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 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 vary depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is individually developed 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 overwhelming majority of cases, helminthic diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with standards and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways in which parasites penetrate 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, dried meat or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible through the transfer of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. 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 appear due to the use of low quality food products and non-compliance with standards and rules of personal hygiene. Excluding these factors is the best option for preventing helminth invasion.
Clinical condition
Symptoms of the disease vary according to 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 allergy, decreased immunity and deterioration in general well-being.
The symptoms of parasitic infestation are divided into several distinct subgroups:
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Regardless of location, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body by toxic substances and decomposition products released during the life of the parasites. These signs include sleep disturbance, irritability, crying, depression, limb tremors.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain located in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and a decrease in the body's immune strength. These symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminth invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and parasite waste products.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. This includes skin lesions, ulceration, purulent abscesses, and so on.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on an in-depth study of the patient's history, identifying a predisposition to infection, as well as on laboratory tests. Most frequently used:
- Study of feces, duodenal content, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. The analysis of feces allows the identification of eggs, larvae, live and dead parasites. The diagnosis of helminths, carried out under laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed since the time of infection.
- Survey using serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for any helminthiasis is one of the most effective. Before conducting a hemolymph study to detect parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for testing.
- To detect parasites, typical habitats are liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and X-ray.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow all the rules for taking tests prescribed by your doctor. In addition, 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 intrinsically linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate therapeutic methods are selected, whose action aims to eliminate discomfort and improve the patient's well-being.
The treatment of helminthic invasion includes three main steps: preparation, direct drug therapy, and recovery. It is also important to eliminate the 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 products, steamed or baked, as well as taking medications that improve digestion.
The therapy regimen is compiled individually. The final step in the treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. For this, drugs that have an immunomodulating effect are used, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
popular methods
In combating helminthiasis, natural homemade products with antiparasitic properties help. They should only be used after medical advice. Also, home remedies are not a panacea for worms; 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 need to eat at least one cup of raw seeds a day during the week. For children, the dosage 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 vegetable root, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and use it as directed. It is advisable to carry out this procedure in combination with taking medication.
- Fresh garlic, onion and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, daily consumption of these products is recommended. This will help remove the worms and prevent reinfection.
- A moderate diet also belongs to the popular methods. It is recommended to significantly change the diet, limiting itself to vegetables and fruits, which can be consumed fresh and after heat treatment. You must adhere to this diet for at least ten days. Furthermore, this diet is very beneficial in improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Important!The above traditional medicine methods can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Preventing parasites is a must. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat meals prepared with raw, dry or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly and blanch fruits, herbs and vegetables in boiling water.
- Carry out preventive deworming of domestic animals, which can be direct sources of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
Also, you need to see a doctor regularly for tests to identify parasites. You must undergo preventive screenings at least once a year. This rule applies to children who attend preschool institutions. It is easier to cure a helminth infestation in the early stages of the infection.