A person believes that their body belongs only to them.However, there are parasites that populate it without asking – and they are worms.No one is happy with such cohabitation, therefore urgent measures are being taken to get rid of unwanted neighbors.
Types of worms in humans
Worms, or helminths, are parasitic worms that live on animals and plants, feeding and reproducing 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 in their life who has not had a worm settle in their body, explains the general practitioner.
In everyday life, people call almost all parasitic worms 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 linked to roundworms: pinworms, whipworms, trichinella, roundworms;
- tapeworms or tapeworms related to cestodes (various types of tapeworms, tapeworms and echinococci);
- fluke parasites, or trematodes, causing opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis and other conditions.
Causes of worms in humans
The collective name for diseases caused by worms is helminthiasis.This happens when worm larvae or eggs enter the human body.
This can happen for the following reasons:
- a person does not follow basic hygiene rules: he does not wash his hands after walking on the street, after visiting guests or after going to 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 infection with worms is high if you have pets, especially those that walk on the street.
Even with timely anthelmintic treatment, 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 vegetables, fruits, berries and greens that you are going to eat with hot water.
- It is dangerous to drink raw water from an unknown source or wash food with it.
- Improperly processed meat and fish pose a risk of infection.When eating poorly heat-treated beef, bovine tapeworm, pork, pork tapeworm and lightly salted and raw fish, the broad tapeworm lives.
- You can get worms in the house if you rarely clean it, wear outdoor shoes, and avoid mopping the floors.
- Worms can also be transmitted 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 the appearance of worms in humans come down to non-compliance with hygiene rules.Those who take care of themselves, their homes, and their pets may never encounter these pests.
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 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 goal of which is not only to destroy parasites, but also to eliminate the consequences of their vital activity.Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to manage this problem with anthelmintic medications alone.In addition, it is often necessary to treat all members of the family, because people belonging to a restricted circle become easily infected.
In addition to medications, vitamins and enzymes that improve digestion may be prescribed.For more effective treatment against worms, a person will need to follow a diet and limit carbohydrates: sweets, flour.
If there are animals in the house, they should undergo anthelmintic treatment twice a year, otherwise all treatment efforts will be in vain.
What tablets can be used?
Worms are a rather delicate problem, which pushes many people to self-medicate.Advertising constantly emphasizes that certain pills can instantly solve the problem.
However, many do not notice that in any advertising it is indicated that before use you need to consult a doctor.These are not simple words, we have already said that worm medications are very serious and can be harmful if taken uncontrolled.
The following products are used to treat worms in humans:
- anthelmintic drugs - they destroy worms;
- antihistamines, which will help if you are allergic to massively dying parasites;
- enterosorbents, which remove harmful substances and parasite waste from the body.
- Iron supplements, vitamin B12, folic acid – they 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 miraculous cure from worms using pumpkin seeds.
Parasites installed in the body are very dangerous.Without serious treatment under the control of a doctor, complications may arise: worms will spread throughout the body.They can enter the gallbladder and its ducts and enter the pancreatic ducts.Parasites can cause intestinal obstruction and anemia, which is a decrease in hemoglobin levels.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you suspect helminthiasis, you must make an appointment with a doctor: general practitioner, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Common symptoms of worms in humans are:
- malaise, weakness, fatigue;
- allergies, such as rashes, cough, asthma attacks;
- decreased or increased appetite;
- nausea, vomiting without intoxication;
- stomach ache;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weight loss, even if appetite is good;
- sleep problems, insomnia;
- inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever without reason;
- pain in muscles and joints without exercise;
- snoring or grinding teeth during sleep;
- presence of worms in the stool;
- itching in the anal area (often accompanied by pinworms).
There are two phases of helminthiasis: acute and chronic.The first lasts 2 to 8 weeks from the moment the parasite enters the body.Most often, during this period, a pronounced allergic reaction to helminths occurs.
After about two months, the acute phase turns into a chronic phase, and here the symptoms depend on the pathogen caught by the person and its habitat.
Prevention of worms in humans
As a rule, we learn the main rules for preventing worms in humans during 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 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 everyday life, you should use only safe and high-quality water.
- Each member of the family must have personal hygiene products and utensils.
- The house should be kept clean and wet cleaning carried out regularly.
- Pets should be taken regularly for preventive anthelmintic treatment.