Worms can begin to parasitize in any person's body. It doesn't matter if it's an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are quite easy to detect during a routine physical examination. Many types of helminths are spontaneous, exiting the body to the outside environment through the anus. This happens during the spawning season and when the female lays eggs. It is possible to determine the type of parasites, their number and the duration of the life cycle during a complete laboratory examination.
Worm infection
If we talk about children, they have not yet understood that it is necessary to always observe the rules of personal hygiene, they learn the world all the time. They are constantly in contact with contaminated objects from the outside. But even conscious adults, who observe all the rules of hygiene, knowing about the possible serious consequences after the parasites enter the body, are often infected with helminths.
Ways of infection with helminths:
- contact with street animals;
- In public places. Large numbers of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in supermarkets, on doorknobs and banknotes;
- in swimming pools and reservoirs open in the summer;
- through poorly processed foods;
- helminths can enter the body through the outermost epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of diseases;
- room is too dusty. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Shaking hands and using a towel can lead to infection;
- failure to observe 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 spread 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 patient's body on the basis of a number of signs specific to a particular disease and a behavior pattern of the parasite. Life cycles and their developmental characteristics are of great importance. General symptoms of the vital activity of worms in the human body, how long they can live in the intestines, and diseases caused by various organs and systems are also identified.
The following types of worms can exist in the human body:
- roundworm. Refers to roundworms. It is parasitic mainly in the intestine. The average life cycle of nematodes is 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;
- ice worms. They are initially deposited in the intestines. Furthermore, they can spread throughout the body. Life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can grow up to 10 meters long. Representative: Tapeworm, beef tapeworm, pork tapeworm;
- flukes and flukes. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This is the most dangerous group of parasites to human health and life.
Each group of helminths presented includes the most famous parasites that infect the human body. Each type of helminth brings great harm 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 with adults is often difficult. But before starting treatment for helminthiasis, it is very important to determine exactly what type of helminth has settled in the body. For this, a laboratory diagnosis is made.
The main symptoms of worm infection
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations when constantly chewing people is advised to pass the appropriate tests. Increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, for example, disorders of metabolism or function of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find the cause, you should donate worm droppings.
However, there are times when there are parasites, a person loses their appetite. It can also be due to other causes. But if any confusing symptoms appear, it is better to see a specialist immediately.
Weight loss
If a person is healthy and begins to lose weight for no apparent reason, this should immediately warn. No matter what diet is applied, the weight will gradually decrease, not suddenly. Rapid weight loss may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Trichinosis is very insidious - its symptoms are very similar to many other diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract.
Itching and discomfort in the anal area
Usually people consider discomfort in the anal area as a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. It is because it is in this way that the parasite leaves the human body.
Of course, if such sensations appear, then it is better to check for the presence of worms and the development of hemorrhoids. This will help determine treatment strategies.
Anemia
One of the signs of helminthiasis is anemia. People rarely link these two phenomena, as they do not know that anemia can also be a symptom of the presence of parasites.
Changes in the composition of blood occur due to worms feeding on human blood, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person develops feelings of weakness or other unpleasant symptoms, a laboratory blood test is needed. With decreased hemoglobin values, you should contact your physician, who will issue a referral for stool examination to diagnose helminth infections.
Disruption of the digestive tract
An important factor in the identification of worms is disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If you have constipation or diarrhea, this may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs such as frequent heartburn, bloating, even vomiting are manifestations of helminthiasis. Usually, such symptoms indicate gastrointestinal problems, but worms can only be ruled out by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorder
Today, everyone is constantly faced with stressful situations. And vain people 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, or irritability, you should see your doctor.
If they are the cause of disorders on the part of the nervous system, then with the removal of the parasites from the body, the problems with the nervous system will also disappear.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths get into the lungs, thereby causing disruption of the respiratory system. One of the most common signs of a helminth infection is a persistent cough.
If a person is concerned about a persistent cough, while they do not have a sore throat and do not have other signs of respiratory diseases, it is advisable to get tested for parasites. Coughs can be caused by their activity. The same applies to a persistent runny nose, as the worms can even enter the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
When there are worms in the human body, immunity immediately drops. This is due to the fact that parasites use vital resources for normal human life. As a result, in the absence of them, the body automatically weakens. A persistent cold is a frequent and sure sign of a helminthic infection.
It should be clearly understood that with persistent colds, it is necessary to see a doctor and pass the appropriate tests.
Skin damage
The presence of helminths in the body usually manifests itself on the skin. Patches or rashes, redness, and blisters may appear on the face and body. All of 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 necessary to check for parasites if cosmetics and drugs do not help get rid of the rash.
Teeth grinding while sleeping
Obviously, a person himself cannot know if he or she grinds his teeth while sleeping. But everyone can 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 worms.
How to understand that a child has parasites?
The process of helminth infection in the child's body is difficult to diagnose based on the child's narrative alone. Since children are still unable to answer the questions correctly, the only way to determine if a child has worms is through a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of bad symptoms that may indicate the presence of parasites in their child.
