Helminthiasis is a common disease. According to statistics, the infection of the population, depending on the region of residence and the social level, varies from 20 to 80%. The infection rate is particularly 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 differ depending on the location and type of parasites. The treatment regimen is developed individually 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 vast majority of cases, helminth diseases develop due to non-compliance with the norms and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways of penetration of parasites into the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when worm eggs and larvae enter the digestive tract as a result of consuming foods that include raw, semi-cooked, smoked, dried meat or fish.
- contact helminthiasis. Infection is possible only through the transfer of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy one. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geoelminthiasis. 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 invasion method 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 the norms and rules of personal hygiene. The exclusion of these factors is the best option for the prevention of the helminthic invasion.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the species of helminth, 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, provided that the previous diet is maintained, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergies, decreased immunity and deterioration of general well-being.
Symptoms of parasitic infestation are divided into several distinct subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the place of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body with toxic substances and decomposition products released during the life of parasites. Such signs include sleep disturbances, irritability, crying, depression, limb tremors.
- Digestive disorders. There is nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain localized in the center of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and decreased immune forces of the body. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of the helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and waste products of parasites.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcerations, purulent abscesses, and so on.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's history, identifying a predisposition to infection, as well as on laboratory tests. Most often used:
- Study of feces, contents of the duodenum, scrapings obtained from the folds of the anus. Stool analysis allows you to identify live and dead eggs, larvae, parasites. Helminth diagnostics, performed under laboratory conditions, is effective only if at least four to six weeks have passed since the moment of infection.
- Survey by means of 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 carrying out tests.
- To detect parasites, the typical habitats of which are liver tissue, gallbladder, skin, ultrasound and X-rays.
To get the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow all the rules for carrying out the tests prescribed by the doctor. Also, at the end of the course of medical therapy, it is recommended to pass repeated tests to exclude a recurrence of helminthiasis.
Pharmacological treatment
Helminthiasis therapy requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate methods of therapy are selected, the action of which is aimed at eliminating discomfort and improving the patient's well-being.
The treatment of helminthic invasion includes three main stages: 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 of only natural products, steamed or baked, as well as to take medications that improve digestion.
The treatment regimen is compiled individually. The final stage of treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. For this, drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as biologically active drugs and additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
In the fight against helminthiasis, homemade natural products with antiparasitic properties help. They should only be used after medical advice. Also, homemade medicines are not a panacea for worms, they should be used as part of complex therapy.
Some of the more effective and safe recipes include:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you need to eat at least one glass of raw seeds a day during the week. For children, the dosage can be halved.
- Enema of garlic. To prepare the solution, boil a large head of garlic in a glass of natural cow's milk for ten minutes. Then remove the root vegetable, cool the resulting brew to a comfortable temperature, and then use it as directed. It is recommended to carry out such a procedure in conjunction with taking medication.
- Fresh garlic, onions and sauerkraut juice. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products daily. This will help remove the worms and prevent reinfection.
- A sparing diet also belongs to the folk methods. It is recommended to significantly change the diet, limiting it only to vegetables and fruits, which can be eaten both fresh and after heat treatment. You should adhere to such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very useful for improving and normalizing the function of the digestive tract.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to prevent infection
Pest prevention is a must. Among the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to consume meals prepared with raw, dried or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly, then blanch fruit, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Preventive deworming of pets, 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 should undergo preventive examinations at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool institutions. It is easier to cure helminth infestation in the early stages of the infection.