In the body of an adult live several microscopic cohabitants. Most of them are beneficial and are our symbionts. These include about 500 species of bacteria that live primarily in the intestines. However, many forms of life, entering the human body, begin to parasitize and poison the health of the host.
One type of unwanted neighbors are 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 of helminths, and infection with them is helminthiasis.
To answer the question of how to treat worms, it is necessary to understand how they enter the human body. There are main ways of infection:
- Through the soil when infected with worms that spend part of their life cycle in the soil. Their developing eggs or larvae fall on vegetables and fruits, which are then eaten. Infected with helminths through the soil, animals subsequently transfer them to people.
- By contact with an infected person. The larvae can be spread through bedding, towels, and other items used by an infected patient. According to statistics, helminths are present in the body of 60% of the population, migrants of Asian origin are a group at special risk.
- By eating contaminated meat or fish. Worm eggs and larvae are destroyed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Sometimes insect bites can be the cause of the infection.
Once in the human body, the worms actively multiply and release toxic waste products. Their accumulation and increase in number increases the symptoms of discomfort. To get rid of the parasite, you need to see a doctor and undergo treatment.
Signs of infection with worms in an adult.
The presence of a parasite in the organs can be determined by external signs. These include skin manifestations that significantly worsen your condition and cause itching. For example, inflammation, acne, cracked heels, nail layering.
Infection with worms has symptoms similar to other diseases. The strengthening of various manifestations depends on the location of the helminth. In addition to skin rashes, intestinal disorders are characteristic:
- unstable stools;
- specific odor from the mouth, increased gas formation;
- nausea;
- itching in the anus;
- weight loss with a parallel increase in appetite.
Toxins from parasites also affect the nervous system, causing headaches and irritability. With a significant increase in the number of helminths, memory problems and depression may appear. The immune system is not restored due to the 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 fits and choking may occur.
If you find these symptoms, you should see a doctor. A specialist, using the test results and a thorough examination, will establish the form of the parasite and prescribe medication.
Types of helminths that parasitize 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.
The main forms of parasitic worm infection are distinguished:
- Enterobiasis is formed under the influence of pinworms. The small, round organisms are located in the intestines and cause severe itching of the skin of the anus.
- Trichinella penetrates into the muscles through the system of blood vessels. Symptoms appear sharply and unexpectedly in the form of fever, fever, swelling of the eyelids and face.
- Vlasoglavy belong to nematodes and affect the large intestine. Signs of the disease are mild or absent. There may be dizziness, abdominal pain, inflammation of the appendix.
- The defeat of different types of tapewormsThese include bovine tapeworm, broad tapeworm, pork tapeworm. Parasites live in the intestines, they differ in a ribbon-shaped body, divided into many small parts. Symptoms are characterized by dizziness, abdominal pain, stool disorders.
These forms of invasions are most often caused by non-compliance with personal hygiene, eating poorly fried meat. Pets are also a source of spread of the parasite.
If the patient indicates symptoms of worm infestation, the doctor confirms the diagnosis with the help of laboratory tests. Most often, feces are examined for helminth eggs and an enzyme immunoassay is performed. In addition, scrapings from the anus, endoscopy and ultrasound can be studied.
Medications necessary for the treatment of 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 supervised by a specialist.
The presence of worms in the internal organs is not a dangerous diagnosis if the disease is identified in time and a course of medication is prescribed. Its impact will be aimed at the destruction of the parasite that poisons the body of the infected. After the elimination of helminths and their metabolic products, human health is restored.
Due to the need to suppress the parasite, the composition of the drugs will contain components that affect its ability to absorb nutrients. The lack of nutrition and conditions for reproduction will lead to the death of the worms.
Medicines according to the type of effect on worms are divided into the following types:
- The active components block the nervous and muscular systems of the worms. They develop paralysis, cannot attach to the walls of the intestines, and are excreted from the body.
- The drug interferes with the processes of glucose oxidation in the body of the parasite, which causes its death.
- Drugs that block the formation of cellular tubulin and the synthesis of ATP.
- Drugs that affect the intestinal system of the helminth.
- Components that destroy the shell of worms. They are exposed to calcium and digested by the human intestinal system.
There are drugs of wide influence and directed to certain types of helminths. The choice of medication is made by the doctor on the basis of the tests, the severity of the symptoms and the method of treatment. In addition, the presence of possible contraindications to the use of the drug is taken into account.
Also, funds are prescribed that eliminate the manifestation of allergic reactions to parasite toxins. Taking these tablets reduces the level of poisoning with the waste products of the worms and relieves the symptoms of the disease. Auxiliary components are used individually for the complex course of helminthiasis.
Atypical methods of treating helminthiasis.
The use of drugs is particularly effective in the fight against worms. The only drawback of drugs is their contraindications. For such situations, non-pharmacological treatment is used:
- Ayurveda;
- oxygen exposure;
- alcoholic treatment
The system of Indian medicine Ayurveda raises the general tone of the body, restores vitality and helps in the fight against helminths. According to this teaching, the cause of infection with worms is the lack of observance of personal hygiene and purity of thoughts. Special exercises are used to help maintain health and laxative decoctions. Herbs combined with hot spices cleanse the body of toxins. Successfully used thyme, wormwood, St. John's wort with a break in the course for a 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 with this method is inserted into the anus. Through it a mixture of ozone and oxygen is supplied, which paralyzes helminths. Olive oil and ozone enemas are sometimes used.
Alcoholic beverages are used as a component of treatment. Cognac and tea are mixed in equal amounts, and then drunk on an empty stomach with a laxative. Cognac is used as an independent drug, one tablespoon for five days. Destroys helminths vodka infusion with garlic for 10 days.
Traditional medicine methods in the treatment of worms.
The variety of home remedies allows you to choose the best one 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.
- Garlic and onion phytoncides.
- Ginger root with sugar.
- Dried clove seeds, ground in a coffee grinder.
- Enemas with castor oil and baking soda.
The choice of the recipe depends on what types of helminths live in the body. Based on the test results, the parasitologist will select the optimal combination of different treatment methods.
Ways to protect yourself against infection with worms.
Maintaining health is possible subject to the rules of personal hygiene in all situations. Hands should be washed with soap and water after visiting public places and traveling on public transport. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of underwear and avoid the accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Pets must be dewormed 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 thoroughly washed. Meat and fish must be treated at high temperature for at least 40 minutes.
Compliance with these recommendations will help avoid infection and further treatment.