Worm infestations are seen in more than 1. 5 billion people. You can become infected with worms through food, raw water, or through contact with a sick person.
Helminthiasis or helminthic infestations are a group of diseases caused by parasitic worms that live in the human body. According to the latest data, 1 in 100 people are hidden carriers and around 80% of new cases of the disease occur in children and adolescents. At the same time, helminthiasis is recorded not only in underdeveloped countries: epidemics of enterobiasis and ascariasis often occur among wealthy segments of the population.
The wide distribution of helminthiasis is explained by the asymptomatic course of the disease in the early stages. Additionally, symptoms of infestation do not appear when the number of parasites in the body is low. The patient may not suspect the presence of parasites for a long time, but still infect others.
How dangerous are worms?
Today there are 360 known species of worms dangerous to humans. Most of them parasitize the intestines or liver of humans, but, depending on the type of parasite and its life cycle (egg, larva, adult), all organs and systems can be affected: lungs, heart, central nervous system, muscles, eyeballs. , etc. Further away.
The main damage caused by helminths is:
- progressive development of anemia (insufficient number of red blood cells).Worms consume nutrients from the intestines, as a result the body does not receive enough micro- and macroelements, the patient loses weight and suffers from vitamin deficiency;
- destruction of organs and tissues.Many worms penetrate the intestinal walls and damage surrounding tissues as they migrate. Microscopic wounds and ulcers form on the organs, the gastrointestinal mucosa is constantly inflamed and the risk of infection increases;
- pathologies of the nervous system.Worms not only destroy the tissues around them, but also release waste products - toxins that have a destructive effect on the central and peripheral nerves. The patient becomes nervous, irritable and is bothered by headaches, insomnia, lethargy and apathy;
- allergic reactions.Worm waste (toxins) are also dangerous allergens. Therefore, in case of helminthic infestations, a rash often develops, itching appears and nausea and vomiting are possible.
Helminthic infestations in children can cause developmental delays and lead to dangerous complications: from perforation (by ulcers) of the intestines to paralysis of the arms and legs.
Helminths are typical representatives
The most common types of parasites include:
- pinworms– roundworms which enter the rectum and colon. Infection occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed;
- roundworms– roundworms which attack the small intestine. During the developmental cycle, they can migrate with blood and lymph flow, entering the lungs and heart;
- whipworm- a roundworm that lives in the large intestine. It penetrates the mucous membrane with the help of a thin head, damaging the integrity of tissues and causing microulcers;
- opisthorchis– flatworms which attack the liver. Parasites block the ducts, causing stagnation of bile and disrupting the normal functioning of the organ;
- curved heads- roundworms which parasitize the duodenum. Infection occurs through contact with larvae that pierce the skin, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body;
- bull tapeworm- a tapeworm reaching a length of up to 10 meters. Occupies almost the entire intestine, leading to severe exhaustion;
- intestinal eel– roundworms which enter the colon and cecum. To lay eggs, the worms approach the anus, causing severe itching in the anal region;
- Echinococcus– tapeworms which affect not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the liver and lungs. They cause echinococcosis, a disease in which cysts form in various organs of a person.
How are worms transmitted?
According to the WHO, more than 1. 5 billion people worldwide suffer from soil-transmitted helminthiasis. There is a common misconception that you can only become infected with worms by consuming poor quality foods: untreated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or unprocessed meat and fish. But this is not true. Some parasites can penetrate through intact skin.
Helminth larvae penetrate the skin, penetrate the capillaries and spread throughout the body with the bloodstream. For humans, such bites are not sensitive - it is quite difficult to suspect infection. You can also become infected with parasites by inhaling microscopic eggs along with dust.
How do you know if you have worms?
Depending on the organs affected by the helminthic infestation, patients may develop conjunctivitis, cough, headache, swelling and tremor of the extremities. With severe vitamin deficiency, joint pain appears, hair falls out and nails begin to peel off. In children, helminthiasis can cause delayed physical and intellectual development.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- malaise, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies, such as rashes, cough, asthma attacks;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without intoxication;
- stomach ache;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, even if appetite is good;
- sleep problems, insomnia;
- inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever without reason;
- pain in muscles and joints without exercise;
- snoring or grinding teeth during sleep;
- presence of worms in the stool;
- itching in the anal area (often accompanied by pinworms).
How do you know if there are worms?
It is impossible to independently determine the presence of helminthic infestation. At first, the disease may be virtually asymptomatic. The patient does not feel any pain, the immune system can suppress the pathogenic effects of toxins and allergens for a while. As a rule, the exacerbation begins during the period of migration of larvae or with an increase in the number of worms. The stronger the infestation (i. e. the more parasites there are), the more symptoms appear.
However, the asymptomatic course of the invasion is dangerous - the patient infects others and his health condition gradually deteriorates. To detect the disease, it is necessary to periodically undergo a preventive examination in the hospital. As part of prevention, the therapist prescribes tests for worms at least once a year. If you live in an endemic region – once every six months.
