There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of an adult. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, the disease helminthiasis develops. The vital activity of worms in the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but the rate of infection is higher in children.
Most types of worms live inside the body, where they lay their eggs and die after a certain period of time.
Forms of parasitic worms and features of their development
Depending on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:
- Biological insects. In the process of passing through the entire cycle of development, many owners are changed. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
- Geohelminths. Without intermediate hosts, but capable of spreading through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Main representatives: roundworms, whipworms, necators.
- Helminths are spread through contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
More than 150 species of registered helminths are known in humans.
Parasites also vary in location in the body:
- Tissues affect the internal organs and tissues that make up their structure;
- Live in the lumen of the intestine, absorb the nutrients needed by a person.
In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:
- roundworm;
- flat worm;
- agile.
Ways of infection with worms
In most cases, parasites enter the host organism in the following ways:
- The larvae or eggs of the worms, mixed with feces, in soil or water, infect a person by eating unwashed foods or raw liquids. The possibility of invasion through reservoirs increases during summer vacations.
- By coming into contact with a sick person or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, resulting in eggs being left on hands and underwear. Thereafter, they join a healthy individual.
- Infection with tapeworms occurs when eating raw and insufficiently processed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
- Worms can carry eggs and worm larvae on their organs, increasing the area of potential infection.
The life cycle of the overwhelming majority of parasites produces a large number (millions) of eggs, which, after a certain amount of time, enter the human body and turn into larvae.
The development of parasites in the human body can lead to acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and persists for up to two months. If left untreated, chronic attacks can be observed throughout a person's life.
Main types of worms that parasitize humans
Each form of the microorganism is characterized by lesions of a certain organ and associated symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of obtaining nutrients - at the expense of the host organism. Also the individual's metabolism is disturbed, anemia andOther types of diseases develop.
There are different forms of helminths:
- Roundworms are white nematodes up to 20 cm long. The adults live in the small intestine, and the larvae can pass through the circulatory system to the lungs. They are related to geohelminths, the infection that occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits, and water are consumed. Parasitic eggs also deposit on the sand. become.
- Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution area - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of parasites, enterobiasis is formed. The cause of infection is exposure to an unwell person. Very common in children under the age of 14.
- Tape helminths. These include bovine and pork tapeworms, wide tapeworms. They are distinguished by their ability to rapidly increase the population due to hermaphroditism. Their body is made up of many parts, a reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, various diseases are formed. Localized in the small intestine, damages the epithelial mucosa. Accumulates in the lumen of the intestine and can cause its obstruction. Eating undercooked beef, pork or fishinfection occurs.
- Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like a thick back hair. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it penetrates the blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluid. Lack of treatment reduces the body's resistance to infection and cancerUnwanted products are the source of the invasion.
The insidiousness of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as other diseases.
The development of the parasite from an egg to a sexually mature individual occurs within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may appear absent or mild. If left untreated, the intensive reproduction of the worms can lead to this fact. will give that the disease becomes chronic.
Symptoms of disease with worm infestation
The main symptoms of infection with worms are manifested as follows:
- weakness and fatigue;
- pain in the intestines;
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea;
- swelling on the face or all over the body;
- swelling of the lymph nodes, cough and suffocation;
- skin rashes that provoke itching;
- Joint pain.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths have arisen about these harmful creatures.
The consequences of worm infestation are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between the pathologies lies in the specific signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body. Depending on the type of helminth, may be:
- increased salivation, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
- frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, pain in the navel when infected with pinworms;
- Nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
- Yellowing of sclera, dizziness, heaviness in liver, pain all over the body in case of pimple attack.
Timely detection of worms with the help of tests and applying effective treatment is important.
The symptoms of helminthiasis directly depend on the type of parasite, its location in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Sample material methods for the detection of intestinal parasites
The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the study of feces. On the day of stool collection the material is handed over to the laboratory in a sterile container. The use of laxatives and the penetration of urine onto the material is unacceptable. The stool container should be stored in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until sent to the laboratory.
In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:
- immunological tests;
- blood and urine analysis;
- vaginal scraping in women and girls;
- sputum examination in the presence of cough;
- ultrasound and endoscopy;
- Bile analysis.
ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect worms in the body.
A person can be infected with one type of worm, or several. As a rule, the presence of single individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the number of worms leads to severe damage to internal organs, which poorlyThere is a reason for health. The symptoms of the disease increase at night, which additionally affects the resistance of the parasite.
Methods of treatment of helminthic invasions
Specific drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescribe drugs only after identifying the type of worm that has entered the body.
Adult ascarids and pinworms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and multiply.
Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of parasites to drugs.
Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Iron-containing preparations are necessary to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.
The course of treatment is determined strictly by the attending physician. Self-administration of drugs is unacceptable due to various contraindications.
use of traditional medicine
Pumpkin seeds are the most common remedy for worms. They are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, grinded and mixed with honey. The recommended dosage is about 300 grams per hour. After taking it, it is necessary to clear the stomach with laxatives.
Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- Tansy;
- gentian yellow;
- immortal sandy;
- garlic.
Folk remedies for worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
A decoction of wormwood is recommended to be used as an enema. It is possible to use the juice of fresh grass mixed with alcohol. Carrot and its juice also destroy parasites.
Preventive measures against insects and their effectiveness
Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any kind of parasitic infection. The concept and rules of personal hygiene in children should be inculcated from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps in reducing the chances of illness. does.
Pure or boiled water should be available round the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquid. It is best to wash vegetables and fruits with boiling water.
Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets should be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Do not forget about routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.
Vaccination will reduce the risk of losing a family member to one of the common diseases.
It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Infection with worms can turn into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of getting worms in the human body.