First of all, babies may experience changes in behavior. He becomes moody and restless. On the contrary, if children become lethargic, lethargic, tired quickly, lose interest in games and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are some signs that are not immediately recognizable. Brittle nails and hair, increased salivation, peeling skin - all these can be symptoms of the presence of worms in the child's body.
The most likely symptom of a helminth infection is when a child scratches his bottom. Often cases of helminths, especially pinworms, come out through the anus. Basically, this process takes place during sleep. If parents notice worms in baby pots or on objects, they should immediately consult a doctor.
Common signs of an advanced roundworm infestation
Typical signs of the prolonged presence of worms in the body are symptoms of general intoxication, combined with signs of gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and a weakened immune system. Including:
- Inflammation of the skin.
- Coma, headache, migraine.
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea, rarely vomiting.
- Halitosis.
- Weight fluctuations (sudden weight loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternates with constipation.
- Frequent recurrent colds and viral diseases (due to weakened immunity).
- Anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Miscarriage and menstrual cycle disruption in women.
- Children are slow to develop, slow to grow.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of worm infection appears, you should see a doctor immediately/
Worms can't just live in the gut. When the parasite settles in the lungs, the telltale signs of worms will be as follows: fever, difficulty breathing, cough, and bloody sputum. When listening to the lungs, there will be a pronounced wheezing sound. Any infection that is transmitted by airborne droplets is so easily attached to the patient.
Echinococci, settling in the liver, cause dysfunction of this organ and the appearance of "liver" symptoms.
Therefore, worms have a rather strong negative effect on the entire body, causing various symptoms. Trichinosis is difficult to respond to drug treatment, so treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Check for worms
Only laboratory tests can 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;
- stool analysis is considered uninformative, since not every type of helminth can be found in a single material;
- chemical blood test helps to determine the level of hemoglobin and determine the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
- PCR reaction is designed to detect parasite DNA in blood. It is one of the most accurate research methods. This reaction shows the exact type of helminth and its number of individuals in the human body;
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay involves studying the patient's blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which gives rise to the idea that the immune system has activated protection against the parasite.
In some cases, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound, tomography and radiography. All organs should be carefully examined, as most helminths are capable of moving throughout the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. Diagnosis will depend on the type of worm, which organ and how badly it is affected.
Best medicine for worms
The most effective anthelmintic remedy can only be selected after the exact type of worm has been identified. Not all medications work against certain types of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of a disease caused by parasites. At first, it is advisable to take absorbents (for example, activated carbon) so that they bind and remove from the body harmful substances from the life activity of the parasites that accumulate in large quantities. Then they actually take the dewormer).
The course of drug treatment is usually 3 weeks. Before using the drug, it is better to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not bring the desired results, and sometimes even lead to undesirable consequences.
Taking any medicine must be coordinated with the doctor, because there are cases when they are not effective. If there is an exacerbation of worm infestation, you should urgently consult a doctor.
Such treatment includes the use of sorbents and anthelmintics, but also includes therapy that restores all internal organs and systems. To do this, take the following measures:
- injection with ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and vitamin B;
- Infusion therapy with glucose solution, saline.
All other medicines are prescribed separately depending on the underlying health problem. All treatment procedures must be carried out under the close supervision of the attending physician. Can only be taken at home alone. But they must be taken according to the regimen prescribed by the treating specialist.
Folk remedies for worm disease in adults
Traditional methods are only complementary to the main drug treatment. To do this, you only need to use proven natural ingredients and formulas. It is better to buy all the ingredients in a pharmacy or from trusted healers.
Garlic enema. The solution for this process is prepared as follows: 6 cloves of peeled and chopped garlic put in a cup of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter sage extract. One teaspoon of dry crushed mixture is poured with two cups of boiling water. The mixture is well cooled. For sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of honey. Do it 3 times a day.
There are many effective folk remedies against worms, but all of them should be added in addition to the main treatment.
Tapeworm collection. It is taken twice: in the morning and before going to bed. Main ingredients: wormwood, buckthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin Seeds - Helps get rid of tapeworms. Raw seeds are cleaned and ground. Pour two cups of water and add a tablespoon of honey. All this is well mixed and drunk in a teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours, you need to use an enema to clean up.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
Preventing the appearance of worms in the body is much easier than curing it. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene, know how to properly disinfect the premises and restrooms.
There are several other rules that are advised to follow in order not to get infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables must always be heat treated;
- be careful when buying seafood, milk and eggs;
- Use only boiled or purified water.
Wash your hands, wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, eat only foods that have been shown to ensure health and prevent helminth disease
In the summer, you need to keep your hands clean, so it's important to have a wet towel with you, and in the winter to wear gloves for safety. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transportation, shops, restrooms) If you must travel by public transport, you should wash your hands or wipe with a wet cloth afterwards. .
At the pharmacy, you can buy medicine to prevent worms as well as deworm if parasites have entered the body.
Prescription drugs must be selected individually by a doctor, based on the patient's medical condition, the chemical composition of the drug, and a particular person's allergic reaction to certain ingredients.
Wash your hands, wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, eat only foods that have been proven to ensure health and prevent helminth disease.