There are about 250 types of worms that threaten the health of adults. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, helminthiasis develops. The vital activity of worms in the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but infection rates are higher in children.
Most types of worms reside in the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain period of time.
The form of parasitic worms and the characteristics of their development
Depending on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:
- biological worms. In the process of going through the full development cycle, several owners were replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
- Geohelminth. Able to spread without an intermediate host, but through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. The main representatives: roundworms, whipworms, necators.
- Worms are transmitted through contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
More than 150 species of worms registered in humans are known.
Parasites also differ in their location in the body:
- tissue affects the internal organs and tissues that make up its composition;
- The cavity lives in the lumen of the intestine, absorbing the nutrients a person needs.
In appearance, worms are divided into 3 groups:
- roundworm;
- flatworms;
- accidental.
Worm infection method
In most cases, the parasite enters the host organism in the following ways:
- The larvae or eggs of the worms, along with feces, end up in the soil or in the water, infecting a person when they eat unwashed food or raw liquids. During summer holidays, the probability of invasion through bodies of water increases.
- Through contact with sick people or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, as a result of which eggs remain on hands and underwear. Furthermore, they pamper themselves with healthy people.
- Tapeworm infections occur when eating raw and insufficiently processed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissues of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
- Insects can carry worm eggs and larvae on their limbs, increasing the area for potential infestation.
The life cycle of most parasites consists in the release of a large number (millions) of eggs, which penetrate into the human body, after a certain time they turn into larvae.
The development of parasites in the human body can lead to both acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and lasts up to two months. Chronic invasion can be observed throughout a person's life if left untreated.
The main types of worms that parasitize humans
Each form of the microorganism is characterized by lesions of certain organs and the corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are brought together by a method of obtaining nutrition - at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, a person's metabolism is disturbed, anemia and other types of diseases develop.
There are different forms of worms:
- Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. The adult worms live in the small intestine, and the larvae can move through the circulatory system to the lungs. They belong to geohelminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Parasite eggs also accumulate in the sand.
- Pinworms are tiny worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution zone - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of parasites, enterobiasis is formed. The cause of infection is contact with unhealthy people. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
- Tapeworm. These include beef and pork tapeworms, broad tapeworms. They are distinguished by the ability to rapidly increase the population, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body consists of many parts, contains a reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases are formed. Localized in the small intestine, damaging the epithelial mucosa. Accumulates in the intestinal lumen and can cause obstruction. Infection occurs when eating undercooked beef, pork or fish.
- Vlasoglav - round worm that looks like hair with a thickened back. Due to the peculiarities of its structure, it penetrates into the blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluids. Lack of treatment causes a decrease in the body's resistance to infection and cancer. The source of the invasion is unwashed products.
The danger of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as another disease.
Parasite development from eggs to sexually mature individuals occurs within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or manifest in a mild form. If left untreated, the intensive reproduction of helminths will lead to the fact that the disease becomes chronic.
Signs of disease with worm infestation
The main symptoms of helminth infection are manifested in the form of:
- weakness and fatigue;
- pain in the intestines;
- constipation alternating with diarrhea;
- swelling of the face or the whole body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, cough and suffocation;
- skin rash that provokes itching;
- joint pain.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths about these dangerous organisms arise.
The consequences of worm infestations are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between pathologies lies in the specific signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body. Depending on the type of worm, there may be:
- increased salivation, a slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
- frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, pain in the navel when infected with pinworms;
- nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
- yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pain throughout the body in case of worm attack.
It is important to detect worms in a timely manner with the help of tests and apply effective treatment.
Symptoms of helminthiasis directly depend on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Material sampling method for detecting intestinal parasites
The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the study of feces. Materials are submitted to the laboratory in sterile containers on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and the ingress of urine on the substance is unacceptable. The stool container should be stored in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until it is sent to the laboratory.
In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:
- immunological tests;
- blood and urine analysis;
- friction from the vagina in women and girls;
- examination of sputum in the presence of cough;
- ultrasound and endoscopy;
- bile analysis.
The ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect worms in the body.
A person can be infected with one type of worm, or several. As a rule, the presence of a single individual in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the population of worms causes severe damage to internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. Symptoms of the disease are aggravated at night, which also affects resistance to parasites.
Treatment methods for worm invasion
Specific drugs affect different groups of worms. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescription drugs only after identifying the type of worm that invaded the body.
Ascarids and adult pinworms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worms' ability to eat and reproduce.
Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasite to drugs.
Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Iron-containing preparations are necessary to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.
The course of treatment is strictly determined by the attending physician. Self-administration of the drug is unacceptable due to various contraindications.
Use of traditional medicine
The most common deworming medicine is pumpkin seeds. They are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, after grinding and adding honey. The recommended dose is about 300 grams per hour. After taking it, it is necessary to cleanse the stomach with laxatives.
Various herbs and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- tansy;
- gentian yellow;
- sandy immortelle;
- Garlic.
Folk remedies for deworming in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
A decoction of wormwood is recommended for use as an enema. It is possible to use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and their juice also destroy parasites.
Precautions against worms and their effectiveness
Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from all kinds of parasitic infestations. The concept and rules of personal hygiene must be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the chances of disease.
Purified or boiled water should be available at all times to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated fluids. Vegetables and fruits are best washed in boiling water.
Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets should be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Do not forget about regular vaccinations for dogs and cats.
Vaccination will minimize the risk of losing a family member from one of the common diseases.
It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Worm infections can develop into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of worms entering the human body.