Helminths can begin to parasitize the body of any person. It doesn’t matter if it’s an adult or a child. Many parasites that live in the human body are fairly easy to spot with routine medical examinations. Many helminths are released, exiting the body into the external environment through the anus. This happens during the mating season and when the female lays eggs. It will be possible to determine the type of parasites, their number and duration of the life cycle during the complete laboratory examination.
Worm infection
If we are talking about children, then they still do not understand that it is necessary to always follow the rules of personal hygiene, they are constantly learning the world. They often come into contact with foreign contaminated objects. But even conscious adults, respecting all hygiene rules, knowing about the serious consequences that can occur after the parasite enters the body, often become infected with helminths.
Ways of helminthiasis infection:
- in contact with street animals;
- in public places. A large number of bacteria can be found on handrails, in vehicles, in supermarkets, on handles and banknotes;
- in the pool and open tanks in summer;
- through poorly processed foods;
- helminths can enter the body through the outer layer of the epidermis from contaminated soil;
- insects often become carriers of infection;
- too dusty rooms. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract;
- Handling and using a single towel can lead to infection;
- Failure to follow the rules of personal hygiene can lead to worm infection.
Contact with street animals and pets is one of the most common ways of infecting parasites.
So don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water after visiting public places. Avoid dirty rooms, use antibacterial wipes to disinfect your hands.
Types of worms that can be found in the human body
Helminths can be recognized in the body on the basis of a series of signs that are characteristic of a certain disease and the form of behavior of parasites. Their life cycle and developmental 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 intestines, and diseases caused by various organs and systems are also determined.
The following types of worms can exist in the human body:
- nematodes. 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 whips;
- tapeworms. They initially settle in the intestines. Furthermore, they can spread throughout the body. The life cycle is about 20 years. Some individuals can be up to 10 meters long. Representatives: tapeworm, bovine and porcine tapeworm;
- flukes and flukes. They can affect both internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. This group of parasites is the most dangerous for human health and life.
Each of the presented groups of helminths includes the most well-known types 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 type of helminth has settled in the body. Laboratory diagnostics are performed for this.
The main symptoms of a worm infection
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite is the first sign of parasites in the body. Very often there are situations when people who chew constantly are advised to pass the appropriate tests. Increased appetite can also be caused by other problems, for example, metabolic disorders or the functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, to find out the reason, you should donate worm feces.
However, there are cases when a person loses appetite in the presence of parasites. This may be for 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 losing weight for no reason, they should be warned immediately. Even if any diet is used, the weight should disappear gradually, not abruptly. Rapid weight loss may 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
People often think that discomfort in the anal area is a sign of hemorrhoids. And few people understand that these unpleasant sensations can be caused by worms. This is because in this way the parasites leave the human body.
Of course, if such feelings occur, then it is better 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 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 the suction of human blood by worms, which leads to a decrease in the levels of red blood cells - red blood cells. If a person gets a feeling of weakness or other unpleasant symptoms, a laboratory blood test should be done. In case of reduced hemoglobin values, it is recommended to consult your doctor, who will issue a referral for examination of feces for the diagnosis of helminthiasis.
Digestive tract disorder
An important factor in the determination of worms are disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or diarrhea are common, it may indicate the presence of parasites in the body.
Signs such as frequent heartburn, bloating, and even vomiting indicate helminths. Most often, such symptoms indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but worms can only be ruled out by passing the necessary tests.
Nervous system disorders
Today, everyone is constantly facing stressful situations. And people in vain 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 feel drowsy, lethargic, general weakness, irritability, you need to make an appointment with a doctor.
If they are the cause of disorders on the side of the nervous system, then the elimination of parasites from the body will eliminate the problems with the nervous system.
Chronic runny nose and cough
It happens that helminths enter the lungs, thus causing a disorder of the respiratory system. One of the most common signs of helminthiasis is a persistent cough.
If a person is worried about a persistent cough, and there is no sore throat and no other signs of respiratory tract disease, it is worth checking for parasites. Cough can be caused by their activity. The same goes for persistent runny nose, as worms can penetrate even the nasopharynx.
Frequent colds
In the presence of worms in the human body, immunity is immediately reduced. This is due to the fact that parasites use those resources that are vital for normal human life. As a result, with their deficiency, the body automatically weakens. Persistent cold is a common and sure sign of helminthiasis.
It is necessary to clearly understand that with persistent colds it is necessary to pass 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, ulcers may appear on the skin of the face and body. All these formations can begin to peel. Here again the question can be asked about the nature of these rashes, since their occurrence is not always associated with helminthiasis.
It is worth checking for parasites if cosmetics and medications do not help get rid of the rash.
Strong gnashing of teeth in sleep
Obviously, the person himself cannot know if he is gnashing his teeth during sleep. But everyone is able to notice such a symptom in someone close. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor immediately and pass all the necessary tests for the presence of parasites in the body. The sooner a person starts treatment, the faster the worm will get rid of.
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. Since children still cannot answer questions accurately, the only way to determine if a child has worms is to do a stool test.
