A person believes that his body belongs only to him.However, there are parasites that populate it without asking - and these are worms.No one is happy with such coexistence, so urgent measures are taken to get rid of uninvited neighbors.
Types of worms in humans
Worms or helminths are parasitic worms that live on animals and plants, feed on and reproduce in living organisms.You and I are no exception.
According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the Earth is infected with parasitic worms.It is believed that there is no elderly person who has not had at least one worm in his life, says the general practitioner.
In everyday life, people call almost all parasitic worms worms, without thinking about how many species of these unpleasant creatures there actually are.
Among all the parasitic worms that can exist in the human body, there are three main groups:
- nematodes associated with roundworms: pinworms, whipworms, trichinella, roundworms;
- tapeworms or flatworms related to cestodes (various types of tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci);
- parasites of flukes or trematodes, causing opisthorchosis, fascioliasis, schistosomiasis, paragonimosis and other diseases.
Causes of worms in humans
The common name for diseases caused by worms is helminthiasis.This happens when the larvae or eggs of the worms enter the human body.
This can happen for the following reasons:
- a person does not observe elementary hygiene rules: he does not wash his hands after walking on the street, after visiting guests or after using the toilet, and does not rinse them before eating.
- The cause of worms in people is often the habit of biting their nails, sucking their fingers and holding various objects in their mouths: pens, pencils.
- The risk of contracting worms is high if you have pets, especially those that walk the streets.
Even with timely anthelmintic therapy, dogs and cats can spread worm eggs brought from the street on their paws and fur.
- You can become infected with worms if you do not treat the 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 poorly thermally processed beef - beef tapeworm, pork - pork tapeworm and lightly salted and raw fish, the broad tapeworm lives.
- You can catch worms in the house if you rarely clean it, wear outdoor shoes and avoid washing the floors.
- Worms can also be passed from an infected person if you share dishes, bedding, or stay in the same room for a long time.
Obviously, most of the causes of worms in humans come down to non-compliance with hygiene rules.Those who take care of themselves, their home, and their pets may never encounter these parasites.
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, in no case should you self-medicate: the drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis 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 unlikely that you can cope with anthelmintic drugs alone.In addition, it is often necessary to treat all family members, since people in a close circle easily infect each other.
Along with medication, vitamins and enzymes can be prescribed to improve digestion.For more effective treatment of worms, a person will have to follow a diet and limit carbohydrates: sweets, flour.
If there are animals in the house, they should undergo anthelmintic therapy twice a year, otherwise all treatment efforts will be in vain.
What tablets can be used?
Worms are quite a delicate problem that causes many people to self-medicate.Advertising constantly insists that certain pills can instantly solve the problem.
However, many do not notice that in every advertisement there is an indication that you should consult a doctor before use.These are not simple words, we have already said that the drugs against worms are very serious and can cause harm if taken uncontrollably.
The following are used to treat worms in humans:
- anthelmintic drugs - they destroy worms;
- antihistamines, which will help if you are allergic to massive dying parasites;
- enterosorbents, which remove harmful substances and waste products of parasites from the body.
- Supplements with iron, vitamin B12, folic acid will all 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 an objective examination, complaints and tests of the patient.
Traditional methods of treatment
As a folk remedy for worms, children and adults can eat dried pumpkin seeds.According to doctors, they contain cucurbitins, which destroy worms.However, you should not count on a miracle 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 occur: the worms will spread throughout the body.They can penetrate the gallbladder and its ducts and enter the ducts of the pancreas.Parasites can cause intestinal obstruction and anemia - a decrease in the level of hemoglobin.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect helminthiasis, you should make an appointment with a doctor: a general practitioner, a pediatrician or an infectious disease specialist.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- malaise, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies, such as skin rashes, cough, asthma attacks;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
- stomach pain;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, even if the appetite is good;
- sleep problems, insomnia;
- swollen or enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever without cause;
- muscle and joint pain without exercise;
- snoring or grinding teeth during sleep;
- presence of worms in feces;
- itching in the anal area (often with stings).
There are two phases of helminthiasis: acute and chronic.The first lasts 2-8 weeks from the moment the parasite enters the body.Most often during this period there is a pronounced allergic reaction to the helminth.
After about two months, the acute phase turns into a chronic phase, and here the symptoms depend on the pathogen that the person has caught and on its habitat.
Prevention of worms in humans
We, as a rule, learn the basic rules for preventing worms in humans in childhood, but sometimes we simply do not follow them:
- You should wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after going outside.
- It is necessary to wash the vegetables, fruits, herbs and after washing pour them with boiling water.
- Meat, fish and seafood require prolonged heat treatment.
- In everyday life, you should only use high-quality, safe water.
- Each member of the family should have personal hygiene products and utensils.
- The house must be kept clean and wet cleaning carried out regularly.
- Pets should be taken regularly for preventive anthelmintic therapy.