Worm infestation belongs to a common group of diseases in humans and animals. It is caused by the penetration into the body of various worms, of which in our time there are more than three hundred species. Parasites are mainly localized in the intestines and liver, but some species are able to penetrate the lungs, heart, brain and other vital organs, which can have very serious consequences. It is important to detect the presence of helminths in the body as early as possible and take measures to eliminate them in order to avoid health problems. After all, this disease can have many consequences, up to death. But it is quite difficult to determine the presence of helminthic invasion in the body, since the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, and it is difficult to say exactly which infection is attacking the body. It is important to understand what to look for when contacting a parasitologist.
Types of helminths dangerous to humans
Worms that pose a danger to humans are divided into two groups:
- Cavitary - pinworms, roundworms, whipworms, large tapeworm and other parasites that live in the intestines.
- Tissue - echinococcosis, paragonimiasis, cysticercosis and other types of parasites that can spread to and affect all important internal organs.
Most often, the following types of helminthic invasions are diagnosed in the human body: enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichocephalosis, strongyloidiasis.
Methods of infection with worms
The larvae of parasites enter the body in many ways, among which the main ones can be distinguished:
- Contact - the larvae are transmitted from person to person.
- By an insect bite.
- through the ground
- Through the water.
- With dust particles.
- Food that has undergone insufficient heat treatment.
- Faecal-oral.
The first manifestations of worms in the body
Once in the human body, the worms do not manifest themselves immediately. This is the major problem. The first signs of helminthic invasion may only appear after two weeks. These include:
- increased body temperature;
- Rashes;
- aching pain in the abdomen;
- loss of appetite;
- the appearance of a headache;
- disturbance of the intestines.
If, after feeling the first signs, in time to consult a doctor, many problems can be avoided.
Symptoms of the presence of worms in the human body
Being in the body, parasites eat most of the nutrients and vitamins, which significantly affects well-being.
Symptoms of helminthic invasion in adults:
- the presence of allergies;
- the appearance of acne and boils;
- bothersome cough;
- reduced immunity;
- depressed and irritable state;
- pain in the joints;
- digestive system disorders.
Symptoms of Lungworm Infection
Helminth infection of the lungs can be asymptomatic for several years. After entering the human body, the parasites actively multiply, when a significant amount is reached, symptoms such as:
- weakness and lack of strength;
- dyspnea;
- wet cough;
- pain and discomfort in the chest area;
- nausea and vomiting;
- decreased appetite and weight loss.
In places where the parasites enter the lungs, adhesions form, and over time the shape of the lungs changes. Parasites cause diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis and pleurisy. In an advanced case, a fatal outcome is likely.
The main signs of intestinal helminthiasis
Most often, the habitat of worms in the human body is the intestine. The very first symptoms appear when helminths begin their active reproduction:
- indigestion;
- nausea;
- flatulence;
- lack of strength and fatigue;
- itching in the anus;
- dermatitis and eczema on the skin.
Parasites poison the body with the products of their vital activity, and all this leads to a general state of weakness and apathy.
Symptoms of the presence of worms in the stomach
This place is also a favorite place for worms, the symptoms are as follows:
- frequent indigestion, constipation can suddenly turn into diarrhea;
- pain in the stomach and navel;
- decreased appetite;
- feeling of constant hunger;
- teeth grinding;
- insomnia.
Signs of heartworm infection
This type of parasite occurs in humans due to insect bites. There are two forms of heartworm disease - ocular and cutaneous:
- The cutaneous form is the most common and can appear from a mosquito bite, a small seal forms in this place and gradually it migrates under the skin, causing discomfort. If you do not seek qualified help in a timely manner, intense redness and pain appear at the site of the lesion.
- In the ocular form, the parasite lives under the skin of the eyelids and it is possible for it to enter the eyeball. Symptoms are redness and swelling, conjunctivitis and an itching sensation in the affected area, in addition to this, the person constantly feels a foreign body in the eye. All this is accompanied by insomnia, increased nervousness and general weakness.
Symptoms of helminths in the throat
The throat is one of the most sensitive places in the human body. When it becomes inflamed, we immediately feel pain and discomfort, but sometimes you can feel a strong tickling and restlessness in the throat, often caused by helminths. It should be noted that parasites cannot live in the throat, since this is not a favorable habitat for them. It happens that parasites growing in the digestive system reach such a size that they enter the throat through the esophagus, which is usually accompanied by choking and severe coughing.
Symptoms of helminthic invasion of the brain
Brain damage usually occurs through the nasal passages. Getting into the brain, helminths infect the cortical center, destroy brain cells and actively multiply. Instead of dead cells, dead tissue remains, leading to inflammatory processes in the brain. If urgent medical attention is not provided to the patient, he may die within two weeks.
