Helminths can start to parasitize anyone'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 detect with routine medical tests. Many helminths give in, leaving 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 while passing a complete laboratory exam.
worm infection
If we are talking about children, then they still don't understand that it is necessary to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they learn about the world all the time. They often come into contact with contaminated foreign objects. But even conscientious adults, observing all the rules of hygiene, knowing the serious consequences that can occur after the parasites enter the body, often become infected with helminths.
Forms of infection with helminthiasis:
- in contact with stray animals;
- In public places. Large numbers of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in the supermarket, on doorknobs and bills;
- in the pool and open reservoirs in summer;
- through poorly processed foods;
- Helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis of contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of infection;
- very dusty rooms. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Shaking hands and using a single towel can cause an infection;
- failure to observe personal hygiene rules can lead to worm infection.
Contact with stray animals and pets is one of the most common ways of contracting parasites.
So, remember to wash your hands with soap and water after visiting public places. Avoid dirty rooms, use antibacterial wipes to sanitize your hands.
Types of worms that can be found in the human body
It is possible to recognize helminths in the body based on a series of characteristic signs of a specific disease and a form of behavior of the parasite. Its lifecycle 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 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. Also, they can spread all over the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can be up to 10 meters long. Representatives: tapeworm, bovine and porcine tapeworm;
- bumps and bumps. They can affect internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous to human health and life.
Each of the helminth groups presented includes the most famous strains 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 grow to impressive sizes. Fighting adults is often difficult. But before starting treatment for helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what kind of helminths have become installed in the body. For this, laboratory diagnoses are performed.
The main symptoms of worm infection
loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. There are often situations where people who chew constantly are advised to pass the appropriate tests. Increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, for example metabolic disturbances or the functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find out why, you must donate worm feces.
However, there are times when in the presence of parasites, the person loses his appetite. It could also be due to other reasons. But if any incomprehensible symptoms appear, it is better to consult a specialist immediately.
Weight loss
If a person is healthy and starts to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should be an immediate warning. Even if some diet is used, the weight should disappear gradually rather than 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 region
People often consider discomfort in the anal region 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 these sensations appear, it's best 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, as they are unaware that anemia can also be a symptom of the presence of parasites.
Changes in blood composition occur as a result of the suction of human blood by the 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 needed. With reduced hemoglobin values, it is recommended to contact your doctor, who will issue a referral for stool examination for diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Digestive tract disorder
An important factor in determining worms is disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea is common, this could indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs such as frequent heartburn, bloating and even vomiting are indicative of helminths. Most of the time, these symptoms indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but the worms can only be excluded by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous System Diseases
Today, everyone is constantly faced with stressful situations. And people in vain don't associate constant stress with the presence of parasites in the body. Common symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue may indicate that the worms have taken root in the body. If you experience drowsiness, lethargy, general weakness, irritability, make an appointment with a doctor.
If they are the cause of nervous system disorders, with the elimination of the parasites from the body, the nervous system problems will also disappear.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It turns out that 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 concerned about a persistent cough, as long as they have no sore throat and no other signs of respiratory tract illness, it is worth checking for parasites. The cough can be caused by your activity. The same applies to 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 resources vital for normal human life. As a result, with its absence, 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 have 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 on the skin of the face and body may appear. All these formations can start to peel. Here, again, the question may arise about the nature of these eruptions, as their appearance is not always associated with helminthiasis.
It's worth checking for parasites if cosmetics and medications don't help eliminate the rash.
Strong grinding of teeth during sleep
Obviously, the person himself cannot know if he is grinding his teeth in his sleep. But everyone is capable of noticing this symptom in someone close to them. In that 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 child's words. Because children are still unable to 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 changes in behavior. He becomes moody and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, lethargic, tires quickly, loses interest in games and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are several signs that cannot be identified immediately. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, peeling skin - all of 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 its 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 other things, they should see a doctor right away.
Common Signs of Advanced Helminthic Invasion
Typical signs of a prolonged presence of worms in the body are symptoms of general intoxication, combined with signs of digestive disturbances, allergic reactions, and a weakened 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 loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Colds and recurrent viral illnesses (as a result of decreased immunity).
- Anemia.
- Pain when urinating.
- Miscarriages and interruptions in 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 see a doctor right away.
Helminths can live not just in the intestines. When the parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of appearance of the worms are as follows: fever, shortness of breath, coughing, bloody sputum. There will be obvious wheezing upon hearing the lungs. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets easily clings to that patient.
Echinococci, installing themselves in the liver, cause liver dysfunction and the appearance of "hepatic" symptoms.
Thus, the worms have a very 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 patient's clinical picture and 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;
- fecal analysis is considered uninformative, as not all helminths can be found in a single material;
- a chemical blood test helps determine the hemoglobin level 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 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 able to migrate throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from Organs affected organs. Diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminths, which organs and how severely affected.
The best medicine for worms
It is only possible to choose the most effective remedy to fight worms after you have accurately determined the type of worms. Not all medications are active against certain classes of worms.
It is very difficult to get rid of a parasitic disease. At first, it is recommended to take sorbents (for example, activated charcoal) to bind and remove toxic substances from the body from the vital activity of the parasites, which accumulate in large amounts. So they actually take anthelmintic drugs).
The course of treatment with tablets is usually 3 weeks. Before using drugs, it is better to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not bring the desired results and sometimes lead to undesirable consequences.
Taking any medication should always be coordinated with a doctor, as there are cases where they are ineffective. If there is an exacerbation of helminth invasion, you should urgently see your doctor.
This treatment consists of the use of sorbents and anthelmintics, 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 medications are prescribed individually, depending on the health problems acquired. All treatment procedures must be carried out under the strict supervision of the treating physician. Only oral medications can only be taken at home. But they must be taken strictly according to the regimen prescribed by the treating specialist.
Popular Remedies for Worms in Adults
Traditional methods only complement the main drug treatment. To do this, you only need to use proven natural recipes and ingredients. It is best to buy all ingredients from a pharmacy or trusted healers.
Garlic enemas. 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. A teaspoon of crushed dry mixture is poured into two cups of boiling water. The mixture is well cooled. For sweetness you can add a spoon of honey. Take 3 times a day.
There are many folk remedies that are effective in fighting worms, but they should all be added to the main treatment.
Tapeworm collection. It is taken twice: in the morning and before going to bed. Main ingredients: absinthe, hawthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with this collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin seeds - Help get rid of tapeworms. Raw seeds are clean and well crushed. Pour in two cups of water and add a spoon of honey. All of this is well mixed and taken in a teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours, you will need to take a cleansing enema.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is much 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 respect the rules of personal hygiene, in order to know how to properly disinfect the rooms and bathrooms.
There are several other rules that must be followed to avoid getting infected by worms:
- fruits and vegetables should always be heat treated;
- be careful when buying seafood, 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 summer you need to keep your hands clean so it is important to have wet wipes with you and in winter to wear safety gloves. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transport, shops, restrooms) . If traveling by public transport, you should wash your hands or dry them with a damp cloth afterwards.
At the pharmacy, you can buy medicines to prevent worms, as well as to remove them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescription drugs must be selected by the individual physician, based on the patient's health status, the chemical composition of the drug, and a particular person's allergic reactions to certain constituent components.
Clean hands, well-washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.