Helminth analysis
To detect helminthic infestation, the following tests may be prescribed:
- stool analysis.Feces are examined for the presence of helminth eggs. The analysis does not require prior preparation: the patient just needs to bring a stool sample;
- analysis for enterobiosis.To determine enterobiasis (a disease caused by pinworms), it is enough to take a smear (smear) from the anal area. Usually the test is prescribed in the morning before going to the toilet;
- blood test for specific antibodies.The most revealing study that allows you to identify parasites such as roundworms, opisthorchis, acne and lamblia.
How long is a stool test for worms valid?
A stool test for worms allows specialists to detect helminth eggs (if present). This study does not provide a 100% guarantee of detection, since the number of eggs depends on the life cycle of the worms and periodically they may not be detected in the stool, although the invasion persists. Therefore, in most cases, doctors recommend doing a stool test two or three times with a short interval between tests.
Blood test for parasites
Testing for specific antibodies in the blood is the most informative method for detecting helminthic infestation. After the analysis, the doctor can not only talk about the presence of worms, but also determine their type, and therefore select the most effective therapeutic complex.
Worms are recognized by the human immune system as a pathogen: the body begins to produce specific antibodies to fight the parasites. This is what the analysis reveals.
Which test for worms is best?
If a parasitic infection is suspected, the doctor will order several tests. A thorough study allows you to determine with 100% accuracy the presence of worms, determine the type and stage of the life cycle. We cannot say that an analysis is better or worse: it is necessary to do several tests to increase the reliability of the diagnosis.
Where to go if you suspect worms?
If you suspect a helminthic infestation, you should make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. In the early stages, helminthiasis does not have specific symptoms, so it is quite difficult to suspect that you or a loved one has worms. As a rule, the patient complains of slight discomfort: indigestion, headache, apathy.
If the symptoms do not disappear after a week or the disease recurs periodically (for example, once every 3-4 months you feel unwell), you should consult your doctor. Crises of ill health may be associated with the migration of parasites.
Which doctor treats worms in humans?
The treatment of parasitic infestations is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or parasitologist. But you should not immediately consult a specialist doctor: it is better to consult a therapist. He will prescribe a series of analyzes and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or gastroenterologist.
How to treat helminthiasis?
If worms are found, the doctor prescribes antiparasitic medications intended to combat a specific type of worm. Modern drugs are equally effective against worms at every stage of their life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases, a single dose of tablets is enough, but sometimes drug treatment is necessary - the treatment is developed by a therapist or parasitologist.
It is unacceptable to deviate from the developed treatment tactics - this can lead to the fact that worm eggs remain in the body, which will subsequently cause reinfestation.
In addition to antiparasitic drugs, drugs that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate vitamin deficiencies and antihistamines (for an allergic reaction) can be prescribed.
Helminthiasis: treatment with folk remedies
There are a sufficient number of methods for treating helminthiasis with folk remedies. Patients are advised to consume a large number of foods containing strong essential oils: for example, drinking clove infusions or eating garlic. Such methods are not only ineffective, but also dangerous.
If the intestines are injured by worms, the consumption of products containing strong essential oils will cause additional irritation of the mucous membrane, increase pain and problems with stools.
You should also not use anthelmintics without consulting your doctor. Some drugs cause the death of worms, but do not cause their evacuation, i. e. they remain in the body, which causes serious poisoning. Safe treatment of invasion is possible only under the supervision of an experienced doctor!
Helminthiasis prevention
Treatment of helminthiasis should be carried out not only by the patient, but also by all members of his family. It is also necessary to boil bedding and underwear and carry out wet cleaning using disinfectants. In the future, to prevent helminthic infestations, it is recommended:
- control the quality of the food you eat: do not eat unwashed vegetables, fruits and herbs, unprocessed meat or raw fish;
- respect personal hygiene rules, do not use other people's towels and utensils;
- undergo a complete examination once a year, including tests for worm eggs.
Helminthic infections are highly treatable and do not cause serious harm to the body if detected in time. Therefore, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time. To prevent helminthiasis, it is necessary to follow hygiene rules and regularly undergo a medical examination.
frequently asked Questions
- Does a person lose weight when they have worms?
Weight loss is a possible, but not necessary, symptom of a parasitic infestation. Weight loss due to parasitic diseases may be due to disruptions in the microflora and nutrient absorption processes in the intestines.
- How to eliminate worms without medication?
Parasitic (worm) diseases are treated medically using antiparasitic medications. Only a doctor can prescribe anti-worm medications. The choice of antiparasitic drugs depends on the type of worms.
- Why do worms come out?
The movement of worms in the human body is determined by the characteristics of their life cycle. For most parasites, it is by going outside that they spread and are transmitted. Once released, worms can be detected not only in stools, but also in sputum and exhaled air.