Helminths can parasitize in anyone's body. It doesn't matter if it's an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are relatively easy to spot during routine medical examinations. Many helminths give themselves away and get 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 a full laboratory examination.
Infection with worms
If we talk about children, they still do not understand the need to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they are learning the world all the time. They often come into contact with contaminated foreign bodies. But also conscious adults, who observe all hygienic rules and know the serious consequences that can occur after the parasites have entered the body, often become infected with helminths.
Routes of infection with helminthiasis:
- in contact with stray animals;
- in public places. Numerous bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in the supermarket, on doorknobs and banknotes;
- in the pool and open reservoirs in summer;
- from poorly processed foods;
- Helminths can enter the body from contaminated soil through the outer layer of the epidermis;
- 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;
- Failure to follow 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.
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 that can be found in the human body
It is possible to identify helminths in the body by a number of signs that are characteristic of a particular disease and form of parasitic behavior. Their life cycle and development characteristics are of great importance. It also determines 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.
The following types of worms can be found in the human body:
- nematode. Refers to roundworms. It parasitizes mainly in the intestines. The life cycle of nematodes averages around 40 years. In many cases, there is a defeat of the stomach and respiratory tract with roundworms. The most famous representatives: pinworms, roundworms and whipworms;
- Tapeworms. First of all, they settle in the intestine. They can also spread throughout the body. The life cycle is around 20 years. Some individuals can grow up to 10 meters long. Representatives: tapeworm, beef and pork tapeworm;
- Flakes and flakes. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous to human health and life.
Each of the presented groups of helminths includes the most famous types of parasites that infect the human body. Every helminth brings great damage and threat to the full functioning of all vital organs.
Parasitic worms should never be taken lightly. They invade the body with microscopic eggs and larvae and grow to impressive sizes. The fight against adults is often difficult. However, before starting treatment for helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminths have settled in the body. Laboratory diagnostics are carried out for this purpose.
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 where people who chew constantly are advised to pass the appropriate tests. The increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, such as 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 a person loses appetite in the presence of parasites. There could be other reasons as well. But if there are incomprehensible symptoms, it is better to immediately consult a specialist.
Weight loss
If a person is healthy and losing weight for no apparent reason, an alert should be given immediately. Even if any diet is used, the weight should disappear gradually, not suddenly. 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
Often people consider anal discomfort as a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that worms can cause these uncomfortable sensations. Because this is how parasites leave the human body.
Of course, when such sensations appear, it is better to check for the presence of worms and 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 the blood occur as a result of human blood being sucked in by worms, which leads to a decrease in red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person develops weakness or other uncomfortable symptoms, a laboratory blood test will need to be done. If you have low hemoglobin levels, it is recommended that you see your doctor, who will send you a referral for a fecal examination to diagnose helminthiasis.
Disruption of the digestive tract
An important factor in determining worms are disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea is common, it may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs like frequent heartburn, gas, and even vomiting indicate helminths. In most cases, such symptoms indicate gastrointestinal problems, but worms can only be excluded by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorders
Today everyone is constantly confronted with stressful situations. And it is not for nothing that people associate constant stress with the presence of parasites in the body. Common symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue can indicate that worms have colonized 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 of the nervous system, then as parasites are eliminated from the body, problems with the nervous system will also go away.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths get into the lungs, thereby disrupting the respiratory system. One of the most common signs of helminthiasis is a persistent cough.
If a person is concerned about a persistent cough, does not have a sore throat, and there are no other signs of respiratory disease, it is worth checking for parasites. The cough can be caused by their activity. The same goes for a persistent runny nose, as worms can even invade the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
In the presence of worms in the human body, immunity immediately decreases. This is because parasites use those resources that are vital to normal human life. As a result, the body automatically weakens with their deficiency. A lingering 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 is often manifested on the skin. Plaques or rashes, redness, boils can appear on the skin of the face and body. All of these formations can peel off. Again, the question of the nature of these rashes may arise, since their appearance is not always associated with helminthiasis.
It is worth checking for parasites when cosmetics and drugs do not help get rid of the rash.
