A person believes that his body is his only.However, there are parasites that fill it without asking - and these are worms.No one is happy with such cohabitation, so immediate steps are taken to get rid of the uninvited neighbor.
Types of worms in humans
Worms, or helminths, are parasitic worms that live off animals and plants, feeding and multiplying inside living organisms.You and I are no exception.
According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the Earth is infected with parasitic worms.It is assumed that there is not a single adult who does not have a single worm residing in his body throughout his life, said the general practitioner.
In everyday life, people call almost all worms parasitic worms, without thinking about how many species of these unpleasant creatures actually exist.
Among all the parasitic worms that can exist in the human body, there are three main groups:
- nematodes related to roundworms: pinworm, whipworm, trichinella, roundworm;
- tapeworms, or flatworms related to cestodes (various types of tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci);
- fluke parasites, or trematodes, cause opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis and other diseases.
Causes of worms in humans
The collective name for diseases caused by worms is helminthiasis.It occurs when the larvae or eggs of worms enter the human body.
This may happen for the following reasons:
- a person does not observe basic hygiene rules: he does not wash his hands after walking down the street, after visiting guests or after using the toilet, and does not rinse them before eating.
- The cause of worms in humans is often the habit of biting nails, sucking fingers, and holding various objects in the mouth: pens, pencils.
- The risk of worm infection is high if you have pets, especially those that walk the streets.
Even with timely anthelmintic therapy, dogs and cats can spread worm eggs carried from the street on their paws and fur.
- You can get worms if you do not treat vegetables, fruits, berries and vegetables that you will eat with hot water.
- It is dangerous to drink raw water from an unknown source or wash food with it.
- Meat and fish that are not properly processed are a risk of infection.When eating well-processed beef with heat - beef tapeworms, pork - pork tapeworms, and a little salted and raw fish, the broad tapeworm lives.
- You can catch worms indoors if you clean infrequently, wear outdoor shoes, and avoid washing the floor.
- Worms can also be transmitted from an infected person if you share dishes, bed linen, or stay in the same room for a long time.
Obviously, most of the causes of worms in humans are caused by non-compliance with hygiene rules.Those who take care of themselves, their homes and their pets may never encounter this parasite.
Treatment of worms in humans
Treatment of worms in a person is carried out by a general practitioner if the patient is an adult, or by a pediatrician if the worms are in a child.
In the case of worms, you should not self-medicate under any circumstances: the drugs used in the treatment of helminthiases are quite difficult for the body.
Usually, in the treatment of worms in humans, complex therapy is used, the purpose of which is not only to destroy the parasites, but also to eliminate the consequences of their vital activity.Therefore, it is not possible to manage with anthelmintic drugs alone.In addition, it is often necessary to treat all family members, because people in a narrow circle easily infect each other.
Along with medications, vitamins and enzymes that improve digestion may be prescribed.For more effective treatment of worms, one needs to follow a diet and limit carbohydrates: sweets, flour.
If there are animals in the house, they must undergo anthelmintic therapy twice a year, otherwise all treatment efforts will be in vain.
What tablets can be used?
Worms are a rather complicated problem, which prompts many people to self-medicate.Advertising always insists that certain pills can solve problems instantly.
However, many do not notice that in any advertisement there is an indication that before use you need to consult a doctor.These are not simple words, we have already said that anti-worm medicines are very serious and can cause harm if taken without control.
The following are used to treat worms in humans:
- anthelmintic drugs - they destroy worms;
- antihistamines, which will help if you are allergic to massive dead parasites;
- enterosorbent, which removes harmful substances and parasitic waste from the body.
- Iron supplements, vitamin B12, folic acid - all will help with anemia.
- hepatoprotectors to protect the liver.
- probiotics.
The frequency of taking the drug is determined by an infectious disease doctor, based on the results of objective examinations, complaints, and patient tests.
Traditional treatment methods
As a folk remedy to treat worms, children and adults can eat dried pumpkin seeds.According to doctors, it contains cucurbitin, which destroys worms.However, you should not count on a miraculous cure from worms with the help of pumpkin seeds.
Parasites that have settled in the body are very dangerous.Without serious treatment under the supervision of a doctor, complications may arise: the worms will spread throughout the body.They can penetrate the gallbladder and its ducts, and enter the pancreatic duct.Parasites can cause intestinal obstruction and anemia - a decrease in hemoglobin levels.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect helminthiases, you should make an appointment with a doctor: general practitioner, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- lethargy, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies, such as skin rashes, coughs, asthma attacks;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
- stomach ache;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, although appetite is good;
- sleep problems, insomnia;
- swollen or enlarged lymph nodes;
- unexplained fever;
- pain in muscles and joints without exercise;
- snoring or grinding teeth while sleeping;
- the presence of worms in the feces;
- itching in the anal area (often with pinworms).
There are two phases of helminthiases: acute and chronic.The first lasts 2-8 weeks from the moment the parasite enters the body.Often during this period there is a clear allergic reaction to helminths.
After about two months, the acute phase turns into a chronic phase, and here the symptoms depend on the pathogen taken by the person and on the habitat.
Prevention of worms in humans
We, as a rule, learn the main rules for the prevention of worms in humans in childhood, but sometimes we do not follow them:
- You should wash your hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after going out.
- It is necessary to wash vegetables, fruits, herbs, and after washing, pour boiling water over them.
- Meat, fish and seafood require long-term heat treatment.
- In your daily life you only need to use high quality and safe water.
- Each family member must have personal hygiene products and equipment.
- The house should always be clean and wet cleaning done regularly.
- Pets should be taken regularly for preventive anthelmintic therapy.