Worms are called parasitic worms that live on other animals and plants, feed and reproduce within living organisms. According to statistics, one in three inhabitants of the planet has these parasites. Scientists argue that there is no such adult person who has not had worms his entire life. Consider how to get rid of worms, what types there are, how to detect and avoid them. Note that worms (ascariasis, enterobiasis) are a common problem, especially in childhood, and you shouldn't panic.
Types of Worms in Humans
Helminths - the scientific name for worms - have their own subspecies. The most common helminths are worms, roundworms. Let's take a look at them.
earthworms
Pinworms are called helminths that affect the human gut. They are the best known and most widespread species. The reproduction of these helminths leads to the development of the disease - enterobiasis. Preschool and school-age children are more susceptible to moth infection.
General signs of the presence of helminths in the body:
- itchy sensation in the anus;
- crampy abdominal pain, usually mild;
- decreased appetite;
- violation of feces;
- insomnia and weakness;
- allergic reactions that do not go away after using anti-allergics;
- irrational cough.
Method of infection: contact and household route. Infection occurs when eggs are swallowed with food. Self-infection is extremely important - when combing an itchy anus, moth eggs fall under the nails and are then swallowed. Adults can also be infected by children later.
ascariasis
Ascariasis is a family of large parasitic roundworms. The worm lives for 10 to 24 months, after which, partially decomposed, it comes out with feces. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract are the most affected, causing ascariasis. The preferred habitat for adults is the small intestine.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis - Disease caused by lamblia, a parasite of the small intestine of humans and some animals. Giardia exists in two forms: mobile (vegetative) and immobile (cyst form). The mobile form of lamblia has 4 pairs of flagella and a suction disk, with which it attaches to the mucous membrane of the small intestine. It lives in the human body in the duodenum (small intestine).
Causes of Worms in Humans
The main factors of helminthiasis infection are:
Why are worms dangerous?
Thanks to modern medicine, it is possible to detect a disease in time, get rid of it, so serious consequences are quite rare phenomena. Worms can cause the following phenomena:
- bowel obstruction;
- allergic skin rash;
- predisposition to poisoning;
- the development of anemia;
- deterioration of health;
- weight loss;
- decreasing the percentage of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice.
Helminthic invasion can cause weight loss, pale tone, itching in the anal passage. Complications depend on the type of parasite and the degree of infection. The appearance of helminths in children and during pregnancy is especially dangerous.
How to know if there are earthworms
It is important to detect helminth invasion as early as possible, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the treatment and prevents the development of complications.
Basic diagnostic methods:
- stool analysis for intestinal parasites (ascariasis);
- scraping analysis of moth eggs (enterobiasis);
- a blood test for the determination of specific antibodies against worms (detection of immunoglobulins - ELISA) - intestinal and tissue parasites. The most revealing study.
Retesting should be performed no earlier than 14 days after anthelmintic treatment. Typically, the patient is prescribed a combination of several tests to identify the parasite. The recovery criterion is considered a negative ELISA result and several negative results from the study of the biological environment where the worms were detected.
Watch! Requirements for the preparation of biomaterial (stool for intestinal parasites):
Scraping for enterobiasiscarried out in the morning, in the child's bed, before the emptying and morning hygiene procedures. A narrow transparent tape is used, which is applied with the adhesive side to the perianal folds and then, with the same side of the biomaterial, it is glued on a clean and dry sheet. Do not use any matte or colored adhesive dots.
Methods of Dealing with Worms
An infectious disease specialist or parasitologist is involved in treating parasitic infestations. But you shouldn't immediately go to a doctor with a restricted specialization: it's better to get in touch with a pediatrician or therapist. He will indicate a series of studies and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or gastroenterologist.
If worms are detected in a child, it is imperative to perform anthelmintic therapy for all family members.
When worms are found, the doctor prescribes antiparasitic agents designed to fight a specific type of worm. Modern medicines effectively fight worms at all stages of the life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases (eg ascariasis), a single dose of pills is sufficient, but sometimes a series of medications is needed - the treatment is developed by a specialist physician.
It is unacceptable to violate the doctor's prescribed treatment tactics - this can lead to the worm eggs remaining in the body, which in the future will cause a new invasion.
What pills can be used
Modern medicines come in the form of tablets or suspensions for children.
The method of application for all medications is different. It is important to read the instructions carefully and follow them clearly. Another point is the contraindications. Contraindications are based on various liver diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ideally, discuss this with your doctor.
