Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection rate of the population varies between 20-80% depending on the place of residence and social level. The percentage of infection is particularly high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. More than 280 types of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. Signs of helminthiasis vary depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is tailored to each clinical case.
The main causes of the invasion
Worms are parasites that are a typical habitat for the human body. There are factors that trigger the infection. In the vast majority of cases, helminthic diseases are caused by non-compliance with personal hygiene norms and rules. There are four main ways in which 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 containing raw, semi-fried, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Relationship to helminthiasis. Infection is only possible by transferring parasitic eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. The infiltration of parasites into the human body occurs through contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- If bitten by bloodsucking insects. This method of invasion is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Important!Adults and children helminths appear due to the use of low quality food and non-compliance with personal hygiene norms and rules. Excluding these factors is the best solution to prevent helminthic invasion.
Clinical picture
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of worms, the extent of damage to organs and tissues, and the individual characteristics of the infected person. The common and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss, provided the previous diet is followed, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergy, decreased immunity, and deterioration in general well-being.
The symptoms of a parasitic infection can be divided into several subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Helmam samples, regardless of where they are located, cause symptoms caused by the poisoning of the body with toxic substances and decomposition products released during the life of the parasites. Such signs include sleep disturbance, irritability, tearing, depression, limb tremor.
- Indigestion. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, localized pain in the middle of the abdomen, bloating.
- Allergic reactions and a decrease in the body's immune system. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the consequences of poisoning with toxins and parasite waste products.
Worms cause symptoms in humans that require an individual approach to treatment. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, identification of susceptibility to infection, and laboratory tests. Most commonly used:
- Examination of feces, duodenal contents, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows the identification of eggs, larvae, dead and live parasites. Laboratory diagnosis of helminths is only effective if at least four to six weeks have elapsed since the time of infection.
- Survey by serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK, and others. Blood tests for helminthiasis are one of the most effective. Before performing a hemolymph test for parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for performing the tests.
- To detect parasites that typically inhabit liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound, and X-ray.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules for performing the tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, re-testing at the end of medical therapy is recommended to rule out relapse of helminthiasis.
Drug treatment
Helminthiasis therapy requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical symptoms of the disease, selecting appropriate therapeutic methods aimed at eliminating discomfort and improving patient well-being.
The treatment of helminthic invasion consists of three main stages: preparation, direct drug therapy, and healing. It is also important to eliminate the pronounced signs of helminth infection, the manifestation of which may cause discomfort to the patient. During the preparation period, it is recommended to follow a strict diet, using only natural, steamed or fried products, and to take digestive drugs.
The therapeutic regimen is compiled individually. The last stage of treatment is to restore the patient's body. For this purpose, drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
Natural homemade products with antiparasitic properties help fight helminthiasis. Use only after medical advice. In addition, home-made drugs are not a panacea for worms, they should be used as part of a complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes:
- Pumpkin seeds. To achieve a positive result, at least one glass of raw seeds should be eaten daily during the week. In children, the dose can be halved.
- 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 vegetables, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and use as directed. It is advisable to perform such a procedure in combination with medication.
- Fresh garlic, onion 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 sparing diet is also one of the folk methods. It is recommended to make a significant change in the diet, limited only to vegetables and fruits, which can be eaten fresh and after heat treatment. You must follow such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet has a very beneficial effect on improving and normalizing the functioning of the digestive system.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be used in children.
How to prevent infection
Prevention of parasites is essential. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat dishes made from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly and then boil fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Perform preventive deworming on pets, which can be a direct source of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you should regularly consult your doctor for tests to identify parasites. You must have a preventive examination at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending kindergarten. Helminthic infection is easier to cure in the early stages of infection.