Various microscopic cohabitants live in the body of an adult. Most of them are beneficial and are our symbionts. This includes about 500 species of bacteria that live mostly in the gut. However, many life forms, entering the human body, begin to parasitize and poison the health of the host.
One type of unwanted neighbor is worms. They are parasitic worms that infect the intestines, liver, lungs and, in rare cases, muscles. All types of parasitic worms are united under the name helminths, and their infection is helminthiasis.
To answer the question of how to treat worms, it is necessary to understand how they enter the human body. There are the main ways of infection:
- Through the soil when they are infected with worms that spend part of their life cycle on earth. Their eggs or larvae in the process of development fall on vegetables and fruits that are eaten later. Infected with helminths through the soil, the animals then transmit them to humans.
- Contact with an infected person. The larvae can spread through bedding, towels and other items used by the infected patient. According to statistics, helminths are present in the body of 60% of the population, migrants of Asian origin are a special risk group.
- Eating contaminated meat or fish. Eggs and larvae of worms are destroyed by long-term exposure to high temperatures.
- Sometimes insect bites can be the cause of infection.
When they enter the human body, worms actively reproduce and release toxic waste products. Their accumulation and increase in the number increases the symptoms of malaise. To get rid of the parasite, it is necessary to visit a doctor and undergo treatment.
Signs of worm infection in an adult
The presence of parasites in the organs can be determined by external signs. This includes skin manifestations that significantly worsen her condition and cause itching. For example, inflammation, acne, cracked heels, layering nails.
Worm infection has similar symptoms as other diseases. The strengthening of various manifestations depends on the location of the helminth. In addition to skin rashes, intestinal disorders are also characteristic:
- unstable stool;
- specific bad breath, increased flatulence;
- nausea;
- itching in the anus;
- weight loss with a parallel increase in appetite.
Parasite toxins also affect the nervous system, causing headaches and irritability. With a significant increase in the number of helminths, memory problems and depression can occur. The immune system does not recover due to a lack of vitamins and important elements. A person is constantly sick under the influence of viruses and bacteria. If the respiratory system is affected, coughing and choking attacks may occur.
If you notice these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Based on the results of tests and a detailed examination, the specialist will determine the form of the parasite and prescribe medication.
Types of helminths that parasitize in the human body
Treatment of the disease is prescribed depending on the type of parasite that has settled in the internal organs. Various worms affect certain tissues and cause specific symptoms.
There are the main forms of parasitic worm infection:
- Enterobiosis is formed under the influence of pinworms. Small round organisms are localized in the intestines and cause severe itching on the skin of the anus.
- Trichinella penetrates muscles through the blood vessel system. Symptoms appear suddenly and unexpectedly in the form of fever, chills, swelling of the eyelids and face.
- Hairheads are nematodes and affect the large intestine. Signs of the disease are mild or absent. Dizziness, abdominal pain, appendicitis may occur.
- Defeat different types of tapeworms. These include beef tapeworm, broad tapeworm, pork tapeworm. The parasites live in the intestines, differing in a ribbon-like body, divided into many small parts. Symptoms are characterized by dizziness, abdominal pain, stool disorders.
These forms of invasion are most often caused by disrespect for personal hygiene, eating poorly fried meat. Pets are also a source of parasite spread.
If the patient indicates symptoms of worm infestation, the doctor confirms the diagnosis with the help of laboratory tests. The feces are most often tested for helminth eggs and an enzyme immunoassay is performed. Additionally, anal scraping, endoscopy, and ultrasound may be studied.
Drugs needed to treat worms
If helminths are found in the human body, the doctor prescribes medication. To get rid of the disease, many turn to traditional medicine. It is possible to use a combined treatment, but its effectiveness will be monitored by a specialist.
The presence of worms in the internal organs is not a dangerous diagnosis if the disease is detected in time and a course of medication is prescribed. Their impact will be aimed at destroying the parasite that poisons the body of the infected. After the removal of helminths and their metabolic products, human health returns.
Due to the need to control parasites, the composition of drugs will contain components that affect their ability to absorb nutrients. Lack of nutrition and breeding conditions will lead to the death of worms.
Medicines according to the type of action on earthworms are divided into the following types:
- The active components block the nervous and muscular system of the worm. They develop paralysis, cannot attach to the walls of the intestine and are excreted from the body.
- The drug interferes with the processes of glucose oxidation in the body of parasites, which causes their death.
- Drugs that block cellular tubulin production and ATP synthesis.
- Drugs that act on the intestinal system of helminths.
- Components that destroy worm shells. They are exposed to calcium and are digested by the human intestinal system.
There are broad-spectrum drugs that target specific types of helminths. The choice of medication is made by the doctor based on tests, severity of symptoms and treatment. In addition, the presence of possible contraindications to the use of the drug is taken into account.
In addition, agents that eliminate the manifestation of allergic reactions to parasite toxins are prescribed. Taking these tablets reduces the level of poisoning by waste products of worms and alleviates the symptoms of the disease. Auxiliary components are used individually for the complex course of helminthiasis.
Atypical methods of treatment of helminthiasis
The use of drugs is especially effective in the fight against worms. The only drawback of drugs are their contraindications. Non-drug therapy is used for such situations:
- Ayurveda;
- oxygen exposure;
- alcohol treatment.
The system of Indian medicine Ayurveda raises the general tone of the body, restores vitality and helps fight helminths. According to this teaching, the cause of worm infection is disrespect for personal hygiene and purity of thought. Special exercises and laxative decoctions are used to maintain health. Herbs in combination with hot spices clean the body of toxins. Thyme, wormwood, St. John's wort are successfully used with a break of one week.
The essence of oxygen treatment is to saturate the cells of the gastrointestinal tract with the appropriate gas. To do this, a tube is inserted into the esophagus and oxygen is pumped through it. The procedure is repeated for several days. Ozone therapy is also used to kill worms. The tube is inserted into the anus by this method. A mixture of ozone-oxygen is brought through it, paralyzing helminths. Enemas with olive oil and ozone are sometimes used.
Alcoholic beverages are used as a component in healing. Cognac and tea are mixed in equal amounts, and then drunk on an empty stomach with a laxative. Cognac is used as a stand-alone medicine, one tablespoon for five days. Destroys helminths, infusion of vodka with garlic for 10 days.
Methods of traditional medicine in the treatment of worms
The variety of folk remedies allows you to choose the best for each case of infection. Natural components that affect parasites include the following:
- Pumpkin and flax seeds combined with laxative decoctions.
- Infusions of wormwood, pomegranate.
- Phytoncides of garlic and onion.
- Ginger root with sugar.
- Dried clove seeds, ground in a coffee grinder.
- Enema with castor oil and baking soda.
The choice of recipe depends on what types of helminths live in the body. Based on the test results, the parasitologist will choose the optimal combination of different treatment methods.
Ways to protect against worm infection
Maintaining health is possible by respecting the rules of personal hygiene in all situations. After visiting public places and traveling in public transport, hands should be washed with soap and water. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of underwear and prevent the accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Pets should be cleaned of worms every six months. After contact with stray dogs and cats, it is important to clean the surface of the hands with antibacterial soap.
Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be eaten well washed. Meat and fish should be treated at high temperatures for at least 40 minutes.
Adherence to these recommendations will help to avoid infection and subsequent treatment.