasitize on anyone's body. It doesn't matter if you are an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are fairly easy to detect with routine medical tests. Many helminths give themselves away and leave the body to 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 during the passage of a complete laboratory examination.
Worm infection
If we talk about children, then they still do not understand that it is necessary to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they learn the world all the time. They often come into contact with contaminated foreign objects. But even conscientious adults, who observe all hygiene rules and are aware of the serious consequences that can occur after parasites enter the body, often become infected with helminths.
Forms of infection with helminthiasis:
- in contact with street animals;
- In public places. Large numbers of bacteria can be found on handrails, vehicles, supermarkets, doorknobs, and bills;
- in the pool and reservoirs open in summer;
- through poorly processed foods;
- helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of infection;
- rooms too dusty. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Shaking hands and using a single towel can lead to infection;
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene can lead to a worm infection.
Contact with street animals and pets is one of the most common ways of contracting parasites.
Therefore, remember to wash your hands with soap and water after visiting public places. Avoid dirty rooms, use antibacterial wipes to disinfect your 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 that are characteristic of a particular disease and a form of behavior of the parasite. Its life cycle and development characteristics are of great importance. The general symptoms of the vital activity of worms in the human body, how long they can live 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 parasitizes mainly in the intestines. The life cycle of nematodes is about 40 years on average. In many cases, there is a defeat of the stomach and respiratory system with pinworms. The most famous representatives: pinworms, roundworms and whipworms;
- tape worms. Initially they settle in the intestines. In addition, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can measure up to 10 meters in length. Representatives: tapeworm, bovine and porcine tapeworms;
- flukes and flukes. 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 causes 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 grow to impressive sizes. Fighting adults is often difficult. But before starting helminthiasis treatment, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminths has settled in the body. To do this, laboratory diagnostics are performed.
The main symptoms of worm infection
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations in which people who chew constantly are advised to pass the appropriate tests. Increased appetite can also be due to other problems, for example metabolic disorders or the functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find out why, you need to donate feces for worms.
However, there are times when, in the presence of parasites, a person loses their appetite. It can also be due to other reasons. But if any incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to immediately consult a specialist.
Weightloss
If a person is healthy and begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should immediately alert him. Even if a diet is used, the weight should disappear gradually and not abruptly. Rapid weight loss can indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Helminthiasis is insidious: its symptoms are very similar to many other diseases, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Itching and discomfort in the anal area.
Discomfort in the anal area is often considered by people to be a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. This is because this is how 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
One of the signs of helminthiasis is anemia. People rarely associate these two phenomena, because they do not know 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 suction 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, a laboratory blood test is necessary. With reduced hemoglobin values, it is recommended to contact your physician, who will issue a referral for a stool examination for the diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Disruption of the digestive tract.
An important factor in the determination of worms are alterations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea are common, this may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs like frequent heartburn, bloating, and even vomiting are indicative of helminths. Most of the time, these symptoms indicate problems of 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 people in vain 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 settled in the body. If you experience drowsiness, lethargy, general weakness, irritability, you should make an appointment with a doctor.
If they are the cause of disorders on the part of the nervous system, then with the removal of parasites from the body, problems with the nervous system will also disappear.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths enter the lungs, which causes 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 he does not have a sore throat and there are no other signs of diseases of the respiratory tract, it is worth looking for parasites. The cough may be due to your activity. The same applies to a persistent runny nose, as the worms can even penetrate the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
In the presence of worms in the human body, immunity immediately decreases. This is due to the fact that parasites use those resources that are vital for normal human life. As a result, with its lack, the body automatically weakens. A persistent cold is a common and sure sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to clearly 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 often manifests itself on the skin. Plaques or rashes, redness, boils may appear on the skin of the face and body. All of these formations can begin to peel off. Here again, the question may arise about the nature of these rashes, since their appearance is not always associated with helminthiasis.
It is worth looking for parasites if cosmetics and medications do not help clear the rash.
Loud grinding of teeth during sleep
Obviously, a person on his own cannot tell if he is grinding his teeth in his sleep. But everyone can notice such a symptom in someone close. 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 begins treatment, the faster they will get rid of the 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 child's words. Since children cannot yet answer the questions accurately, the only way to determine if a child has worms is to take a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of the bad symptoms that can indicate the presence of parasites in a child.
First, the baby may experience behavioral changes. He becomes moody and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, listless, tires quickly, loses interest in games and learning, this is also cause for concern.