Severe grinding of teeth while sleeping
Obviously, a person cannot know for himself whether he grinds his teeth while sleeping. But anyone can notice such a symptom in someone close by. 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 they will get rid of the worms.
How can you understand that a child has parasites?
The process of helminthiasis in a child's body is difficult to diagnose from the child's words. Since children still cannot accurately answer the questions, the only way to tell if a child has worms is to do a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of the bad symptoms that can indicate the presence of parasites in a child.
First of all, the baby can experience changes in behavior. He becomes moody and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, apathetic, tired easily, or loses interest in playing and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are a number of signs that cannot be identified immediately. 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 is scratching its buttocks. It often happens that helminths, especially pinworms, come from the anal passage. Basically, this process takes place during sleep. If parents notice worms in a baby potty or on objects, they should see a doctor immediately.
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 indigestion, allergic reactions and a decrease in the immune system. These include:
- Skin irritation.
- Lethargy, headache, migraines.
- 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 menstrual cycle disorders in women.
- Children have developmental retardation, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of worm infection occurs, you should see a doctor immediately /
Helminths cannot only live in the intestines. If parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of the appearance of worms are as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, sputum with blood. A distinct wheezing is heard when listening to the lungs. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets easily adheres to such a patient.
Echinococci, which settle in the liver, cause this organ to malfunction and cause "hepatic" symptoms.
Therefore, worms have quite a strong negative effect on the whole body and cause 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 series of studies based on the clinical picture and the patient's complaints. Clinical analyzes include:
- Scraping is the easiest and most reliable method. A smear is taken from the anal folds and determines the presence of helminth eggs;
- Analysis of feces is considered non-informative because not every helminth can be found in a single material;
- a blood chemical test will help determine the level of hemoglobin and determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- The PCR reaction is used to detect DNA parasites in the blood. It is one of the most accurate research methods. This reaction accurately shows the nature of the helminth and the number of its individuals in the human body;
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay involves examining the patient's blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which suggests 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 able to migrate through the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. Diagnosing the disease depends on the type of helminth, which organs are affected and how severely.
The best medicine against worms
The most effective means of combating worms can only be selected after precisely determining the type of worms. Not all drugs are effective against certain classes of worms.
Getting rid of a parasitic disease is quite difficult. First of all, 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, which accumulate in large quantities. Then they actually take anthelmintic drugs).
The course of treatment with pills is usually 3 weeks. Before taking any medication, it is better to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not bring the desired results and sometimes even lead to undesirable consequences.
The use of medication must always be coordinated with a doctor, as there are cases in which they are ineffective. If the helminth invasion worsens, you should urgently consult your doctor.
Such treatment consists in the use of sorbents and antihelminthics, 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 solution.
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. However, they must be taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the attending specialist.
Folk remedies for worms in adults
Traditional methods only complement the main drug treatment. To do this, you just need to use proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients from a pharmacy or from trusted healers.
Garlic enemas. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 peeled and well chopped cloves of garlic are placed in a glass of water. Insist on 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 at bedtime. Main ingredients: wormwood, sea 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 crushed well. Pour two glasses of water and add a spoonful of honey. All of 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.
Parasitic Disease Prevention
It is much easier to prevent worms from appearing in the body than it is to cure them. In order to avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of personal hygiene and know how to properly disinfect living spaces and toilet rooms.
There are a number of other rules to follow in order not to get infected with worms:
- Fruit and vegetables should always be heat treated;
- Be careful when buying seafood, milk, and eggs.
- Use only boiled or purified water.
Clean hands, thoroughly washed vegetables and fruits, the consumption of only proven foods is a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis
You need to keep your hands clean in the summer, so it is important to have wet wipes with you and to wear gloves for safety in the winter. 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 afterwards or wipe them with a damp cloth.
At the pharmacy, you can buy drugs to prevent worms and remove them when the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescribed drugs must be selected by the doctor individually, based on the patient's health, the chemical makeup of the drug, and a particular person's allergic reactions to certain components.
Clean hands, thoroughly washed vegetables and fruits and the consumption of only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.