Helminths can start to become parasites in the body of any person. It doesn't matter if it's an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are relatively easy to detect with routine medical examinations. Many helminths escape, exiting the body into the external environment through the anus. This occurs during the breeding season and when females lay eggs. It is possible to determine the type of parasite, its number and life cycle duration during a full laboratory examination.
Infection with worms
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 are often in contact with foreign contaminated objects. But even conscious adults, observing all the rules of hygiene, knowing about the serious consequences that can occur after the parasite enters the body, are often infected with helminths.
Ways of infection with helminthiasis:
- contact with street animals;
- in public places. A large number of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in supermarkets, on door knobs and banknotes;
- in open pools and reservoirs in summer;
- through poorly processed foods;
- helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects are often carriers of infection;
- the room is too dusty. Infections can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Shaking hands and using a towel can cause infection;
- non -compliance with personal hygiene rules can lead to worm infections.
Contact with street animals and pets is one of the most common ways to get parasites.
So 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 found in the human body
It is possible to identify helminths in the body based on some of the signs that characterize a particular disease and the form of parasitic behavior. Their life cycle and developmental characteristics are very important. 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 a ringworm. It is a parasite mainly in the intestines. The average life cycle of a nematode is about 40 years. In many cases, there is a defeat of the stomach and respiratory system with ringworm. The most famous representatives: pinworms, roundworms and whipworms;
- tape worm. At first they settle in the intestine. Further, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can reach a length of up to 10 meters. Representatives: tapeworms, cattle and pig tapeworms;
- flukes and flukes. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous to human health and life.
Each group of helminths presented includes the most well -known types of parasites that infect the human body. Each helminth brings great danger and threat to the full functioning of all vital organs.
Parasitic worms should not 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 the treatment of helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly the type of helminths that have settled in the body. For this, laboratory diagnostics are performed.
The main symptoms of infection with worms
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. There are often situations when people who are constantly chewing are advised to pass the appropriate test. Increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, for example, metabolic disorders or digestive tract function. Therefore, to find out why, you should donate feces for worms.
However, there are times when with the presence of parasites, a person loses appetite. It can also be caused by other reasons. But if any incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to immediately consult a specialist.
Weight reduction
If a person is healthy, and he begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should immediately warn. Even if any diet is used, the weight should go down gradually, and not suddenly. Rapid weight loss may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Helminthiasis is dangerous - its symptoms are very similar to many other diseases, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Itching and discomfort in the anal area
Often people consider discomfort in the anal area as a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that this unpleasant sensation can be caused by worms. This is because in this way parasites leave the human body.
Of course, if such a sensation appears, then it is better to check for the presence of worms and for 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 blood composition occur as a result of inhalation of human blood by worms, which leads to a decrease in the level of red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person experiences weakness or other unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to take a laboratory blood test. With a decrease in the value of hemoglobin, it is recommended to contact your doctor, who will issue a referral for stool examination for the diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Disorders of the digestive tract
An important factor in the determination of worms is a disturbance in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea is common, this may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Symptoms such as frequent heartburn, bloating, and even vomiting are indications of helminths. Often, such symptoms indicate a problem of the gastrointestinal tract, but worms can be excluded only by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorders
Today, everyone is always faced with a stressful situation. And vain people do not associate constant stress with the presence of parasites in the body. Common symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue may 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, thus causing disorders 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 or she does not have a sore throat and there are no signs of other respiratory tract diseases, it is worth checking for parasites. Cough can be caused by their activity. The same goes for a persistent runny nose, as worms can even penetrate the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
With the presence of worms in the human body, immunity is immediately reduced. This is due to the fact that parasites use resources that are important for normal human life. As a result, with their deficiency, the body automatically becomes weak. Persistent colds are a frequent and definite sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to clearly understand that with a persistent flu, it is necessary to undergo a doctor's 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 flake off. Here again, questions may arise as to the nature of these rashes, as their appearance is not always associated with helminthiasis.
Parasites should be checked if cosmetics and medications do not help get rid of the rash.
Strong tooth biting during sleep
Obviously, a person himself cannot know whether he is clenching his teeth while sleeping. But everyone can see such symptoms in someone close. In this case, it is better to immediately see a doctor and pass all the necessary tests for the presence of parasites in the body. The sooner a person starts treatment, the sooner he or she gets rid of the worms.
How to understand that children have parasites?
The process of helminthiasis in a child’s body is difficult to diagnose based on the child’s words. Since children are still unable to answer questions accurately, the only way to determine if a child has worms is by taking a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of adverse symptoms that may indicate the presence of parasites in children.
