The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body that are classified as roundworms according to the modern classification date back to BC.
The term "helminth", which is common today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been collected.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this diversity of helminths is classified as lower worms of the Scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- Flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- Roundworms, which comprise one broad class of nematodes;
- Spiny worms;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by the first two types of helminths (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the body of humans or animals called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,Their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the "host";
- biohelminths,Their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and in the process of development such worms can change several "hosts".
There are also so-calledA group of infectious helminths.These parasites can be transmitted to the human body by close contact with an infected person;This type includes pins and duct tape.
The most common nematode helminth infections are:
- Ascariasis caused by human roundworm;
- Toxocariasis, which develops when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- Trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- Enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by the parasitism of the worm and nekator;
- strongyloidosis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- Trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- Filariasis, their cause is filariae, which are also called threads.
The following diseases are distinguished among cestodiases:
- Diphyllobothriasis, causing - wide ribbon;
- teniarinhoz caused by cow tape;
- Taenia or cysticercosis caused by swine tapeworm;
- Hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidosis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the disease is caused by echinococcus or echinococcus tape;
- Alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
The following helminthoses are often diagnosed from trematodes:
- Fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- Opisthorchiasis, its cause is parasitism of the cat's navel;
- Clonorchiasis caused by Chinese fluke;
- Metagonimiasis, causative agent - Metagonimus;
- Schistosomiasis (genital, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoan diseases caused by the presence of single-celled protozoa: amoeba, malaria plasmodium, trypanosoma, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with on a daily basis.These microorganisms are found everywhere: in soil, sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, pools, pet fur, paws and saliva.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, parasites die in the body of a healthy person and are excreted from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, immunodeficient people, with diseases of the digestive tract and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Their life activities are accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- Negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.Larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes, etc.) destroy the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes when they enter the body.Dwarf tape causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine to its deeper layers.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, there is a mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, which causes jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there they enter almost any organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the leading symptoms of the disease.The penetration of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of damage and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively "harmless" worms and roundworms in most cases cause disruption of the digestive tract.And the entry of protozoa into the body (for example, amoebas) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To get rid of some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, taking infusions with buttons cleaned with garlic and soda, celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive infestations, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.Long-term drug therapy and restoration of the basic functions of the digestive tract are required to destroy the worms.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways of appearance of parasites in the human body:
- Oral hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of pets and birds, on which there are eggs and larvae of parasites along with soil particles.In this way you can be infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- It is xenotrophic when consuming raw meat, milk, fish and seafood as food.This way of transmission is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Contact, for example, through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- This is how toxoplasmosis is transplacentally transmitted from mother to fetus.
Taking into account the reality of modern home medicine, they try to postpone the visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since the drugs for removing helminths can be purchased in all pharmacies without a prescription.But everything is not as simple as it seems.Antiparasitic agents are not uniform in their therapeutic activity;In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of the dose 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 its actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, during the last return from exotic countries, special studies are needed to identify the pest);
- appointment of general blood analysis, stool, coprogram;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis accurately determines the disease-causing agent;
- Assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- Identification of possible co-morbidities that may be a contraindication to the prescription of certain medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infections is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the location
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by a lot of sharp bleeding.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to disruption of metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of skin, nails and hair deteriorates.People lose weight quickly and suffer from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs through the release of toxins.The immune system reacts accordingly to their appearance, so if there are parasites in the human body, there will definitely be symptoms of an allergic reaction.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which are manifested in the form of weakness, irritability, insomnia, nervous breakdown and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion in human heart tissues occurs against the background of severe myocardial dysfunction.
Patients complain:
- Shortness of breath
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- Feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
Adding to the inflammatory process can lead to pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by an increase in body temperature and severe pain in the heart.
Epidermal helminthoses are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body, when some worms invade the skin, may look like this:
- Ulcers in places of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths;
- the appearance of vein-like swellings;
- The appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites in the eye depend on several factors.If the helminth "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment, and limited vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, symptoms first appear in the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- pain and discomfort in the abdomen of varying intensity;
- Diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this is especially characteristic in the initial stages of infection;
- mixing of mucus and blood in stool;
- the appearance of painful spasms in parallel with the desire to defecate;
- Decreased or lack of appetite;
- Flatulence, flatulence.
As a result of disruption of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, roundworm balls can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.Moreover, such an 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, despite the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance of physical activity are common.
Also, 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 upward, and the body temperature often rises.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern medicines make it possible to quickly and without any side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and fully restore their functionality.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method was created to fight worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the creators of this method, each cell of our body is not motionless in one place, but is in 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 that of our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to biologically active points.They send waves of a given length, which do not affect the functioning of a person's own cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm or cause complications.
Not many drugs are actually used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The doctor chooses the dose, mode and duration of use of the drugs depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.
For relatively mild helminthic infestation, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily made at home, and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, doctors recommend:
- Eat as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as you can.
- Buy regular cloves that are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Add a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots to a cup of boiling water and soak in a water bath for 15 minutes.Allow to cool completely and take 3 tbsp.L.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.L.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.L.Clove, grind and take 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture in 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to hygiene rules known to everyone from early childhood.This is washing hands before eating, after going to the toilet, and after returning for a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants is also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every step, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To prevent severe complications of infection, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the state of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you should consult a doctor, undergo prescribed tests and complete a full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.