The history of Helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first document describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to modern classification, dates back to the 6th century BC.
The term "Helminth", which is used today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about the parasite has accumulated.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All these various helminths are classified as lower worms of the type Scolecida (Lat Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- Flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- Roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- head worms;
- Annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 species).Helminths spend the main stage of their life cycle in the human or animal body, which is called the host.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- Geohelminths,Their development begins in the external environment and ends with the "host" tissue;
- BioHelminths,Their life activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the development process the worms can change several "hosts".
There is also a group of infectious helminths.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;This type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common Helminthic competition is:
- ascariasis, which is caused by human worms;
- Toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, developed due to whiplash;
- Enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- Hookworm, their appearance is caused by worm and necator parasitism;
- Strongyloidiasis, the cause is intestinal acne;
- Trichostrongylidosis caused by the parasite of the same name;
- Trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- Filariasis, their cause is filariae, also called filaments.
Among Cestodiases the following diseases are distinguished:
- Diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- Teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pig tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- Dipilidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of this disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tape;
- Alveococcosis, causative agent - Alveococcus.
From trematodes, the following Helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, the cause of which is accidental parasitism of cats;
- Clonorchiasis caused by Chinese coincidence;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- Schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by the parasite of the same name.
A separate group includes protozoal diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoebas, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person doesn't know how many parasites they deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in soil, sandboxes, fences, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, fur, feet and saliva of animals.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, the parasite dies and is eliminated from the intestine.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive tract, and the endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult men and women occurs.
Their life activities are accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mineral and protein deficiency;
- the formation of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of an autoimmune process;
- Negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) during their introduction into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tapeworms cause changes in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine to its innermost layer.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there to almost any organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of this disease.The explanation of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
Severity of lesions and clinical symptoms, treatment methods depend on the type of parasite.Worms and roundworms that are harmless in most cases cause digestive tract disorders.And getting into the body of protozoa (for example, amoebas) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathology and death.Parasites reside in the skin, organs of vision, brain, and muscle tissue.
To get rid of some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and large attacks, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements should not be used.To destroy the worms, long-term drug therapy is needed, and helps to restore the basic function of the digestive tract.
The development of Helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Oral through hands, unwashed food, feathers, feathers of domestic animals and birds, where parasite eggs and larvae are present together with soil particles.In this way, you can become infected with ascariasis, enterbiasis, and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as meat, milk, fish and seafood that are not thermally processed.This route of transmission is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Contact, for example, through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through the blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how Toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Given the reality of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs to get rid of Helminthiasis can be bought without a prescription at every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means to combat parasites are not equal in their therapeutic activity;In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of the dose and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The action algorithm is as follows:
- Examination of patients and collection of anamnesis (for example, recent returns from exotic countries require special studies to identify pests);
- appointment of general blood test, stool, coprogram;
- A blood test for the presence of certain antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers, and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- Identification of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications to the prescription of certain drugs.
This is important!
Self-treatment against Helminthic infestation is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Signs of parasites in the body depend on the localization site
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by a lot of accurate bleeding.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue, and decreased performance.Due to the disruption of metabolic processes and the absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails, and hair worsens.A person quickly loses weight and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the life activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance accordingly, so if there are parasites in the human body, the symptoms of an allergic reaction will definitely be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifest themselves in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders, and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasite invasion in human heart tissue occurs against the background of severe disturbances in myocardial function.
Patients complain about:
- breathing difficulties;
- heart rate changes;
- feeling of lack of air;
- Feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
An increase in the inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.This disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when some worms invade the skin may look like this:
- ulcers in the area of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths;
- the formation of a swelling that resembles the appearance;
- The appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the helminth "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movement can be felt or even seen.However, when the worm moves deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual disturbances, and limited vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of most helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, symptoms mainly appear from the digestive system.
Patients usually complain of:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- Diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, is very typical in the early stages of infection;
- a mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- occurrence of painful spasms simultaneously with the urge to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- Activity, bloating.
As a result of digestive gland disorders, a person always feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, roundworm balls can cause intestinal obstruction.
Penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disturbances throughout the body.In addition, such aggression is sometimes not manifested in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and the elements that are formed, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness occur, despite compliance with the daily routine, persistent weakness, and intolerance to physical activity.
Also, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and worsen chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upwards, and body temperature often rises.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of foreign "creatures" in the body should not be a reason to panic.Modern medicines make it possible to quickly and without any side effects clean all organs of helminths and completely restore their functions.
Human Parasites: Methods of Treatment and Prevention
Recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method has been created to combat worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell of our body does not move in one place, but in a way of continuous vibration, emitting electromagnetic waves.The length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movement is different from that of our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to specific biologically active points.They transmit a given wavelength, which does not affect the function of the cell itself, but destroys the parasite's body.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and pain.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificate.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause complications.
Actually there are not many drugs used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage of the drug, the regimen and the duration of its use are selected by the doctor depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the invasion and the presence of concomitant pathology.
For relatively mild Helminthic attacks, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.This product can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Use onions, garlic, ginger, and pomegranate as much as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a spoonful of crushed and dried nettle root into a glass of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave to cool completely and take 3 tbsp.L. Three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a spoonful 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.L. flax seeds and 1 tbsp.L. Cloves, grind and take a rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.Three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method to prevent human parasites from appearing in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to hygiene rules, which everyone knows from childhood.This is washing your hands before eating, after visiting the toilet, and returning from a walk.Careful thermal treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish, and cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants is also required.
But human parasites appear at every step, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To avoid severe invasion complications, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of Helminthias appear, you must consult a doctor, take the prescribed tests and complete a full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.