If this disease catches you, see your doctor and read this article.
Worms are called parasitic worms that live on animals and other plants, feeding and reproducing within living organisms. According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the planet has these parasites. Scientists argue that there is no such person as an adult who has not had worms in his entire life. Consider how to get rid of worms, what types exist, how to detect and prevent them. Note that worms (ascariasis, enterobiasis) are a common problem, especially in childhood, and you should not panic.
Types of worms in humans
Helminths - the scientific name for worms - have their subspecies. The most common helminths are roundworms, roundworms. Let’s take a look at them.
Stake worms
Stake worms are called helminths that affect the human intestines. They are the most famous and widespread species. Reproduction of these helminths leads to the development of the disease - enterobiasis. Preschoolers and students are more susceptible to worm infection.
General signs of the presence of helminths in the body:
- itching sensation in the anus;
- cramping abdominal pain, usually mild;
- decreased appetite;
- bowel movements;
- insomnia and weakness;
- allergic reactions that do not pass after the use of antiallergic drugs;
- unreasonable cough.
Method of infection: route of contact and family. Infection occurs when eggs are swallowed with food. Self-infection is extremely important - when you comb an itchy anus, the worm eggs fall under your fingernails and are then swallowed. Adults can also be infected by children later.
Askariaza
Ascariasis is a family of large parasitic worms. The worm lives from 10 to 24 months, after which it, partially decomposed, comes out in the feces. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract are most often affected, causing ascariasis. The preferred habitat for adults is the small intestine.
Giardiaza
Giardiasis - A disease caused by lamblia, a parasite in the small intestine of humans and some animals. Giardia exists in two forms: mobile (vegetative) and immobile (cystic form). The mobile form of the lamblia has 4 pairs of flagella and a suction disc, with which it attaches to the mucosa of the small intestine. Lives in the human body in the duodenum (small intestine).
Causes of worms in humans
The main factors of helminthiases infection are:
- Failure to follow the basic rules of hygiene, especially hand washing.
- Bad habits. These include biting nails, licking fingers, holding various objects (pens, pencils) in the mouth.
- Insufficient care of pets, especially pets in the yard, because they can be carriers of the infection. Along the way, cats and dogs need to wipe their paws, wash in time, take them for examination, and choose the right food.
- Drinking raw and unfiltered water from an unreliable source.
- Raw vegetables, fruits and vegetables before meals;
- Poorly processed meat and fish products.
- Close contact with an infected person.
- Sandboxes - worms live in them. Sandboxes on playgrounds should be kept away from cats and dogs.
Why are worms dangerous?
Thanks to modern medicine, it is possible to detect a disease in time, get rid of it, therefore, serious consequences are quite rare occurrences. Worms can cause the following phenomena:
- intestinal obstruction;
- allergic rash;
- predisposition to poisoning;
- development of anemia;
- deteriorating health;
- weight loss;
- reducing the percentage of hydrochloric acid in gastric fluid.
Helminthic invasion can provoke weight loss, a pale shadow, itching in the anal passage. Complications depend on the type of parasite and the degree of infection. The appearance of helminths in children and during pregnancy is especially dangerous.
How to know if there are worms
It is important to detect helminthic infestation as soon as possible, which significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment and prevents the development of complications.
Basic diagnostic methods:
- fecal analysis for intestinal parasites (ascariasis);
- scratch analysis for worm eggs (enterobiasis);
- a blood test to determine worm-specific antibodies (immunoglobulin detection - ELISA) - intestinal and tissue parasites. The most revealing study.
Re-analysis should be performed no earlier than 14 days after anthelmintic treatment. Typically, the patient is prescribed a combination of several tests to identify the parasite. The criterion for cure is considered to be a negative ELISA result and some negative results of the biological environment study where the worms were detected.
Pay attention! Requirements for the preparation of biomaterial (feces for intestinal parasites):
- Prepare a sterile container. Now they have created specialized containers that are equipped with a convenient spoon. You can buy it at any pharmacy;
- Do not use laxative;
- Stools are collected in the morning before being tested;
- It is impossible to allow urine to enter the feces, therefore, it is necessary to urinate before the process.
- It is necessary to collect the material from different parts of the last part.
- Place in a prepared container about a tablespoon of feces (10-15 g).
- Deliver the container to the lab as soon as possible - the so-called "warm stools".
Scraping for enterobiasisperformed in the morning, in the child's bed, before emptying in the morning and hygiene procedures. A narrow transparent tape is used, which is applied with the adhesive side to the perianal folds and then, on the same side with the biomaterial, is glued to a clean, dry slide. Do not use any matte or colored adhesive stitches.
Worm treatment methods
An infectious disease specialist or parasitologist is involved in treating parasitic infections. But you should not immediately go to a doctor with a narrow specialization: it is better to contact a pediatrician or a therapist. He will schedule a number of studies and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or gastroenterologist.
If worms are detected in a child, it is imperative to carry out antihelminthic therapy for all family members.
