In the body of an adult, various microscopic cohabitants live. Most of them are beneficial and are our symbiotes. These include about 500 species of bacteria that live primarily in the intestines. However, many forms of life, penetrating into the human body, begin to parasitize and poison the health of the host.
One type of unwanted neighbors are worms. They are parasitic worms that infect the intestines, liver, lungs and, in rare cases, muscles. All types of parasitic worms are united under the name helminths, and their infection is helminthiasis.
To answer the question of how to treat worms, it is necessary to understand how they enter the human body. There are main routes of infection:
- Through soil when infected with worms that spend part of their life cycle on land. Their developing eggs or larvae fall on vegetables and fruits, which are then eaten. Infected with helminths through the soil, animals then transfer them to humans.
- By contact with an infected person. The larvae can spread through bedding, towels, and other items an infected patient has used. According to statistics, helminths are present in the body of 60% of the population, migrants of Asian origin are a special risk group.
- By eating contaminated meat or fish. Worm eggs and larvae are destroyed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Sometimes insect bites can be the cause of the infection.
Once in the human body, the worms actively multiply and release toxic waste. Their accumulation and their increase in number increase the symptoms of malaise. In order to get rid of the parasite, you need to see a doctor and undergo treatment.
Signs of worm infection in an adult
The presence of a parasite in the organs can be determined by external signs. These include skin manifestations that significantly aggravate his condition and cause itching. For example, inflammation, acne, cracked heels, nail stratification.
Worm infection has similar symptoms to other diseases. The strengthening of various manifestations depends on the location of the helminth. In addition to rashes, intestinal disorders are characteristic:
- unstable stools;
- specific smell from the mouth, increased gas formation;
- nausea;
- itching in the anus;
- weight loss with parallel increase in appetite.
Parasitic toxins also affect the nervous system, causing headaches and irritability. With a significant increase in the number of helminthic individuals, memory problems and depression may appear. The immune system is not restored due to a lack of important vitamins and elements. A person is constantly sick under the influence of viruses and bacteria. If the respiratory system is affected, coughing and choking attacks may occur.
If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor. A specialist, using the test results and a thorough examination, will establish the form of the parasite and prescribe medication.
Types of helminths that parasitize the human body
Treatment of the disease is prescribed depending on the type of parasite that has settled in the internal organs. Various worms affect certain tissues and cause specific symptoms.
The main forms of infection with parasitic worms are distinguished:
- Enterobiosis is formed under the influence of pinworms. Small round organisms are localized in the intestines and cause severe itching on the skin of the anus.
- Trichinella enters the muscles through the blood vessel system. Symptoms appear suddenly and unexpectedly in the form of fever, fever, swelling of the eyelids and face.
- Vlasoglavy belongs to nematodes and affects the large intestine. Signs of illness are mild or absent. There may be dizziness, abdominal pain, inflammation of the appendix.
- The defeat of different types of tapeworms. These include bovine tapeworm, broad tapeworm, pork tapeworm. Parasites live in the intestines, differ in a ribbon-like body, divided into several small parts. Symptoms are characterized by dizziness, abdominal pain, stool disorders.
These forms of invasions are most often caused by non-observance of personal hygiene, eating improperly fried meat. Pets are also a source of spread of the parasite.
If the patient indicates symptoms of worm infestation, the doctor confirms the diagnosis with the help of laboratory tests. Most often, feces are examined for helminth eggs and an enzyme immunoassay is performed. Additionally, scrapings from the anus, endoscopy, and ultrasound can be investigated.
Necessary drugs for the treatment of worms
If helminths are found in the human body, the doctor prescribes medication. In order to get rid of the disease, many turn to traditional medicine. It is possible to use a combination treatment, but its effectiveness will be checked by a specialist.
The presence of worms in the internal organs is not a dangerous diagnosis if the disease is identified in time and drug treatment is prescribed. Their impact will be aimed at the destruction of the parasite that poisons the body of infected people. After the elimination of helminths and their metabolic products, human health is restored.
Due to the need to suppress the parasite, the composition of drugs will contain components that affect their ability to absorb nutrients. Lack of nutrition and breeding conditions will cause the worms to die.
Medicines according to the type of effect on worms are divided into the following types:
- Active components block the nervous and muscular system of worms. They develop paralysis, they cannot attach themselves to the walls of the intestines and are excreted from the body.
- The drug interferes with the processes of glucose oxidation in the parasite's body, which causes its death.
- Drugs that block cellular tubulin formation and ATP synthesis.
- Drugs that affect the intestinal system of helminths.
- Components that destroy the shell of worms. They are exposed to calcium and digested by the human intestinal system.
There are drugs of great influence and intended for a certain type of helminths. The choice of drug is made by the doctor on the basis of tests, the severity of symptoms and the method of treatment. In addition, the presence of possible contraindications to the use of the drug is taken into account.
In addition, funds are prescribed to eliminate the manifestation of allergic reactions to parasitic toxins. Taking these tablets reduces the level of poisoning with worm waste and alleviates the symptoms of the disease. Auxiliary components are used individually for the complex course of helminthiasis.
Atypical methods of treating helminthiasis
The use of drugs is especially effective in the fight against worms. The only drawback of drugs is their contraindications. For such situations, non-drug therapy is used:
- Ayurveda;
- exposure to oxygen;
- alcohol treatment.
The system of Indian Ayurveda medicine raises the general tone of the body, restores vitality and helps in the fight against helminths. According to this teaching, the cause of worm infection is non-observance of personal hygiene and purity of thoughts. Special exercises are used to help maintain health and laxative decoctions. Herbs combined with warm spices cleanse the body of toxins. Successfully used thyme, wormwood, St. John's wort with a break in the course for a week.
The essence of oxygen treatment is to saturate the cells of the gastrointestinal tract with the appropriate gas. To do this, a tube is inserted into the esophagus and oxygen is pumped into it. The procedure is repeated for several days. Ozone therapy is also used to kill worms. The tube with this method is inserted into the anus. An ozone-oxygen mixture is supplied to it, paralyzing helminths. Sometimes olive oil and ozone enemas are used.
Alcoholic beverages are used as a component of treatment. Cognac and tea are mixed in equal quantities, then drunk on an empty stomach with a laxative. Cognac is used as an independent medicine, one tablespoon for five days. Destroys helminths infusion of vodka with garlic for 10 days.
Methods of traditional medicine in the treatment of worms
The variety of folk remedies allows you to choose the best for each case of infection. The natural components that affect parasites are:
- Pumpkin and flax seeds combined with laxative decoctions.
- Absinthe infusions, pomegranate.
- Phytoncides from garlic and onions.
- Ginger root with sugar.
- Dried clove seeds, ground in a coffee grinder.
- Castor oil and baking soda enemas.
The choice of recipe depends on the types of helminths that live in the body. Based on the test results, the parasitologist will select the optimal combination of different treatment methods.
Ways to protect against worm infection
Maintaining health is possible subject to the rules of personal hygiene in all situations. Hands should be washed with soap and water after visiting public places and traveling on public transport. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of underwear and avoid the accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Pets should be dewormed every six months. After contact with stray dogs and cats, it is important to clean the surface of the hands with an antibacterial soap.
Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be eaten thoroughly washed. Meat and fish should be processed at high temperature for at least 40 minutes.
Compliance with these recommendations will help to avoid infection and further treatment.