Types of intestinal helminths, symptoms of the disease and methods of treatment

There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of adults. As a result of parasitic worm infection, helminthiasis disease develops. Significant activity of worms in 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 are in the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain period.

Forms of parasitic worms and their developmental features

Depending on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:

1. biological worms. In the process of going through the full cycle of development, several owners were replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
2. Geohelminths. Able to spread without an intermediate host, but through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Main representatives: ring worms, whip worms, necators.
3. Helminths are spread through contact with infected people. This group includes cream worms and dwarf tapeworms.

More than 150 species of helminths registered in humans are known.

Parasites also differ in location in the body:

• tissue affects the internal organs and the tissues that make up its composition;
• cavities live in the intestinal lumen, absorbing the nutrients a person needs.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• ringworm;
• flatworms;
• flukes.

Methods of infection with helminths

In most cases, parasites enter the host organism in the following ways:

1. The larvae or eggs of worms, along with feces, end up on the ground or in water, infecting a person when eating unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the likelihood of intrusion through bodies of water increases.
2. Through contact with sick people or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical for cream worms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, as a result of which the eggs remain on the hands and underwear. After that, they pamper themselves with healthy people.
3. Infection with tapeworms occurs when eating raw and not adequately processed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
4. Insects can carry worm eggs and larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential attack.

The life cycle of the vast majority of parasites consists of the release of large numbers (millions) of eggs, which, penetrating into the human body, after a certain time turn into larvae.

The development of parasites in the human body can lead to acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by obvious symptoms and persists for up to two months. Chronic aggression can be observed throughout a person’s life if left untreated.

The main types of helminths are parasitic on humans

Each form of microorganism is characterized by specific organ lesions and corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are consolidated by a method of obtaining nutrients - at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, a person's metabolism is disrupted, anemia and other types of diseases develop.

There are various forms of helminths:

1. Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine, and larvae can move through the circulatory system to the lungs. They belong to geohelminths, the infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are eaten. Parasite eggs also accumulate on the sand.
2. Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after defecation. Distribution zone - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of parasites, enterobiasis is formed. The cause of the infection is contact with unhealthy people. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
3. Pita helminths. These include cow and pig tapeworms, broad tapeworms. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at a rapid rate, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their bodies are made up of many parts, containing the reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases form. 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.
4. Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like hair with a thickened back. Due to the peculiarity of the structure, it penetrates into the blood vessels and consumes tissue fluids. Lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infection and cancer. The source of the invasion is the unwashed product.

The peculiarity of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as another disease.

The development of the parasite from an egg to a sexually mature individual occurs within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or manifest in a mild form. If left untreated, intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the fact that the disease becomes chronic.

Signs of disease with helminth attack

The main symptoms of infection with worms are shown in the form of:

• weakness and fatigue;
• pain in the intestines;
• constipation alternating with diarrhea;
• swelling of the face or whole body;
• lymph node inflammation, coughing and suffocation;
• skin rashes that cause itching;
• pain in the joints.

The topic of parasites is unpleasant and frightening, so many myths about this dangerous organism have arisen.

The consequences of worm attacks are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between pathologies lies in the signs of certain disorders in bodily functions. Depending on the type of helminth, there may be:

• increased salivation, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
• frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, disturbing pain in the center when infected with pin worms;
• nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
• yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pain throughout the body in case of invasion of flukes.

It is important to detect worms in a timely manner with the help of tests and use effective treatments.

The symptoms of helminthiases directly depend on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.

Methods for sampling material for the detection of intestinal parasites

The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the study of feces. The material is submitted to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of fecal collection. The use of laxatives and the inclusion of urine on the substance is not acceptable. Containers of feces should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4-5 degrees until sent to the laboratory.

In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:

• immunological tests;
• blood and urine analysis;
• scraping from the vagina in women and girls;
• sputum examination in the presence of cough;
• Ultrasound and endoscopy;
• bile analysis.

ELISA blood tests are an effective way to detect helminths in the body.

A person can be infected with one type of helminths, or several. As a rule, the presence of a single individual in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. The increased population of worms leads to severe damage to internal organs, which is a cause of poor health. The symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which also affects resistance to parasites.

Treatment methods for helminthic invasion

Specific drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible in case of infection and for prevention. Give the medicine only after identifying the type of worm that is invading the body.

Adult ascarids and pinworms are destroyed with a drug containing mebendazole, which inhibits the worm’s ability to feed and reproduce.

Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasite to drugs.

Vlasoglav is influenced by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Preparations containing iron are necessary to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.

The course of treatment is strictly prescribed by the attending physician. Self -medication is not acceptable due to various contraindications.

The use of traditional medicine

The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are eaten 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 clean the stomach with laxatives.

Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:

• tansy;
• yellow fibers;
• sandy immortelle;
• garlic.

Folk remedies for worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Decoction of wormwood is recommended for use as an enema. You can use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and their juice also destroy parasites.

Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness

Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any type of parasite attack. Concepts and rules of personal hygiene should be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the chances of this disease.

Purified or boiled water should be provided at all times to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquids. Vegetables and fruits should be washed with boiling water.

Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets must be treated for a variety of parasites, both externally and internally. Don't forget about routine 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. Infection with worms can develop into a dangerous disease, so it is important to minimize the risk of worms entering the human body.