When worms are found, the doctor prescribes antiparasitic agents aimed at fighting a specific type of worm. Modern drugs effectively fight worms at every stage of the life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases (for example, ascariasis), a single dose of the pill is sufficient, but sometimes it is required to undergo a course of medication - treatment is carried out by a specialist doctor.
It is unacceptable to violate the treatment tactics prescribed by the doctor - this can lead to the fact that the worm eggs remain in the body, which in the future will cause re-invasion.
What pills can be used
Modern medicines come in the form of tablets or suspensions for children.
The method of application for all drugs is different. It is important to read the instructions carefully and follow them clearly. Another point is the contraindications. Contraindications are based on various liver diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ideally, discuss this with your doctor.
Medications are chosen by the doctor depending on the type of worms, the characteristics of the organism, the stage of the infection, the age of the patient. Not always, to get rid of worms, there are enough anthelmintic drugs. In some cases, complex treatment is prescribed.
After its vital activity, the worm causes damage to our body. Therefore, it is important not only to carry out anthelmintic therapy, but it is also necessary to cleanse the body of toxins formed during the death of worms.
Killed helminth secretes decay products, which are among the most powerful intestinal poisons. Allergic reactions may occur, the formation and exit of bile is disturbed, suffers peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests itself in the form of a "lazy gut" or, conversely, its excessive activity - diarrhea - "leaky gut". The body's resistance to viruses and bacteria decreases, chronic latent infections are activated.
Along with antiparasitic agents, medications that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate vitamin deficiency, antihistamines (in case of an allergic reaction), hepatoprotectants, choleretics, and sorbents may be prescribed.
Currently, in the arsenal of pharmacies, you can buy phyto complexes that combine all these effects.
Let’s see what kind of medicinal herbs will help us get rid of helminths.
Treatment with folk remedies
Pumpkin seeds and honey
Pumpkin seeds have long been known in folk medicine, their pharmacological properties have been confirmed experimentally and clinically. The seeds are used against various worms (bovine, porcine and dwarf tapeworms, broad tapeworms) and worms.
The main pharmacologically active substance that determines the anthelmintic effect of pumpkin seeds is the amino compound cucurbitin (3-amino-3-carboxypyrrolidine), the content of which in the seeds reaches 0, 1-0, 3%, depending on the pumpkin variety.
- To fight worms, 300. 0 peeled seeds are taken in small portions on an empty stomach for 1 hour (you can grind in a mortar, always with a green shell and mix with 50-100. 0 honey).
- After 3 hours a laxative is given, after 0, 5 hours an enema is given.
- Children 3-4 years old are given 75. 0 seeds;
- 5-7 years - 100. 0;
- 8-10 years - 150. 0;
- 10-15 years old - 200. 0-250. 0.
Planting garlic
Garlic, whose beneficial properties are known all over the world, is most prevalent in various countries. Garlic (Allium sativum L. ) contains phytoncides, the main of which are allicin, geraniol, rutin, quercetin. Garlic has a general strengthening effect, stimulates immunity, has anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antiviral and fungicidal activity, increases motor and secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract, suppresses fermentation and putrefaction in the intestine.
Yarrow
Useful properties of yarrow are expressed in choleretic action, increased production of gastric juice, improved appetite. Thanks to its antispasmodic effect, yarrow herb is used to reduce the pain caused by intestinal spasms.
Long turmeric
Turmeric has been used in traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda as a remedy for many ailments including colds, stomach ulcers, liver diseases and to heal skin wounds. Turmeric is rich in essential oils, the constituents of which are borneol, known for its powerful antiseptic effect, as well as fellandren, tsingiberen, turmeric and others. Also contains vitamins in high concentrations (vitamin -% of daily value): B6 - 90%; C - 28%; E - 20, 7%; B1 - 10%. A safe daily dose of turmeric is 1 teaspoon. Daily intake of turmeric improves digestion, stimulates the gallbladder (turmeric should not be used for cholelithiasis, as spices lead to an increased bile output) and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Ordinary pottery
In modern medicine, cumin fruits are used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, gas. The plant is used for biliary tract spasms. Carve fruits are part of the carminative, gastric, delicious and other collections.
Recipe
- The infusion is prepared at the rate of 2-3 teaspoons of cumin seeds in a glass of boiling water.
- Insist 45 minutes and take 2-3 tbsp. spoons (children 1 teaspoon). 5-6 times a day before meals.
Prevention of helminthiasis
In order not to catch a parasite for yourself, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene: a modern change of clothes, a regular shower and hand wash. It is even better to spray household items with an antiseptic.
It is important to eat the right food and treat it well. Be especially careful with fish and meat. During the gutter, the fish should be carefully checked for eggs and worms, and a special board should be used to butcher the fish and live meat. In spring and summer, it is important to thoroughly wash the greens and berries from the garden.
You should also perform regular spring cleaning. Drink only tested water and treat pets with proper care and attention. The primary caregiver - immunity - also needs help and care.
If there are pets in the house, then all family members should carry out worm prophylaxis, be sure to include the most beloved pet.