Unfortunately, no one is immune to worm infections - both adults and children are susceptible. A person lives and does not suspect that there are about 250 types of parasites living in his body - they can be even microscopic worms and up to a meter in length. In order not to become a carrier of parasites, let's find out what types of helminths are, the first signs and symptoms of infection with worms, treatment and how to get rid of them, and at the same timealso talk about consequences and necessity. Prevent.
What is helminthiasis and what types of parasites exist?
Heartworm disease is a common name for a disease caused by many types of parasitic worms. It happens so that in everyday life we are used to calling all parasitic species worms, without thinking how many species there are. There are 3 main groups of parasites:
- Nematode;
- tapeworm;
- parasitic flukes (flukes).
Nematodes are a type of roundworm. These include pinworms, roundworms, and trichinella. Each of these parasites is dangerous because it causes different lung diseases in adults and children. But the pinworm parasite is especially dangerous from this group - it does not have a fixed habitat, but only wanders throughout the human body, affecting various organs. Pinworms have the appearance of white worms, infection in most cases occurring through contact with dogs and cats. If not treated promptly, it can stop in the brain, when the consequences will be the most unpleasant.
Flatworms include echinococci, various tapeworms. Tapeworms may not appear for a long time, and eventually grow up to 10 meters in length. The first sign of a worm infection is rapid weight loss. They are dangerous because they affect the intestines, nervous system, eyes and liver. The most common way to get infected with tapeworms is to eat raw fish, especially sushi lovers should be careful. It looks like a 6 meter long tapeworm, removed from a person.
Fluke parasites or flukes are carriers of many infections, but the most common is schistosomiasis, a disease native to the tropics, second only to malaria in the world (according to WHO). What is most disappointing is that such parasites are resistant to anthelmintics. Therefore, the sooner you notice your symptoms, consult your doctor, and get tested, the better. A little further, we'll tell you what kind of research is needed and from whom to get qualified help.
Very often people don't take depth seriously and let the matter run its course. But you can not do this - any group of parasites is very dangerous and can cause irreparable harm to the body. In addition to the development of chronic diseases, even paralysis and blindness have been reported in people infected with worms. Therefore, the treatment of worms should be carried out on time and not let the disease worsen later.
Causes of helminthiasis
Heartworm disease occurs when the eggs of the worms enter the human body. And the most common reasons for this:
- ignore the rules of hygiene;
- the presence of livestock or contact with farm animals (especially cows and pigs);
- the use of unwashed vegetables and fruits;
- habit of biting nails, pens, pencils;
- use of meat and fish products that have not been heat-treated;
- not drinking enough purified water;
- contact with an infected person;
- Central unit.
Typically, children attending kindergarten or school, plumbers, specialists who clean sewage and sewer pipes, and agricultural workers are at risk for worm infections.
Signs and symptoms of helminthiasis
At first glance, the "harmless" symptoms of worms that damage internal organs are a skin rash or hives. But there are far more serious signs:
- undigested;
- persistent lethargy and feeling tired;
- allergies in various manifestations;
- swelling;
- persistent headache;
- persistent cough;
- nausea and vomiting not related to poisoning;
- rising temperatures;
- acute pain in the abdomen;
- anemia;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- reduced or, on the contrary, increased appetite, especially for sweets (the parasite sucks glucose out of the body);
- lose weight, even with an appetite;
- inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- grinding teeth while sleeping;
- irritable and aggressive for no reason;
- the presence of white worms in the stool;
- persistent itching in the anus.
If at least 5 of the above points appear, do not postpone seeing a doctor and do not self-medicate. First, book a consultation with a specialist who will tell you next steps and refer you to a narrow specialist. A gastroenterologist is also competent in this regard, where even tests for certain types of helminths are included in the basic examination.
If not treated promptly, complications such as pancreatitis, biliary tract obstruction, intestinal obstruction, ulceration may occur.
What tests should be done if a helminth infection is suspected?
First of all, it is necessary to pass stool tests for helminth eggs and enzyme immunoassays. Contrast-enhanced bowel X-rays are performed according to the doctor's prescription. For each type of parasite, you need a separate blood test. And with the search for roundworms, only stool analysis will help. Modern clinics and diagnostic centers offer a number of services to pass the necessary tests for which you need to be properly prepared.
What are the treatments for worms?
Medical treatment
What if the results of the tests are disappointing? How to remove parasites? Modern medicine proves that a lot of diseases arise due to the presence of worms in a person, so the fight against parasites requires special tactics. The link of oncology to the long-term presence of parasites in the body has also been demonstrated. It is often difficult to recognize a worm infection, and doctors, based on a person's general discomfort, confuse helminthiasis with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Only after an accurate diagnosis and passing the necessary tests can one diagnose the disease and begin treatment.