There are a number of signs that cannot be immediately identified. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, peeling of the skin - these can all be symptoms of the presence of worms in the child's body.
The most likely symptom of helminthiasis is when the baby scratches his bottom. It often happens that helminths, especially pinworms, come out of the anal passage. Basically this process takes place during sleep. If parents notice worms in a baby pot or on things, they should immediately consult a doctor.
Common signs of advanced helminth invasion
Typical signs of the prolonged presence of worms in the body are symptoms of general intoxication, combined with signs of digestive disorders, allergic reactions and a decrease in the immune system. These include:
- Skin rash.
- 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 gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Colds and viral illnesses that recur frequently (as a result of decreased immunity).
- Anemia.
- Pain when urinating
- Miscarriages and interruptions of the menstrual cycle in women.
- Children have developmental delay, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of worm infection appears, you should immediately consult a doctor /
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When the parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of the appearance of worms will be as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, bloody sputum. There will be obvious wheezing when listening to the lungs. Any airborne droplet-borne infection easily attaches itself to such a patient.
Echinococci, which settle in the liver, cause dysfunction of this organ and the appearance of "liver" symptoms.
Therefore, worms have a fairly strong negative effect on the entire body, causing various symptoms. Helminthiasis is difficult to respond to drug therapy, so treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Worm tests
Only laboratory tests will help accurately determine the presence of worms in the body. Doctors prescribe a series of studies based on the clinical picture and the complaints of patients. Clinical tests include:
- scraping is the simplest and most reliable method. A smear is taken from the folds of the anus and determines the presence of helminth eggs;
- analysis of feces is considered uninformative, since not all helminths can be found in a single material;
- a chemical blood test helps to determine the level of hemoglobin and to 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 accurately shows the type of helminths and the number of their 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 parasites.
In some cases, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs must be carefully examined, as most helminths are capable of migrating throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is removed from the affected organs. The diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminths, which organs and how severely affected.
The best medicine for worms
It is possible to choose the most effective remedy for fighting worms only after the type of worms has been accurately determined. Not all drugs are active against certain kinds of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of a parasitic disease. At first, it is recommended to take sorbents (for example, activated carbon) so that they bind and remove from the body toxic substances from the vital activity of parasites that accumulate in large quantities. So they really take anthelmintic drugs).
The course of treatment with pills is usually 3 weeks. Before using drugs, it is better to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not produce the desired results and sometimes even lead to undesirable consequences.
The taking of any medication should always be coordinated with a doctor, as there are cases in which they are ineffective. If there is an exacerbation of helminthic invasion, you should urgently consult your doctor.
Such treatment consists of 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 with ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and vitamin B;
- infusion therapy with glucose solution, saline solution.
All other medications are prescribed individually based on acquired health problems. All treatment procedures must be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Oral medications can only be taken at home. But they must be taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the treating specialist.
Folk remedies for worms in adults
Traditional methods only supplement the main drug treatment. To do this, you need to use only well-tested natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients from a pharmacy or trusted healers.
Garlic enemas. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 peeled and finely chopped garlic cloves are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter extract of wormwood. One teaspoon of dry crushed mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The mixture cools well. To give it sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many effective home remedies in the fight against worms, but all should be in addition to the main treatment.
Tapeworm collection. It is taken twice: in the morning and before going to bed. Main ingredients: absinthe, sea buckthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin seeds: helps eliminate tapeworms. The raw seeds are cleaned and crushed well. Pour two glasses of water and add a tablespoon of honey. All of this mixes well and is taken in a teaspoon for an hour. After a couple of hours, you should have a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is much easier to prevent the appearance of worms in the body than to cure it. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene, know how to properly disinfect dwellings and bathrooms.
There are a number of other rules to follow in order not to get infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables should always be heat treated;
- be careful when buying shellfish, milk, and eggs;
- use only boiled or purified water.
Clean hands, well washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis
In the summer you need to keep your hands clean so it is important to carry wet wipes with you and in the winter to wear gloves for safety. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transport, shops, bathrooms). If you have to travel by public transport, you should wash your hands or wipe with a damp cloth afterwards.
At the pharmacy, you can buy drugs to prevent worms, as well as to eliminate them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescription drugs should be selected individually by the doctor, based on the patient's state of health, the chemical composition of the drug, and the allergic reactions of a particular person to certain constituent components.
Clean hands, well-washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.