Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the area of residence and the social level, ranges from 20 to 80%. The infection rate is particularly high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. More than 280 types of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. The signs of helminthiasis vary depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed separately for each clinical case.
The main causes of the 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 rules and regulations of personal hygiene. There are four main ways in which parasites can 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, undercooked, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible through the transfer of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This invasion method is typical for pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. The penetration of parasites in the human body occurs during 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.
Great!Helminths in adults and children occur due to the use of low quality food products and non-compliance with the rules and regulations of personal hygiene. Blocking these factors is the best option to prevent helminth infestation.
Clinical picture
The 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, reduced immunity and deterioration of general well-being.
The symptoms of a parasitic infection are divided into several distinct subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the location, 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, tearing, depression, limb tremor.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain located in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and reduction of the body's immune system. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and parasite waste.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, the detection of predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most often used:
- Study of feces, contents of the duodenum, scratches taken from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify eggs, larvae, dead and live parasites. The diagnosis of helminths, carried out in the laboratory, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have elapsed since the infection.
- Research by serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for any helminthiasis is one of the most effective. Before performing a blood lymph test to detect parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for testing.
- For the detection of parasites, the typical habitat of which is the liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and radiography are used.
To get the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules for taking the test prescribed by your doctor. In addition, at the end of the course of medical treatment, it is recommended that you undergo repeated examinations to rule out recurrence of helminthiasis.
Medication
The treatment of helminthiasis requires a comprehensive approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate treatment methods are selected, the action of which aims to eliminate discomfort and improve patient well-being.
The treatment of helminthic invasion includes three main stages: preparation, immediate drug treatment and recovery. It is also important to eliminate the strong 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, steam or oven, as well as taking drugs that improve digestion.
The treatment regimen is compiled individually. The final stage of treatment is the recovery of the patient's body. For this, drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
Natural homemade products with antiparasitic properties help in the fight against helminthiasis. They should be used only after medical advice. In addition, home remedies are not a panacea for worms; they should be used as part of a complex treatment.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To have a positive effect, you should eat at least one glass of raw seeds a day during the week. For children, the dose can be reduced by half.
- 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 according to the instructions. It is recommended that such a procedure be performed in conjunction with medication.
- Fresh garlic, onions and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, daily consumption of these products is recommended. This will help remove the worms and prevent re-infection.
- A frugal diet also belongs to the folk methods. It is recommended to change the diet significantly, limiting it to only vegetables and fruits, which can be consumed both fresh and after heat treatment. You should follow such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very beneficial for improving and normalizing the functioning of the digestive system.
Great!The above methods of traditional medicine can be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Pest prevention is essential. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- Meals prepared from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish are not recommended.
- Wash well and then scald fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Preventive deworming of pets, which can be a direct source of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you should consult a doctor regularly for tests to detect parasites. You should have a screening test at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool. It is easier to treat helminth infestation in the early stages of infection.