The history of helminths dates back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", popular today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about the parasite has accumulated.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All these types of helminths are classified as lower worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- Flatworms are the class cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (trematodes);
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- gnathostomiasis;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 species in total).Helminths go through the main stages of their life cycle in the human or animal body, called the host.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- earthworm,Their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the “host”;
- biological helminths,Their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and during development, such worms can change several "hosts".
There is also a group called infectious worms.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;This category includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common helminth infections are:
- Ascariasis is caused by roundworms in humans;
- Ascariasis, which occurs when roundworms invade an animal's intestines;
- trichocephalopathy, which develops as a result of whipworm infection;
- intestinal diseases caused by pinworms;
- hookworms, the appearance of which is due to parasitic hookworms and hookworms;
- strongyloidiasis, caused by intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis is caused by the parasite of the same name;
- trichinosis is caused by one of four types of Trichinella;
- Filariasis, the cause of which is filariasis, also known as filariasis.
Among cestodiases, the following diseases are distinguished:
- diphtheria, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- teniarinhoz caused by beef tapeworm;
- tapeworm disease or hydatid disease caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- Diphtheria caused by parasitic dog tapeworm;
- Echinococcosis, the cause of which is Echinococcus tapeworm or Echinococcal tapeworm;
- alveoli, pathogens - alveoli.
Among the types of helminths, the following types of helminths are often diagnosed:
- Fasciola disease, causative agent - Fasciola Vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, caused by parasitic cat trematodes;
- Clonorchosis caused by Chinese tapeworm;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- Schistosomiasis (genital, intestinal, Japanese), caused by the parasite of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoa diseases due to the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoeba, malaria plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in soil, sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, bathtubs and saunas, ponds and lakes, on the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In most cases, in a healthy human body, the parasites die and are eliminated from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females still occurs.
Their life activities come with:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of allergic reactions, leading to the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative effects of toxic waste of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites cause mechanical damage to various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many types of worms (strongyloides, schistosomiasis and others) when entering the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tapeworms cause structural changes in the small intestinal epithelium to its deepest layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, as the larvae develop, mechanical compression of surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, leading to jaundice.
The digestive tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms penetrate the main blood vessels and from there enter most organs.Determining the location of the main focus of parasite development determines the leading symptoms of the disease.Invasion of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the damage and clinical symptoms and treatment methods depend on the type of parasite.Pinworms and roundworms are relatively “harmless” and in most cases cause gastrointestinal disorders.And invasion of the body by protozoa (eg, amoeba) can cause meningitis, pericarditis and death.The parasite settles in the skin, visual organs, brain and muscle tissue.
To get rid of some types of helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enema with garlic and soda, infusion of celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But when there is a severe and widespread infection, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy worms, long-term drug treatment is needed and help restore the basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of filariasis can be prevented by taking certain preventative measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Orally via hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of pets and birds, on which parasite eggs and larvae along with soil particles are located.In this way, you can get infected with roundworms, intestinal worms and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food such as meat, milk, fish and seafood that has not been thermally processed.This route of transmission is typical of trichinosis and taenosis.
- For example, when coming into contact with the pores of the skin, schistosomiasis enters the body (they live in hot climates).
- Bloodborne transmission by insect bites (eg, filariasis).
- Through the placenta from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Considering the realities of modern family medicine, they try to postpone the visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs for the treatment of helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription in every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Antiparasitic means are not identical in terms of therapeutic action;In addition, different types of worms “require” individual selection of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of his actions is as follows:
- examine the patient and collect a history (for example, people recently returned from foreign countries require special studies to identify the pest);
- Order general blood tests, stool, coprogram;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately identify the causative agent of the disease;
- assess the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identify possible comorbidities, which may be contraindications to the prescription of certain medications.
This is very important!
Self-treatment of helminth infections is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites in the body depend on the location of localization
Tissue damage caused by helminths is accompanied by multiple hemorrhages.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to disruption of metabolism and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair will worsen.A person quickly loses weight and often suffers from viral and infectious diseases.
In addition, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs along with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance appropriately, so if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly appear.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, manifesting themselves in the form of irritability, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration of health.
The development of parasite invasion into the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of severe disorders in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain about:
- shortness of breath;
- heart rate changes;
- feeling of lack of air;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of the inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by increased body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiasis is relatively rare.As a rule, they develop based on damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when some types of worms penetrate the skin may be as follows:
- ulcers in areas exposed to feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during helminth migration;
- the formation of bumps that resemble the shape of the vein;
- appearance of pustules.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the worm "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, you may be able to feel or even see its movements.However, as the worms move deeper into the visual nervous system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment and limited vision.Without appropriate treatment, the development of ocular helminthiasis can lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of most helminths.That is why if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly in the digestive system.
Patients often complain about:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdomen;
- diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this is especially typical in the early stages of infection;
- mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the appearance of painful contractions simultaneously with the urge to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence, bloating.
Due to disruption of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a roundworm can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.Moreover, such invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness often occur, despite compliance with the daily regimen, frequent weakness and intolerance of physical activity.
In addition, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes in an increasing direction, and body temperature often increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a strange "organism" in the body should not be a reason to panic.Modern drugs can quickly and without any side effects clear all organs of helminths and completely restore their functions.
Parasites in humans: treatment and prevention methods
Recently, some private clinics have announced that a new safe method has been created to fight worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell in our body is not motionless in one place, but is in a constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from the tissues of our body.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the activity of the human's own cells, but destroy the body of the parasite.
Advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment has not been proven and the treatment equipment does not have appropriate certification.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and does not cause complications.
There are actually not many drugs used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage of the drug, regimen and duration of use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient's age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.
For relatively mild helminth infections, traditional medicine recipes should be used.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the ingredients are sold in any pharmacy.
To expel worms from the intestines, doctors advise:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy cloves commonly used for cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: the first day 0.5 g, the second day - 1 g, and from the third to ninth day - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a spoonful of crushed and dried nettle roots into a cup of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave until completely cool and take 3 tbsp.I.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe vera and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and drink a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.I.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.I.Cloves, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the grated coconut pulp and coconut milk well.Use this mixture 1 teaspoon.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing human parasites from appearing in the intestines and other tissues is strict compliance with the rules of hygiene that everyone knows from childhood.That is washing your hands before eating, after going to the toilet and returning from a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh fruits and vegetables from contaminants are also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every step, so encountering them is almost inevitable.To prevent serious complications due to invasion, it is necessary to strengthen immune defenses and monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you must consult a doctor, carry out the prescribed tests and complete the entire course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.