Helminths can begin to parasitize 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 fairly easy to spot with routine medical examinations. Many helminths give themselves away, getting out of 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 during the passage of 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 often come into contact with foreign contaminated objects. But even conscious adults, observing all hygienic rules, knowing about the serious consequences that can occur after the parasites enter the body, often become infected with helminths.
Ways of infection with helminthiasis:
- in contact with street animals;
- in public places. A large number of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in the supermarket, on doorknobs and banknotes;
- in the pool and open reservoirs in the summer;
- through poorly processed food;
- 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 a single towel can lead to infection;
- non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene can lead to infection with worms.
Contact with street animals and pets is one of the most common ways of getting 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 that are characteristic of a particular disease and a form of parasite behavior. Their life cycle and developmental features are of great importance. The general symptoms of the vital activity of worms in the human body, how long they can live in the intestines, and the 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 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;
- tape worms. Initially they settle in the intestines. Further, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can be up to 10 meters in length. Representatives: tapeworm, bovine and pork tapeworm;
- 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 brings great harm and threat to 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 the treatment of helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminths has settled in the body. For this, laboratory diagnostics are carried out.
The main symptoms of infection with worms
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations when constantly chewing people are advised to pass the appropriate tests. 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 should donate feces for worms.
However, there are times when in the presence of parasites, a person loses his appetite. It can also be due to other reasons. But if any incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to immediately consult a specialist.
Weight loss
If a person is healthy, and he begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should immediately alert. Even if any diet is used, the weight should go away gradually, and not abruptly. Rapid weight loss may 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
Often people consider discomfort in the anal area a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. This is because it is in this way that parasites leave the human body.
Of course, if such sensations appear, then it is better to check for the presence of worms and for the development of hemorrhoids. This will help determine the tactics of treatment.
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 blood occurs 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, it is necessary to take a laboratory blood test. With reduced hemoglobin values, it is recommended to contact your doctor, who will issue a referral for a feces examination for the diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Disruption of the digestive tract
An important factor in the determination of worms are disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea is common, this 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 of the gastrointestinal tract, but worms can be excluded only 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 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 elimination of parasites from the body, problems with the nervous system will also go away.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths enter the lungs, thereby 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 he does not have a sore throat and there are no other signs of respiratory tract diseases, it is worth checking for parasites. The cough can be caused by their activity. The same applies to a persistent runny nose, since 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 their lack, the body automatically weakens. A persistent cold is a frequent and sure sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to clearly understand that with persistent colds, 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 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 checking for parasites if cosmetics and medicines do not help get rid of the rash.
Strong grinding of teeth in sleep
Obviously, a person himself cannot know if he is grinding his teeth during sleep. But everyone is able to notice such a symptom in someone close. In this case, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and pass all the necessary tests for the presence of parasites in the body. The sooner a person starts treatment, the faster he gets rid of the worms.
How to understand that a child has parasites?
The process of helminthiasis in a child's body is difficult to diagnose based on the words of the child. Since children still cannot accurately answer questions, 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 may indicate the presence of parasites in a child.
First of all, the baby may experience changes in behavior. He becomes moody and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, apathetic, gets tired 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 these 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 butt. 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 helminthic 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 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.
- Frequently recurring colds and viral diseases (as a result of a decrease in immunity).
- Anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Miscarriages and disruptions of the menstrual cycle in women.
- Children have developmental delay, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of infection with worms appears, you should immediately consult a doctor /
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of the appearance of worms will be as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, sputum with blood. There will be obvious wheezing 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.
Thus, worms have a fairly strong negative effect on the whole body, causing various symptoms. Helminthiasis is difficult to respond to drug therapy, so treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Tests for worms
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:
- 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 every helminth can be found in a single material;
- a chemical blood test helps to 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 accurately shows 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 parasites.
In some cases, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs should be carefully examined, since most helminths are capable of migrating throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. Diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminths, which organs and how badly 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 precisely determined. Not all drugs are active against certain classes 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. Then they actually 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 bring the desired results, and sometimes even leads to undesirable consequences.
Taking any medication must always be coordinated with a doctor, since 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 antihelminthic drugs, but also includes restorative therapy of all internal organs and systems. To do this, take the following measures:
- injections with ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and vitamin B;
- infusion therapy with glucose solution, saline.
All other drugs are prescribed individually depending on the acquired health problems. All treatment procedures must be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Only oral medications can be taken at home alone. 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 the main drug treatment. To do this, you need to use only well-proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients in a pharmacy or from trusted healers.
Garlic enemas. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 cloves of peeled and well-chopped garlic are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter wormwood extract. A teaspoon of dry crushed mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The mixture is cooled well. For sweetness, you can add a spoonful of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many effective folk remedies in the fight against worms, but they should all 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 carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin Seeds - Help get rid of tapeworms. Raw seeds are cleaned and well crushed. 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 couple of hours, you need to put on a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic disease
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, to know how to properly disinfect living quarters and toilet rooms.
There are a number of other rules that are advised to follow in order not to become infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables should always be heat treated;
- be careful when purchasing seafood, milk and eggs;
- use only boiled or purified water.
Clean hands, thoroughly 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 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 wet cloth afterwards.
In the pharmacy, you can buy drugs to prevent worms, as well as to remove them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescribed drugs must be selected by the doctor individually, based on the patient's health status, the chemical composition of the drug and the allergic reactions of a particular person to certain constituent components.
Clean hands, thoroughly washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.