Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the region of residence and social level, varies from 20 to 80%. The infection rate is particularly high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. It is known that more than 280 species of parasites are dangerous to humans. The signs of helminthiasis vary depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main reasons for the invasion
Worms are parasites whose typical habitat is the human body. There are factors that cause infection. In most cases, helminthic diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with the norms and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways for parasites to enter the human body:
- Biohelminthosis. Infection occurs when worm eggs and larvae enter the digestive tract as a result of eating foods that include raw, half-roasted, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible by transferring the eggs of parasites from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geohelminthosis. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs in 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.
Important!Helminths in adults and children occur due to the use of low quality food and non-compliance with the norms and rules of personal hygiene. Excluding these factors is the best option to prevent helminth infestation.
Clinical picture
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of helminths, the degree of damage to organs and tissues, as well as the individual characteristics of the infected person. The most common and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss with the previous diet, 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 separate subgroups:
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Regardless of the location, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body with toxic substances and breakdown products released during the life of the parasites. Such signs include sleep disturbance, irritability, tearing, depression, trembling limbs.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, systemic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain localized in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and decrease in the body's immune system. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminth infestation and are the result of poisoning with toxins and waste products of parasites.
Worms cause symptoms in a person whose treatment requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on an in-depth study of the patient's medical history, identification of a predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most often used:
- Examination of stool, the contents of the duodenum, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify eggs, larvae, dead and live parasites. Diagnosis of helminths in the laboratory is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed since the infection.
- Examination 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 hemolymph test to detect parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for taking tests.
- Ultrasound and X-rays are used to detect parasites whose typical habitat is liver tissue, gallbladder, skin.
To get the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules for conducting tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, at the end of the course of medical therapy, it is recommended to undergo repeated tests to rule out recurrence of helminthiasis.
Medication treatment
The treatment of helminthiasis requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate methods of therapy are selected, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the discomfort and improving the patient's well-being.
The treatment of helminth infestation includes three main stages: preparation, direct drug therapy and recovery. It is also important to eliminate the obvious 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, steamed or baked, as well as to take drugs that improve digestion.
The treatment scheme is drawn up individually. The last 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 supplements that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
Natural household products with antiparasitic properties help in the fight against helminthiasis. They should only be used after medical advice. In addition, home remedies are not a panacea for worms, they should be used as part of a complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you should eat at least one cup of raw seeds a day during the week. For children, the dose can be halved.
- 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 vegetables, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature and then use it as directed. It is recommended to perform such a procedure in combination with medication.
- Fresh garlic, onion and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help eliminate worms and prevent re-infection.
- The frugal diet also belongs to the folk methods. It is recommended to significantly change the diet, limiting it only to vegetables and fruits that 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 useful for improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Prevention of parasites is mandatory. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat dishes made from raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly, then scald 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.
In addition, you should regularly consult a doctor for tests to identify parasites. You should have preventive check-ups at least once a year. This rule applies to children who attend preschool. It is easier to cure helminth infestation in the early stages of infection.