Treatment of parasites includes complex therapy. As a result, not only the worms die, but the consequences of their vital activity are eliminated.
Together with deworming tablets, in the treatment of worms, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes are prescribed, which help to normalize the digestive process. In addition, the use of antihistamines is also not excluded. Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are prescribed if you have or are at risk for anemia.
Proper nutrition
Effective treatment also lies in the diet. During the period of treatment, exclude carbohydrates from the diet: cereals, pasta, potatoes - they cause difficulties with the functioning of the intestines. In particular, fish that is prohibited from processing are fish that have not been adequately heat-treated - white worms can be found in herring, sushi, pickled fish. It is recommended to use fermented milk products, ripe melon juice, garlic. Don't overlook pumpkin seeds - they're also a great preventative food for both adults and children.
Based on the results of the tests and the patient's condition, the duration of treatment is determined by the parasitologist and the infectious disease specialist.
It is important to remember that when at least one family member has worms, the whole family should take steps to prevent the disease. And if you have pets, so do they. Conduct heat treatment of underwear and bed linen, bathroom with disinfectant. Crockery and other household items must also be processed. After taking preventive measures for 2-3 weeks, the whole family should get tested for worm eggs.
Folk remedies against helminths
A phytotherapeutic agent is recommended in cases where the patient is intolerant of the drug. Herbal treatment is a long-term process that needs to be followed regularly and daily according to the regimen.
There is a universal collection that has many effects on parasites. His recipe is very simple. For this you need to take herbs:
- 2 tablespoons chamomile flowers;
- 1 tablespoon mistletoe leaves;
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus;
- 1 tablespoon thyme;
- 1 tbsp heshou wu;
- 1 tablespoon wild rosemary;
- 2 tablespoons money tree root;
- 2 tablespoons dandelion flowers;
- 2 tablespoons centaury.
We mix all the ingredients in a dry form, pour 2. 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. We then filtered and took a glass of the infusion in the morning and evening for 2 weeks. In severe cases, the course is extended to a month.
The uniqueness of the collection lies in the fact that it destroys most types of parasites, and at the same time does not harm the body. It can also be taken as a preventive measure. This collection should not be taken during pregnancy, as some herbs have abortive properties.
Treatment during pregnancy
What to do if a helminth infection is detected during pregnancy? After all, in this position you can't take strong drugs, and dewormers are just that. There are two opinions on this:
- Some doctors recommend starting treatment after childbirth, when there are no harmful effects of the drug on the fetus.
- Others insist that worm treatment should be started as soon as possible, since the parasites tend to invade the placenta and infect the baby's lungs, causing respiratory illnesses. It is also possible to have an abortion, spontaneous abortion, or premature birth. Therefore, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor and pass the necessary tests.
What to do if parasites are found in a child?
The responsibility for the treatment of children lies primarily with the parents. Not from the very first test you can detect worms in a child. There is a concept of an incubation period, and sometimes the parasite begins to manifest itself no earlier than 21-35 days after entering the body. Therefore, children are often assigned to have stool tests up to 3 times.
In addition, parents should understand that a dewormer is not just a vitamin pill, but a serious anthelmintic that should only be taken under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
Prevention of worms - effective method
Compliance with the rules of prevention will save you and your family from an unpleasant disease - helminthiasis, especially since they are so simple:
- Make sure to wash your hands after walking, before eating and after going to public places.
- If you have a pet that you love, take care of it, especially if there is a small child in the house that is in close contact with that animal. After all, in 60% of cases, it is the animals themselves who distribute the worms, carrying the parasites from the street into the wool of sheep and on their paws.
- Pour boiling water over fruits and vegetables before serving.
- Get rid of the habit of biting your nails and other foreign objects.
- The meat and fish that you eat, be prepared 100%.
- Only drink purified water from trusted sources.
- Avoid contact with someone who is sick until they have fully recovered, as kissing can also transmit helminth infections.
- Avoid places with a lot of insects, especially mosquitoes - they are carriers of many dangerous parasites.
- Conduct periodic deworming for pets 2 times / year. Off-season, in spring and autumn, the immunity is weakened, which is a favorable environment for the development of parasites. Farm animals are given anthelmintics for the first 10 days of life, and then in case of infection.
By adopting these simple prevention methods, you will protect yourself and your family from heartworm disease. The more time you spend on prevention, the less time you spend on treatment. Be healthy!