However, parents should be aware of bad symptoms that may indicate the presence of parasites in a child.
First of all, the baby may experience changes in behavior. He becomes moody and restless. On the other hand, if a child becomes lethargic, apathetic, gets tired quickly, loses interest in games and learning, this is also a cause for concern.
There are a number of signs that cannot be recognized immediately. 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 helminthiasis is when the baby scratches his buttocks. 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 on things, they should see a doctor immediately.
Common signs of advanced helminthic invasion
Typical signs of the long-term 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. This includes:
- Skin rash.
- Lethargy, headache, migraine.
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating.
- Painful cramps in the abdomen.
- Nausea, infrequent vomiting.
- Breath.
- Weight fluctuations (sudden weight loss or weight gain).
- Discomfort in the anus.
- Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
- Frequent recurrent colds and viral diseases (as a result of reduced immunity).
- Anemia.
- Painful urination.
- Abortions and menstrual disorders in women.
- Children have developmental delays, growth retardation.
- Memory and academic problems.
If at least one of the signs of a worm infection appears, contact your doctor immediately.
Helminths can live not only in the intestines. When the parasites settle in the lungs, the signs of worms will be as follows: fever, shortness of breath, cough, sputum with blood. There will be an obvious whistling when listening to the lungs. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets is easily attached to such a patient.
Echinococci, settling in the liver, cause dysfunction of this organ and the appearance of "hepatic" symptoms.
Thus, worms have a rather strong negative effect on the whole body, causing various symptoms. Helminthiasis is difficult to respond to drug therapy, so treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis.
Worm tests
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 patient complaints. Clinical analyzes include:
- scraping is the simplest and most reliable way. A swab is taken from the folds of the anus and the presence of helminth eggs is determined;
- fecal analysis is considered uninformative because not every helminth can be found in a single material;
- a chemical blood test helps determine hemoglobin levels and determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
- The PCR reaction is designed to detect the DNA of parasites in the blood. This is one of the most accurate research methods. This reaction accurately shows the type of helminth and the number of its individuals in the human body;
- The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay involves studying the patient's blood. In this case, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies is determined, which gives the idea 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 capable of migrating through the human body. In some cases, biopsy material is taken from the affected organs. The diagnosis of the disease will depend on the type of helminth, what the organs are and how much they are affected.
The best remedy for earthworms
It is possible to choose the most effective remedy for the fight against worms only after the type of worm has been precisely determined. Not all drugs are active against certain classes of worms.
It is quite difficult to get rid of a parasitic disease. Initially, it is recommended to take sorbents (for example, activated carbon) by binding and removing from the body toxic substances from the vital activity of parasites that accumulate in large quantities. Then they actually take anthelmintic drugs).
The course of treatment with tablets is usually 3 weeks. It is better to consult a doctor before using medication. Self-medication may not bring the desired results and sometimes even lead to unwanted consequences.
Taking any medication must always be coordinated with your doctor as there are cases where they are ineffective. If the helminthic invasion worsens, consult your doctor immediately.
Such treatment consists of the use of sorbents and anthelmintic drugs, but it 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 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. But they must be taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the treatment specialist.
Folk remedies for earthworms in adults
Traditional methods only supplement the main drug treatment. To do this, you need to use only well-proven natural ingredients and recipes. It is better to buy all the ingredients at the pharmacy or from proven healers.
Enema with garlic. The solution for the procedure is prepared as follows: 6 cloves of peeled and well-chopped garlic are added to a glass of water. Insist for two hours.
Bitter wormwood extract. A teaspoon of the dry chopped mixture is poured over two glasses of boiling water. The mixture was cooled well. You can add a teaspoon of honey for sweetness. Take 3 times a day.
There are many effective folk remedies in the fight against worms, but they should all be an adjunct to the main treatment.
A collection of ribbons. It is taken twice: in the morning and at bedtime. Main ingredients: wormwood, buckthorn, wild carrot, mint, valerian. The course of treatment with such a collection is 3 days.
Pumpkin seeds - help get rid of tapeworms. The raw seeds are cleaned and well crushed. Pour two glasses of water and add a teaspoon of honey. Mix it all well and take a teaspoon for an hour. After a few hours it is necessary to put an enema to cleanse.
Prevention of parasitic diseases
It is much easier to prevent the appearance of worms in the body than to cure it. To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, to know how to properly disinfect living and toilet areas.
There are a number of other rules that are advised to follow so as not to get infected with worms:
- fruits and vegetables should always be thermally 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
You need to keep your hands clean in the summer, so it’s important to have wet wipes with you, and in the winter to wear gloves for safety. If possible, avoid contact with surfaces in public places (transport, shops, toilets). If you have to travel by public transport, then you should wash your hands or wipe with a wet cloth.
You can buy medicines at the pharmacy to prevent worms, as well as to remove them if the parasites have already entered the body.
Prescribed drugs must be selected by the doctor individually, based on the patient's health condition, chemical composition of the drug and allergic reactions of a particular person to certain components.
Clean hands, well-washed vegetables and fruits, eating only proven foods are a guarantee of health and prevention of helminthiasis.