Symptoms:
- severe pain in the head;
- To vomit;
- hallucination;
- weakness.
Symptoms of helminthic invasion in human blood
Blood is the habitat of several types of helminths, which have a very harmful effect on the body. Symptoms include:
- dizziness;
- bouts of fever;
- pain in the joints;
- numbness of limbs;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
How to recognize helminthic invasion by rashes
One of the main manifestations of the presence of helminths is a sharp deterioration in the condition of the skin and the appearance of various rashes. This is due to the toxic substances released by the parasites. The most characteristic signs are:
- urticaria;
- severe itching;
- allergic rhinitis;
- dermatitis;
- psoriasis;
- the appearance of papillomas;
- brittleness of the nails;
- increased hair loss;
- acne and furunculosis.
But not all skin manifestations should be attributed to the presence of worms in the body, the reasons may be different, and only a dermatologist, having conducted research, will be able to determine them.
Symptoms of helminthiasis in the form of metabolic disorders
Failures of metabolic processes in the body should also alert. If, with a normal diet, there was a sharp decrease or increase in weight, anemia or hypovitaminosis was detected, it was necessary to think about infection with parasites. Rapid weight loss may be due to the fact that worms absorb all the nutrients consumed by a person. Weight gain can be caused by toxic substances secreted by helminths. In response to these, the body needs more food to eliminate toxins.
Immune system symptoms
Since the parasites eat all the nutrients and vitamins that enter the body, there is a strong suppression of the immune system, and the person becomes susceptible to all infectious diseases and inflammatory processes of various organs. Chronic diseases are also on the rise.
The nervous system
On the side of the nervous system, helminthic invasion results in the following symptoms:
- insomnia;
- increased fatigue;
- memory impairment;
- depressed state;
- decreased activity and performance.
Signs of infection in children
To note! In children, the presence of pinworms and roundworms is most often diagnosed.
Worm infestation in children has the following symptoms:
- small appetite;
- pale facial skin;
- dark circles under eyes;
- bad sleep, grinding your teeth in a dream;
- headache, dizziness;
- general state of lethargy and weakness;
- the presence of worms in the stool of the child;
- itching in the anus;
- indigestion;
- a large amount of saliva in the mouth;
- lethargy and fatigue;
- an increase in body temperature for no apparent reason;
- allergic reactions, dermatitis, urticaria;
- inflammatory processes in the genitals;
- bad breath;
- fever;
- bothersome cough;
- nausea and vomiting;
- frequent colds.
Tips! If a baby has three or more signs, you should see a doctor immediately. Often, even a study of feces does not give accurate results, so it will be more effective to undergo a full examination.
It is important to understand that a small number of adult helminths in the body gives almost no symptoms of helminthic invasion in adults and children. It is possible to confirm or refute the infection only by passing laboratory tests and studies prescribed by a parasitologist on an individual basis.
Diagnosis of helminthiasis
Since it is possible to treat the body from parasites only after their detection, and the symptoms of infection are similar to those of other diseases, a competent diagnosis is important. Its methods include:
- Serological analysis - detection of anti-helminth antibodies in the blood;
- Fecal analysis - helps to identify the presence of larvae and fragments of adults;
- Coprological examination - the study of scraping, which is carried out near the anus;
- Check for dysbacteriosis;
- computed tomography;
- endoscopy;
- ultrasound.
It is easy to get infected with worms, but it is difficult to treat, especially chronic forms of helminthic invasion. The course of treatment includes antiparasitic drugs, immunomodulators and sorbents. The treatment regimen is prescribed only by a doctor, self-medication can be not only useless, but also dangerous.
Preventive measures against helminth infection
Prevention of helminthic invasions is extremely important for both children and adults, following certain rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection with parasites. The presence of helminthic invasion in humans is usually due to the lack of basic hygiene:
- be sure to wash your hands before using food, when returning from the street, after contact with animals;
- well, preferably using special products, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or scald them with boiling water;
- drink only purified or boiled water;
- try to avoid insect bites;
- fish, meat and other similar products are subjected to extensive heat treatment;
- make sure that the child's nails are cut short;
- periodically wash children's toys with special products;
- be sure to boil the items that the patient used for five minutes;
- twice a year to undergo an examination of a child and an adult for the presence of helminths;
- wean the child to take hands and other objects in his mouth, especially those that were in contact with the ground.
The implementation of these measures is not very difficult. Respecting them will be enough to protect you and your children from parasites as much as possible. If something was missed and symptoms of helminthic invasion began to appear, treatment should be started immediately to prevent complications.