The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to modern classification, date back to the sixth century BC.
The term "helminth", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been accumulating.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All these types of worms are classified as lower worms of the Scolesida type (lat. Scolesida).
These are divided into four categories:
- Flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- Roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- Spiny-headed insects;
- Annelids.
The human body is parasitized by worms of the first two types (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the bodies of people or animals, called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,Their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the "host";
- biohelminths,Their life activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the evolution process such insects can change several "hosts".
There is also a group of so-called infectious helminths.These parasites can spread through close contact with an infected person;This type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematous helminthic infections are:
- Ascariasis, caused by human roundworms;
- Toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- Trichocephalosis develops due to whipworm infection;
- Enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- Hookworms, their presence is due to the parasitism of hookworms and nectars;
- Strongyloidiasis, the cause of which is intestinal acne;
- Trichostrongylidosis, caused by parasites of the same name;
- Trichinosis caused by one of four strains of Trichinella;
- Filariasis: These are caused by filariasis, which is also called filaments.
Among cestodiazes the following diseases are distinguished:
- Diphyllobothriasis, causative agent – widespread tapeworm;
- Teniarhinosis caused by bovine tapeworm;
- teniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- Hymenolepidosis, causative agent – dwarf tapeworm;
- Dipylidiasis caused by parasitism of canine tapeworms;
- Echinococcosis, the disease is caused by echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
- Alveococcosis, causative agent – Alveococcus.
Of the trematodes, the following helminthiasis are most often diagnosed:
- Fascioliasis, causative agent – Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, caused by parasitism of cat flukes;
- Clonorchiasis caused by Chinese fluke;
- Metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- Schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoal diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoeba, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, Trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites he has to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: soil, sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, on the fur, claws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, parasites die and are eliminated from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive system and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
His life activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- Mineral and protein deficiency;
- The formation of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- Negative effects of toxic waste products of worms.
Furthermore, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (Strongyloides, schistosomes and others) during penetration into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tapeworm causes changes in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine down to its deepest layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, as the larvae grow, mechanical compression of surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, causing jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms penetrate into the main blood vessels, and from there into almost any organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the major symptoms of the disease.The penetration of worms in one form or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, method of treatment depend on the type of parasite.Relatively "harmless" pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause disruption in the digestive system.And penetration into the body of protozoa (for example, amoeba) can lead to meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathology and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissues.
To remove some worms, you can use folk remedies (cleansing enemas with pumpkin seeds, garlic and soda, taking extracts with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and widespread infection, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy the worms, long-term drug therapy is required, and help to restore the basic functions of the digestive system.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- From hands to oral, unwashed food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, on which eggs and larvae of parasites are present, along with soil particles.In this way you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food consisting of thermally unprocessed meat, milk, fish and seafood.This transmission route is specific for trichinosis and teniasis.
- Contact, for example, through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Spread through the blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- This is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted through transfusion from mother to fetus.
Taking into account the realities of modern home medicine, they try to postpone going to the doctor until the last minute, especially since medicines to get rid of helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription in every pharmacy.But everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.Means to combat parasites are not identical in their therapeutic activity;In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of his actions is as follows:
- Examination of the patient and collection of history (for example, recent returns from foreign countries require special studies to identify pests);
- Appointment of a general blood test, stool, coprogram;
- Blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- Assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- Identification of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications to the prescription of certain medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infections is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Symptoms of parasites in the body depending on the localization site
The worms cause tissue damage as well as numerous bleedings.This leads to anemia, weakness, fatigue and decreased performance.The condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens due to disruption of metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals.A person loses weight rapidly and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the life activity of most pathogenic microorganisms is accompanied by the release of toxins.The immune system reacts according to their presence, so if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will definitely be present.Clinical symptoms of general intoxication also develop, manifested in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, neurological disorders, and deterioration in well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion into the human heart tissue occurs against the background of serious disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain of:
- shortness of breath;
- changes in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- Feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process may lead to pericarditis or myocarditis.With these diseases the body temperature increases and there is severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiasis are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
When certain worms invade the skin, symptoms of parasites in the body may look like this:
- Ulceration in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- Swelling and redness, sometimes during worm migration;
- Formation of swelling that resembles a wen in appearance;
- The presence of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eyes depend on several factors.If the helminth "survives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual loss, and limited visibility.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of most worms.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly from the digestive system.
The patient usually complains:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- Diarrhea, which may be replaced by constipation, is especially typical in the early stages of infection;
- Mixture of mucus and blood in stool;
- the occurrence of painful cramps accompanied by the urge to defecate;
- loss or decrease of appetite;
- Flatulence, bloating.
As a result of malfunction in the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworm can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disturbances in the entire body.Moreover, such an attack sometimes does not manifest itself as external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, there are frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness despite compliance with the daily routine, persistent weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
In addition, symptoms of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen change upward, and the body temperature often increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern medicines make it possible to quickly and without any side effects cleanse all organs of worms and completely restore their functioning.
Human parasites: treatment and prevention methods
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method of dealing with helminths has been created - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, every cell of our body is not motionless in one place, but is in a state of constant vibration, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length varies for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but their activities echo those of our body's tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of a person's own cells, but destroy the parasites in the body.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment device does not have proper certifications.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause complications.
There are not so many drugs used to actually get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage of drugs, the method and duration of their use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient's age, severity of the attack and the presence of concomitant pathology.
For relatively mild worm infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel worms from the intestines, physicians recommend:
- Consume onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as much as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second day - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots into a glass of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave until it cools completely and take 3 tbsp.l three times a day before meals.
- Mix equal amounts of aloe and onion juice, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l flax seeds and 1 tbsp.Grind cloves and take 2.5 grams of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use 1 teaspoon of this mixture.Three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only way to prevent human parasites from appearing in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to the rules of hygiene, known to everyone since childhood.This includes washing your hands before eating, after going to the toilet and after returning from a walk.It is also necessary to carefully thermal treat drinking water, milk, meat, fish, and clean fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants.
But human parasites appear at every step, so it is almost impossible to meet them.To prevent serious complications of invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive system.When the first signs of helminthiasis appear, you should consult a doctor, undergo prescribed tests and complete the full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.