A person believes that his body belongs only to him.However, there are parasites that reside there without asking - and these are worms.No one is satisfied with such coexistence, so urgent measures are being taken to get rid of unwanted neighbors.
Types of worms in humans
Worms or helminths are parasitic worms that live on animals and plants, feed and reproduce inside living organisms.You and I are no exception.
According to statistics, one third of Earth's inhabitants are infected with parasitic worms.The general practitioner said that it is believed that there is no adult who does not have a worm residing in his body throughout his life.
In everyday life, people call most parasitic worms worms without thinking about how many species of these nasty creatures there actually are.
Among all the types of parasitic worms that can exist in the human body, there are three main groups:
- nematodes related to roundworms: pinworms, whipworms, trichinella, roundworms;
- tapeworms or flatworms related to cestodes (types of tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci);
- Parasitic trematodes, or roundworms, cause opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis and other diseases.
Causes of worms in humans
The general name of diseases caused by worms is helminthiasis.It occurs when worm larvae or eggs enter the human body.
This can happen for the following reasons:
- a person who does not follow the basic rules of hygiene: does not wash his hands after walking down the street, after visiting guests or after going to the toilet, and does not wash his hands before eating.
- The cause of worms in humans is often the habit of biting nails, sucking fingers and holding many different objects in the mouth: pens, pencils.
- The risk of worm infection is very high if you have pets, especially those walking on the street.
Even when treated promptly with anthelmintics, dogs and cats can still spread street-carried worm eggs onto their paws and fur.
- You can get worms if you don't treat vegetables, fruits, berries, and greens that you plan to eat with hot water.
- It is dangerous to drink raw water from an unknown source or wash food with it.
- Meat and fish that are not processed properly are at risk of infection.When eating beef tapeworms - beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms - poorly processed pork, raw fish and light salt, broad tapeworms will live.
- You can catch worms indoors if you clean less, wear outdoor shoes, and avoid mopping floors.
- Worms can also be transmitted from an infected person if you share dishes, bedding, or stay in the same room for long periods of time.
Obviously, most of the causes of worms in humans originate from non-compliance with hygiene rules.People who take care of themselves, their homes, and their pets may never encounter these parasites.
Treatment of worms in humans
Treatment of worms in humans is carried out by a general practitioner if the patient is an adult or a pediatrician if the worms are in children.
As for helminths, you should not self-medicate in any case: the drugs used to treat helminths are quite hard on the body.
Most often, 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 difficult to treat with only anthelmintic drugs.In addition, it is often necessary to treat all family members, since people within a narrow range are easily infectious to each other.
Along with medications, vitamins and enzymes that improve digestion may be prescribed.To treat worms more effectively, the patient will have to follow a diet and limit carbohydrates: sweets, flour.
If there are animals in the house, they must be treated with anthelmintics twice a year, otherwise all treatment efforts will be in vain.
Which tablets can be used?
Worms are a rather delicate problem that many people have to treat themselves.Advertisements constantly claim that certain medications can solve the problem immediately.
However, many people do not notice that in any advertising there is an indication that before use you need to consult a doctor.These are not simple words, we have said that antihelminthics are very serious and can be harmful if taken uncontrolled.
The following are used to treat worms in humans:
- anthelmintics - they kill worms;
- antihistamines, which will help if you are allergic to dead parasites;
- absorbent, which helps remove harmful substances and parasite waste from the body.
- Iron supplements, vitamin B12, folic acid - all will help cure anemia.
- hepatoprotectants to protect the liver.
- biological products.
The frequency of use of the drug is determined by an infectious disease specialist, based on the results of an objective examination, complaints, and tests of the patient.
Traditional treatment methods
As a folk remedy for worms, children and adults can eat dried pumpkin seeds.According to doctors, they contain cucurbitin, which kills worms.However, you should not count on miraculous healing from worms with the help of pumpkin seeds.
Parasites that have settled in the body are very dangerous.Without serious treatment under the supervision of a doctor, complications may arise: the worms will spread throughout the body.They can penetrate the gallbladder and its ducts and enter the pancreatic duct.Parasites can cause intestinal obstruction and anemia - reduced hemoglobin levels.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect you have helminths, you need to make an appointment with your doctor: general practitioner, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- irritability, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies, such as skin rash, cough, asthma attack;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
- stomach-ache;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, even if appetite is good;
- difficulty sleeping, insomnia;
- inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever for no reason;
- muscle and joint pain when not exercising;
- snoring or grinding teeth while sleeping;
- presence of worms in feces;
- itching in the anal area (often accompanied by pinworms).
There are two stages of helminthiasis: acute and chronic.The first lasts 2-8 weeks from the moment the parasite enters the body.Most often during this period a pronounced allergic reaction to helminths occurs.
After about two months, the acute phase passes into the chronic phase, and here the symptoms depend on the pathogen the person is infected with and its environment.
Prevention of worms in humans
As a rule, we learn the main rules for the prevention of worms in humans at an early age, but sometimes we do not follow them:
- You need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, after going to the toilet and after going out.
- It is necessary to wash vegetables, tubers, and fruits, and after washing, pour boiling water over them.
- Meat, fish and seafood require long-term heat treatment.
- In everyday life, you only need to use safe, high-quality water.
- Each family member must have personal hygiene products and items.
- The house must be kept clean and wet cleaning performed regularly.
- Pets should be taken regularly for preventative treatment for heartworms.