Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the region of residence and social level, ranges between 20 and 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. The 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 the 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 of penetration of parasites into the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when worm eggs and larvae enter the digestive tract as a result of eating foods that include raw, half-baked, smoked, or dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible by transferring parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Soil-transmitted helminths. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs when they come into contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- When bitten by blood-sucking insects. This invasion method is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Important!Helminths in adults and children appear due to the use of poor-quality food products and non-compliance with 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, as long as 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 distinct subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the place of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body with toxic substances and decomposition products released during the life of the parasites. Such signs include disturbed sleep, irritability, crying, depression, tremors in the limbs.
- Digestive disordersThere is nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, localized pain in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and decreased immune forces in the body. These 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, ulcerations, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on an exhaustive study of the patient's history, identifying a predisposition to infection, as well as on laboratory tests. Most frequently used:
- Study of feces, contents of the duodenum, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify live and dead eggs, larvae, parasites. Diagnosis of helminths, carried out under laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed from the moment of infection.
- Lifting by serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for helminthiasis is one of the most effective. Before conducting a hemolymph study for parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for conducting tests.
- To detect parasites, whose typical habitats are liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and radiography are used.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow all the rules for performing the tests prescribed by your doctor. Also, 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, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate therapy methods 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 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 only of natural, steamed or baked products, as well as taking 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 that have an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as biologically active drugs and additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Popular methods
In the fight against helminthiasis, natural household products with antiparasitic properties help. They should be used only after medical advice. Also, home remedies are not a panacea for worms; they must 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 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 tuber, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and then use as directed. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure in combination with taking medications.
- Fresh garlic, onion and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help kill the worms and prevent reinfection.
- A moderate diet also belongs to the popular 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 must adhere to such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very beneficial to improve and normalize the functioning of the digestive tract.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
The prevention of parasites is essential. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat meals prepared with raw, dried or slightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash well and then blanch fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Carry out preventive deworming of pets, which can be direct sources of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
Also, you should regularly see a doctor for tests to identify parasites. You must have preventive exams at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool institutions. Helminth infestation is easiest to cure in the early stages of infection.