First of all, babies may experience behavioral changes. He became depressed and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, indifferent, quickly tired, loses interest in play and learning, this is also worrisome.
There are some signs that cannot be identified immediately. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, peeling of the skin - all this can be symptoms of the presence of worms in the child's body.
The most likely symptom of helminthiasis is when the baby scratches his back. It often happens that helminths, especially pinworms, come out of the anal canal. Basically, this process takes place during sleep. If parents see worms in a baby’s potty or on something, they should see a doctor right away.
Common signs of advanced helminthic invasion
Common 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 weakened immune system. This includes:
- Skin rash.
- Lethargy, headache, migraine.
- Feeling heavy in the stomach after eating.
- Painful abdominal cramps.
- Nausea, rarely vomiting.
- Smelly breath.
- Weight fluctuations (sudden weight loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Frequent recurrent colds and viral illnesses (due to decreased immunity).
- Anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Miscarriage and menstrual cycle disorders in women.
- Children experience developmental delays, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of a worm infection appears, you should immediately see a doctor /
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of the appearance of worms are as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, phlegm with blood. There will be a clear wheezing sound when listening to the lungs. Any infection spread by airborne droplets is easily attached to such patients.
Echinococci, settling in the liver, cause dysfunction of these organs and the appearance of "hepatic" symptoms.
Therefore, worms have a relatively strong negative effect on the whole body, causing a variety of symptoms. Helminthiasis is difficult to respond to drug therapy, so treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Test for worms
Only laboratory tests will help accurately determine the presence of worms in the body. Doctors prescribe a set of studies based on the clinical picture and patient complaints. Clinical analysis includes:
- scraping is the simplest and most reliable method. A smear was taken from the anal fold and determined the presence of helminth eggs;
- fecal analysis is considered uninformative, as not every helminth can be found in a single substance;
- chemical blood tests help determine hemoglobin levels and establish the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
- PCR reactions are designed to detect DNA parasites in the blood. It is one of the most accurate research methods. This response indicates exactly the type of helminth and the number of its individuals in the human body;
- Enzyme -linked immunosorbent testing involves the study of a patient’s blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which gives the impression that the immune system has activated protection against parasites.
In some cases, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs should be carefully examined, as most helminths are capable of migrating throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organ. 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 drug to combat worms only after the type of worm has been accurately determined. Not all drugs are active against certain classes of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of parasitic diseases. Initially, it is recommended to take sorbents (e. g. , activated carbon) so that it binds and removes toxic substances from the body from the vital activity of parasites that accumulate in large quantities. Then they actually take anthelmintics).
The course of treatment with pills is usually 3 weeks. Before using the drug, it is better to consult a doctor. Medications alone may not bring the desired results, and sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
Taking any medication must always be coordinated with the doctor, as there are cases when it is ineffective. If there is more severe helminthic invasion, you should see your doctor immediately.
Such treatment consists of the use of sorbents and antihelminthic 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.
All other medications are prescribed individually depending on the acquired health problem. All treatment procedures must be carried out under the close supervision of the attending physician. Only oral medications can 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 complement primary drug treatment. To do this, you need to use only well -proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients at a pharmacy or from a trusted healer.
Garlic enema. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 cloves of peeled and finely chopped garlic are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter wormwood extract. One teaspoon of the dry crushed mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The mixture is well cooled. For sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many folk remedies that are effective in combating worms, but all of them should be in addition to the main treatment.
Collection of tapeworms. It is taken twice: in the morning and before bedtime. Main ingredients: wormwood, buckthorn, wild carrots, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin Seeds - Helps get rid of tapeworms. The raw seeds are cleaned and crushed well. Pour two glasses of water and add a tablespoon of honey. All this is mixed well and taken in one teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours, you should apply a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is easier to prevent the appearance of worms in the body than to cure them. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, to know how to properly disinfect the living quarters and toilet rooms.
There are some other rules that are advised to follow in order not to be infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables should always be heat treated;
- be careful when buying seafood, milk and eggs;
- use only boiled water or purified water.
Clean hands, clean washed vegetables and fruits, eating only foods that are proven to be a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis
In the summer you need to keep your hands clean, so it’s important to bring wet wipes with you, and in the winter 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.
At the pharmacy, you can buy medicine to prevent worms, as well as get rid of them if the parasites have entered the body.
The prescribed medication must be selected by the physician individually, based on the patient’s health status, the chemical composition of the drug and a person’s allergic reaction to certain constituent components.
Clean hands, clean washed vegetables and fruits, eating only foods that are proven to be a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.