There are about 250 species of worms that threaten the health of an adult. The disease helminthosis develops as a result of infection with parasitic worms. Vital activity of worms in internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infections, but children have a higher rate of infection.
Most of the worms live in the body, only there they lay their eggs and die after some time.
Forms of parasitic worms and features of their development
Based on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:
- biological worms. Several owners change during the full development cycle. Among them are tapeworms, nematodes, echinococcus.
- Geohelminths. Can spread without intermediate hosts, but through soil. People become infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Main representatives: roundworm, whipworm, nectaries.
- Helminths transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes pins and dwarf tape.
More than 150 species of helminths registered in humans are known.
Parasites also differ in their location in the body:
- Tissue affects internal organs and the tissues that make up their composition;
- cavitary lives in the lumen of the intestine, absorbs nutrients necessary for humans.
Externally, helminths are divided into 3 groups:
- round worms;
- flat worms;
- fluxes.
Methods of infection with helminths
In most cases, parasites enter the host body in the following ways:
- Worm larvae or eggs, along with faeces, get into the soil or water, infecting humans by ingesting unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the probability of water bodies being invaded increases.
- by contact with a sick person or common objects. This mode of distribution is typical for pins. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, as a result of which the eggs remain on the hands and underwear. Subsequently, they enjoy in a healthy person.
- Infection with tapeworms occurs when eating raw and undercooked meat. Worms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
- Insects can carry eggs and worm larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential infestation.
The life cycle of the vast majority of parasites includes the release of a large number (millions) of eggs, which, after entering the human body, turn into larvae after some time.
The development of the parasite in the human body can cause acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and lasts up to two months. Chronic infection can last a lifetime if left untreated.
The main types of helminths that parasitize humans
Each form of the microorganism is characterized by damage to a certain organ and corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of receiving nutrients - at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, human metabolism is disturbed, anemia and other types of diseases develop.
There are different forms of helminths:
- Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine and larvae can travel through the circulatory system to the lungs. They belong to geohelminths, infection occurs when consuming unwashed vegetables, fruits and water. Parasite eggs are also collected on sand.
- Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution zone - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of the parasite, enterobiasis occurs. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
- Tape helminths. Among them are cattle and pig worms, broad tape. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at a rapid rate, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body consists of many parts, contains reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases are formed. It is localized in the small intestine, damages the mucous membrane of the epithelium. Accumulates in the lumen of the intestine and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs when eating undercooked beef, pork or fish.
- Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like a hair with a thickened back. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it reaches the blood vessels and is fed by tissue fluid. Lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and cancer. The source of invasion is unwashed products.
The insidiousness of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises other diseases.
The parasite develops from an egg to a sexually mature individual within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or mild. If left untreated, intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the fact that the disease will turn into a chronic one.
Signs of the disease with helminthic infestation
The main symptoms of worm infection are:
- weakness and fatigue;
- pain in the intestines;
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea;
- Swelling of the face or whole body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, cough and choking;
- skin rash that causes itching;
- Pain in the joints.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths have appeared about these harmful organisms.
The effects of deworming are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between the pathologies lies in the specific signs of body dysfunction. Depending on the type of helminth, there may be:
- increased salivation, a slight increase in temperature, hives with ascariasis;
- Frequent urge to urinate, disturbed sleep, painful pain in the navel area when infected with pins;
- Nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
- Yellowness of the sclera, vertigo, heaviness in the liver, pains in the whole body in case of intrusion of chips.
Timely detection of worms with the help of tests and use of effective treatment is important.
The symptoms of helminthiasis directly depend on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Methods of material sampling for the detection of intestinal parasites
The main analysis that allows you to accurately determine the presence of worms is the study of feces. The material is sent to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. It is not allowed to use laxatives and inject urine on the material. The stool container should be stored in a refrigerator at 4-5 degrees before sending to the laboratory.
In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:
- immunological test;
- blood and urine analysis;
- Vaginal scraping in women and girls;
- Examination of sputum in the presence of cough;
- ultrasound and endoscopy;
- Bile analysis.
ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect helminths in the body.
A person can be infected with one type of helminths, or several. As a rule, the presence of single individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the population of worms causes severe damage to internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. Symptoms of the disease intensify at night, which additionally affects resistance to the parasite.
Methods of treatment of helminthic infestations
Specialized drugs affect different groups of helminths. Medicines can be used both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescribe medication only after you have identified the type of worm that has entered the body.
Adult roundworms and worms are killed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and reproduce.
Modern tablets for worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasites to the drugs.
Vlasoglav is affected by drugs containing mebendazole and albendazole. Iron-containing preparations are necessary to eliminate the effects of rectal prolapse.
The course of treatment is strictly prescribed by the attending physician. Self-help medication is unacceptable due to various contraindications.
Use of traditional medicine
The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, after grinding and adding honey. The recommended dose is about 300 grams per hour. After taking it, it is necessary to clean the stomach with laxatives.
Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- tanzi
- genian yellow;
- Immortal Sandman;
- garlic.
Folk remedies for the treatment of worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
Worm decoction is recommended to be used as an enema. It is possible to use fresh herb juice mixed with alcohol. Carrot and its juice also destroy parasites.
Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness
Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any type of parasite. The concept and rules of personal hygiene should be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the likelihood of disease.
Purified or boiled water should be available around the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquid. Vegetables and fruits are best washed with boiling water.
Care should be taken when dealing with animals. Pets should be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Don't forget routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.
Vaccination will minimize the risk of losing a family member to one of the common diseases.
It is possible to use preventive measures prescribed by the doctor. Worm infections can turn into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of worms getting into the human body.