A person thinks that his body is only his own.However, there are parasites that populate it without asking – and these are worms.No one is happy with such coexistence, so urgent measures are taken to get rid of uninvited neighbors.
Types of worms in humans
Worms or worms are parasitic worms that live on animals and plants, feed and reproduce in living organisms.You and I are no exception.
According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the Earth is infected with parasitic worms.It is assumed that there is no adult person who has not had a single worm settle in his body during his life, says the family doctor.
In everyday life, people call almost all parasitic worms worms, without thinking about how many species of these unpleasant creatures actually exist.
There are three main groups of parasitic worms found in the human body:
- nematodes related to roundworms: roundworm, whipworm, trichinella, roundworm;
- tapeworms or flatworms related to cestodes (various types of tapeworms, roundworms and echinococcus);
- fluke parasites or trematodes that cause opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis and other diseases.
Causes of worms in humans
The collective term for diseases caused by worms is helminthiasis.It occurs when worm larvae or eggs enter the human body.
This can happen for the following reasons:
- the person does not follow the basic rules of hygiene: he does not wash his hands when walking on the street, after visiting guests or using the toilet, and he does not rinse before eating.
- In humans, the cause of worms is often nail biting, finger sucking and the habit of holding various objects: pens, pencils in the mouth.
- The risk of infection with worms is high if you have pets, especially those who walk on the street.
Even with an anthelmintic treatment started in time, dogs and cats can spread worm eggs from the street on their paws and fur.
- You can become infected with worms if you do not treat the vegetables, fruits, berries and vegetables you eat with hot water.
- It is dangerous to drink or wash food with raw water from an unknown source.
- Inadequately processed meat and fish pose a risk of infection.The broad tapeworm lives when eating poorly thermally processed beef - cattle tapeworm, pork - pork tapeworm, as well as lightly salted and raw fish.
- You can catch worms in your house if you clean infrequently, wear outdoor shoes, and avoid mopping floors.
- Worms can also be transmitted from an infected person if you share dishes, share bedclothes, or stay in the same room for a long time.
It is clear that most of the causes of worms in humans are non-compliance with hygiene rules.Those who take care of themselves, their homes, and their pets should never encounter these parasites.
Treatment of worms in humans
Treatment of worms in a person is carried out by a general practitioner if the patient is an adult, or a pediatrician if the worms are in a child.
In the case of worms, you should never self-medicate: the drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis are quite difficult for the body.
In general, in the treatment of worms in humans, complex therapy is used, the purpose of which is not only to destroy the parasites, but also to eliminate the consequences of their vital activity.Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be treated with anthelmintics alone.In addition, all family members often have to be treated, because people living in a close circle can easily infect each other.
In addition to medications, vitamins and enzymes can be prescribed to improve digestion.In order to treat worms more effectively, a person must follow a diet and limit carbohydrates: sweets, flour.
If there are animals in the house, they must undergo deworming therapy twice a year, otherwise all treatment efforts will be in vain.
What tablets can be used?
Worms are a rather delicate problem that prompts many people to self-medicate.Advertisements keep insisting that certain pills will solve the problem immediately.
However, many people do not realize that in all advertisements there is a reference to consult a doctor before use.These are not simple words, we have already said that anti-worm medicines are very serious and can cause harm if taken in an uncontrolled manner.
The following are used to treat worms in humans:
- anthelmintic drugs - kill worms;
- antihistamines, which help if you are allergic to parasites that die in mass;
- enterosorbents, which remove harmful substances and parasite waste from the body.
- Iron supplements, vitamin B12, folic acid - these all help with anemia.
- hepatoprotectors to protect the liver.
- probiotics.
The frequency of medication intake is determined by the infectious disease doctor based on the patient's objective examination, complaints, and tests.
Traditional treatment methods
Children and adults can consume dried pumpkin seeds as a folk remedy for treating worms.According to doctors, they contain cucurbitin, which kills worms.However, you should not rely on miraculous healing of worms with the help of pumpkin seeds.
Parasites settled in the body are very dangerous.Without serious treatment, under the supervision of a doctor, complications can occur: the worms spread throughout the body.They can invade the gallbladder and its ducts and enter the pancreatic ducts.Parasites can cause intestinal obstruction and anemia - a decrease in hemoglobin levels.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect helminthiasis, you should make an appointment with a doctor: family doctor, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- malaise, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies such as skin rashes, cough, asthma attacks;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
- stomach ache;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, even if the appetite is good;
- sleep disorders, insomnia;
- inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes;
- unexplained fever;
- muscle and joint pain without exercise;
- snoring or grinding your teeth during sleep;
- the presence of worms in the stool;
- itching in the anal area (often with pinworms).
Helminthiasis has two phases: acute and chronic.The first lasts 2-8 weeks from the moment the parasite enters the body.Most often, a pronounced allergic reaction to the helminth occurs during this period.
After about two months, the acute phase becomes chronic, and here the symptoms depend on the pathogen and its habitat.
Prevention of worms in humans
Usually, in childhood, we learn the main rules for preventing worms, but sometimes we simply do not follow them:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, after using the toilet and after going outside.
- Vegetables, fruits, and herbs must be washed and, after washing, poured over with boiling water.
- Meat, fish and seafood require long-term heat treatment.
- In everyday life, only high-quality, safe water should be used.
- Each family member should have personal hygiene products and utensils.
- The house must be kept clean and wet cleaning must be done regularly.
- Pets should be taken in regularly for preventative deworming.