Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection rate of the population, depending on the region of housing 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 species of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. The signs of helminthiasis vary depending on the location and type of parasite. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main causes of invasion
Worms are parasites whose typical habitat is the human body. There are factors that cause infection. In the vast 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 in which parasites enter the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when worm eggs and larvae enter the digestive tract as a result of eating foods that include raw, semi-roasted, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is possible only by transmitting the eggs of the parasite from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs after contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- When they are bitten by blood-sucking insects. This method of invasion is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Bitan!Helminths in adults and children occur due to the use of poor quality food products and non-compliance with the norms and rules of personal hygiene. Excluding these factors is the best option for preventing helminthic invasion.
Clinical picture
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of helminth, 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 of general well-being.
The symptoms of parasite infestation are divided into several different subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the site of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body with toxic substances and decomposition products that are released during the life of the parasite. Such signs include sleep disturbance, irritability, crying, depression, trembling limbs.
- Digestive disorders. Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic change of diarrhea and constipation, pain localized in the middle of the abdomen, bloating occur.
- Allergic reactions and reduction of the body's immune system. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are a consequence of poisoning by toxins and waste products of the parasite.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, whose treatment requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcerations, purulent abscesses and so on.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, determination of predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most commonly used:
- Study of feces, duodenal contents, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify eggs, larvae, dead and living parasites. Diagnosis of helminths, carried out in laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed since the moment of infection.
- Testing 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 hemolymph study to detect parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for taking tests.
- Ultrasound and X-rays are used to detect parasites, whose typical habitat is liver tissue, gallbladder, skin.
To get the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules for taking the tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, at the end of the course of medical therapy, it is recommended to undergo repeated tests to rule out recurrence 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 signs of the disease, appropriate methods of therapy are selected, the action of which is aimed at eliminating discomfort and improving patient well-being.
Treatment of helminthic invasion involves three main phases: preparation, direct drug therapy, and recovery. It is also important to remove the pronounced signs of helminth infection, the manifestation of which can cause discomfort to the patient. In the preparation period, a strict diet based on the use of exclusively natural products, steamed or baked, as well as taking medications that improve digestion, is recommended.
The therapy regimen is compiled individually. The final stage of treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. Drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect are used for this, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
In the fight against helminthiasis help natural home products with antiparasitic properties. They should be used only after a doctor's advice. In addition, home remedies are not a cure for earthworms, but should be used as part of a complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To achieve a positive result, you must eat at least one glass of raw seeds a day during the week. For children, the dose can be halved.
- Enema with garlic. 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 then use it as directed. It is recommended to carry out such a procedure in combination with taking medication.
- Fresh garlic, onion and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help remove worms and prevent re-infection.
- Folk methods include a frugal diet. It is advisable to significantly change the diet, limiting it only to vegetables and fruits, which can be consumed both fresh and after heat treatment. Such a diet should be followed for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very useful for improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Bitan!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Parasite prevention is essential. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- Dishes prepared from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish are not recommended.
- Wash well, then boil fruits, herbs and vegetables.
- Carry out preventive deworming of domestic animals that can be direct sources of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when working in the garden.
In addition, it is necessary to consult a doctor regularly for tests to identify parasites. You should undergo preventive check-ups at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool. It is easier to cure helminthic infestation in the early stages of infection.