Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the region of residence and social level, ranges from 20 to 80%. The percentage of infection is especially high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. More than 280 types of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. Signs of helminthiasis differ depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main causes of the invasion
Worms are parasites whose typical habitat is the human body. There are factors that trigger infection. In the overwhelming majority of cases, helminthic diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with the norms and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways of penetration of parasites into the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when eggs and larvae of worms enter the digestive tract as a result of eating foods that include raw, half-baked, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is possible only through the transfer of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical for pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs upon contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- When bitten by blood-sucking insects. This method of invasion is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Important!Helminths in adults and children appear as a result of the use of low-quality food products and non-observance of the norms and rules of personal hygiene. The exclusion of these factors is the best option for the prevention of helminthic invasion.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the species of helminths, the degree of damage to organs and tissues, as well as the individual characteristics of the infected person. The general and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss, provided that the previous diet is maintained, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergies, decreased immunity, and deterioration in general well-being.
The symptoms of parasite infestation are divided into several distinct subgroups:
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Regardless of the place of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning of the body with toxic substances and decay products released during the life of parasites. Such signs include sleep disturbance, irritability, tearfulness, depression, limb tremors.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain localized in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and a decrease in the body's immune forces. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and waste products of parasites.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulceration, purulent abscesses, and so on.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, identifying a predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most often used:
- Study of feces, contents of the duodenum, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify eggs, larvae, dead and living parasites. Diagnostics of helminths, carried out in laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed since the moment of infection.
- Examination by serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for any helminthiasis is one of the most effective. Before conducting a study of hemolymph to detect parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for taking tests.
- To detect parasites, the typical habitat of which are liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and X-ray are used.
To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow all the rules for taking tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, at the end of the course of medical therapy, it is recommended to pass repeated tests to exclude a relapse of helminthiasis.
Drug treatment
Helminthiasis therapy requires an integrated approach. In addition, such concepts as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate methods of therapy are selected, the action of which is aimed at eliminating discomfort and improving the patient's well-being.
Treatment of helminthic invasion includes three main stages: preparation, direct drug therapy and recovery. It is also important to eliminate the pronounced signs of helminth infection, the manifestation of which can cause discomfort to the patient. During the preparation period, it is recommended to follow a strict diet based on the use of only natural products, steamed or baked, as well as to take medications that improve digestion.
The therapy regimen is compiled individually. The final stage of treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. For this, drugs are used that have an immunomodulatory effect, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Traditional methods
In the fight against helminthiasis, natural homemade products with antiparasitic properties help. They should be used only after medical advice. In addition, homemade medicines are not a panacea for worms; they should be used as part of complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you need to eat at least one glass of raw seeds per day during the week. For children, the dosage 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 vegetable, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and then use it as directed. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure in combination with taking medications.
- Fresh garlic, onions 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 also belongs to folk methods. It is recommended to significantly change the diet, limiting it only to vegetables and fruits, which can be consumed both fresh and after heat treatment. You should adhere to such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very beneficial for improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Prevention of parasites is a must. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat meals prepared from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly, then scald fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Conduct preventive deworming of domestic animals, which may be direct sources of infection.
- Wash hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you need to regularly consult a doctor for tests to identify parasites. You should undergo preventive examinations at least once a year. This rule applies to children who attend kindergartens. It is easier to cure helminthic infestation in the early stages of infection.