Medications are selected by the attending physician according to the type of worms, the characteristics of the organism, the stage of infection, the age of the patient. There are not always enough anthelmintic medications to ward off worms. In some cases, complex treatment is prescribed.
After its vital activity, the worm causes damage to our body. Therefore, it is important not only to have anthelmintic therapy, but also to cleanse the body of the toxins formed during the death of the worms.
Dead helminths secrete decomposition products, which are among the most powerful intestinal poisons. Allergic reactions can occur, the formation and drainage of bile are disturbed, the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract suffers, which manifests itself in the form of a "lazy bowel" or, conversely, its excessive activity - diarrhea - "loose bowel". The body's resistance to viruses and bacteria decreases, latent chronic infections are activated.
Along with antiparasitic drugs, medications that improve the state of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate vitamin deficiencies, antihistamines (in case of allergic reaction), hepatoprotectants, choleretics and sorbents can be prescribed.
Currently, in the arsenal of pharmacies, it is possible to buy phytocomplexes that combine all these effects.
Let's see what kind of medicinal plant will help us get rid of helminths.
Treatment with folk remedies
pumpkin seeds and honey
Pumpkin seeds have long been known in folk medicine and their pharmacological properties have been confirmed experimentally and clinically. The seeds are used against various tapeworms (bovine, swine and dwarf tapeworms, broad tapeworm) and moths.
The main pharmacologically active substance that determines the anthelmintic effect of pumpkin seeds is the amino compound of cucurbitin (3-amino-3-carboxypyrrolidine), whose content in seeds reaches 0. 1-0. 3%, depending on the varietypumpkin.
- To combat the worms, 300, 0 peeled seeds are harvested in small portions on an empty stomach for 1 hour (you can grind in a pestle, always with green husk and mix with 50-100, 0 honey).
- After 3 hours a laxative is given, after 0. 5 hours an enema is given.
- Children aged 3 to 4 years receive 75. 0 seeds;
- 5-7 years - 100, 0;
- 8-10 years - 10. 0;
- 10-15 years - 200, 0-250, 0.
sowing garlic
Garlic, whose beneficial properties are known around the world, is more widespread in different countries. Garlic (Allium sativum L. ) contains phytoncides, the main ones being allicin, geraniol, rutin, quercetin. Garlic has a general strengthening effect, stimulates immunity, has anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antiviral and fungicidal activity, increases the motor and secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract, suppresses fermentation and putrefaction in the intestine.
yarrow
The beneficial properties of yarrow are expressed in choleretic action, increased production of gastric juice and improved appetite. Thanks to its antispasmodic effect, yarrow herb is used to reduce pain caused by intestinal spasms.
long crocus
Turmeric has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for many ailments, including colds, stomach ulcers, liver ailments, and to heal skin wounds. Turmeric is rich in essential oils, whose components are borneol, known for its powerful antiseptic effect, as well as phelandrene, tsingiberen, curcumin and others. It also contains vitamins in high concentrations (vitamin -% of daily value): B6 - 90%; C - 28%; E - 20. 7%; B1 - 10%. A safe daily dose of turmeric is 1 tsp. Daily intake of turmeric improves digestion, stimulates the gallbladder (saffron should not be used for cholelithiasis as the spice increases the flow of bile), and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
common cumin
In modern medicine, cumin fruits are used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, flatulence. The plant is used for biliary tract spasms. Fruits with caraway are part of the carminative, gastric, appetizing and other collections.
Recipes
- The infusion is prepared at the rate of 2-3 teaspoons of cumin seeds in a glass of boiling water.
- Insist for 45 minutes and take 2-3 tbsp. spoons (1 teaspoon children). 5-6 times a day before meals.
Prevention of helminthiasis
In order not to catch a parasite for yourself, it is essential to follow the rules of hygiene: a modern change of clothes, a regular shower and hand washing. It's even better to spray household items with an antiseptic.
It's important to eat the right foods and handle them well. Be especially careful with fish and meat. During evisceration, fish should be carefully inspected for eggs and worms, and a separate board should be used to slaughter raw fish and meat. In spring and summer, it is important to wash the wild vegetables and fruits in the garden well.
You will also need to perform regular spring cleaning. Drink only proven water and treat your pets with proper care and care. The main guardian - immunity - also needs help and care.
If there are pets in the house, all family members need to take worm prophylaxis, so be sure to include the most beloved pet.