Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection rate of the population varies between 20-80%, depending on the region of residence and social status. Infection rates are particularly high in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. More than 280 species of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. Symptoms of helminthiasis vary depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main reasons for the occupation
Worms are parasites that typically live in the human body. There are factors that cause infection. In most cases, helminthic diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with the rules and regulations of personal hygiene. There are four main ways in which parasites enter the human body:
- Biohelmintosis. Infection occurs when worm eggs and larvae enter the digestive system as a result of eating raw, undercooked, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- Contact with helminthiasis. Infection is possible only through the transmission of parasitic eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical for pinworms.
- Geohelminthoses. The entry of parasites into the human body occurs when they come in contact with plants, soil and water from open natural reservoirs.
- When bitten by blood-sucking insects. This method of occupation is widespread in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
It is important!In adults and children, helminths appear due to the use of poor quality food and non-compliance with the rules and regulations of personal hygiene. Excluding these factors is the best option to prevent helminthic infestation.
Clinical picture
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of helminths, the degree of damage to organs and tissues, as well as the individual characteristics of the infected person. The most common and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergies, decreased immunity and deterioration of general well-being, provided that the previous diet is maintained.
The symptoms of a parasitic infection are divided into several different subgroups:
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Regardless of the location, helminths cause symptoms that result from poisoning the body with toxins and the decay products of parasites throughout their lives. Such symptoms include sleep disturbances, irritability, tears, depression, and tremors.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, anorexia, systemic changes in diarrhea and constipation, localized pain in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and decreased immune system. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning by waste products of toxins and parasites.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, and treatment requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses, etc.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, determination of susceptibility to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most commonly used:
- Examination of feces, the contents of the duodenum, fragments obtained from the folds of the anus. Fecal analysis allows the identification of eggs, larvae, dead and live parasites. Laboratory diagnosis of helminths is effective only at least four to six weeks after infection.
- Inquiry by serological methods, including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for any helminthiasis is one of the most effective. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test procedures before performing a hemolymph test to detect parasites and eggs in human blood.
- Typical habitats are used to detect parasites in liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and X-rays.
It is recommended that you follow all the rules for performing the tests prescribed by your doctor to get the most accurate results. In addition, repeated tests are recommended at the end of the course of medical therapy to rule out relapse of helminthiasis.
Drug treatment
Helminthiasis therapy requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, and depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate therapies are selected to address the discomfort and improve the patient's well-being.
Treatment of helminthic infestation consists of three main stages: preparation, direct drug treatment and recovery. Manifestations of helminth infection are also important to eliminate the pronunciation symptoms that can cause discomfort to the patient. During the preparation period, it is recommended to follow a strict diet based on the use of only natural products, steamed or baked goods, as well as to take medications that improve digestion.
The therapy regimen is designed individually. The final stage of treatment is the recovery of the patient's body. Immunomodulatory drugs, as well as drugs that restore the microflora of the digestive system and biologically active supplements are used for this purpose.
Folk methods
Natural household products with antiparasitic properties help in the fight against helminthiasis. They should be used only after medical advice. In addition, home remedies should be used as part of a complex therapy, not a panacea for worms.
Here are some of the most effective and safe recipes:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you need to eat at least one cup of raw seeds a day for a week. For children, the dose can be halved.
- Garlic enema. To prepare the solution, boil a large clove of garlic in a glass of natural cow's milk for ten minutes. Then remove the root vegetables, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and then use according to instructions. It is advisable to perform such a procedure with medication.
- Fresh garlic, onion and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help remove the worms and prevent re-infection.
- A careful diet also applies to folk remedies. It is recommended to significantly change the diet and limit it to vegetables and fruits that can be consumed both fresh and after heat treatment. You should follow such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very useful to improve and normalize the functioning of the digestive system.
It is important!The above methods of traditional medicine can be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Prevention of parasites is a must. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat raw, dried or low-salt meat or fish dishes.
- Rinse thoroughly, then fry fruits, greens and vegetables in boiling water.
- Carry out prophylactic deworming of pets that can be a direct source of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you should consult your doctor regularly for tests to identify parasites. You should have preventive examinations at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschools. It is easier to treat helminthic infections in the early stages of infection.