Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the region of residence and social level, varies from 20 to 80%. The percentage of infection is particularly high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Over 280 types of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. Signs of helminthiasis differ depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main causes of the invasion
Worms are parasites whose typical habitat is the human body. There are factors that trigger the infection. In the overwhelming majority of cases, helminthic diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with the standards and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways that parasites enter the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when the eggs and larvae of worms enter the digestive tract as a result of consuming foods that include raw, semi-cooked, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible through the transfer of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy person. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs on contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- In the event of a bite by blood-sucking insects. This method of invasion is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Important!Helminths in adults and children appear due to the use of poor-quality food products and non-compliance with standards and rules of personal hygiene. The exclusion of these factors is the best option for the prevention of helminthic invasion.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the species of helminth, the degree of damage to organs and tissues, as well as the individual characteristics of the infected person. The general and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss, provided that the previous diet is maintained, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergies, decreased immunity anda deterioration in general well-being.
Symptoms of parasite infestation are divided into several distinct subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the place of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by the poisoning of the body with toxic substances and decomposition products released during the life of the parasites. These signs include trouble sleeping, irritability, tearing, depression, tremors in the limbs.
- Digestive disorders. There are nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, a systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain localized in the middle of the abdomen, gas.
- Allergic reactions and decreased immune forces of the body. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and parasite waste.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnostic
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a careful study of the patient's history, identifying a predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most often used:
- Study of feces, contents of the duodenum, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify eggs, larvae, dead and living parasites. Diagnosis of helminths, carried out under laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed from the moment of infection.
- Investigation using serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. One of the most effective is a blood test for any helminthiasis. Before conducting a study of hemolymph for the detection of parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended to first familiarize yourself with the rules for performing tests.
- To detect parasites, the typical habitat of which is liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and x-rays are used.
To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules for performing the tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, at the end of medical treatment, repeated tests are recommended to exclude a relapse of helminthiasis.
Medical treatment
The treatment of helminthiasis requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate therapy methods are selected, the action of which is aimed at eliminating discomfort and improving well-being. of the patient.
There are three main stages in the treatment of helminthic invasion: preparation, direct drug therapy, and recovery. It is also important to eliminate the pronounced signs of helminth infection, the manifestation of which can cause discomfort to the patient. During the preparation period, it is recommended to follow a strict diet based on the use of only natural, steamed or baked products, as well as taking drugs that improve digestion.
The treatment regimen is compiled individually. The last stage of treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. For this, drugs with an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
In the fight against helminthiasis, homemade natural products with antiparasitic properties help. They should only be used after medical advice. In addition, homemade medicines are not a panacea against worms; they must be used as part of complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safe recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you need to eat at least one glass of raw seeds per day during the week. For children, the dosage can be reduced by half.
- Garlic enema. To prepare the solution, boil a large head of garlic in a glass of natural cow's milk for ten minutes. Then remove the root vegetable, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and then use it as directed. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure in combination with taking medication.
- Fresh garlic, onions and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help remove the worms and prevent re-infection.
- A savings scheme also belongs to folk methods. It is recommended to significantly change the diet, limiting it only to vegetables and fruits, which can be eaten both fresh and after heat treatment. You need to follow such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very beneficial in improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Important!The above traditional medicine methods can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infections
Parasite prevention is a must. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat dishes prepared from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly, then boil the fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Carry out preventive deworming of domestic animals, which can be direct sources of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you should visit a doctor regularly for tests to identify the parasites. You must undergo preventive examinations at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool establishments. Helminthic infestation is easier to cure in the early stages of infection.