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

There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of an adult. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, the disease of 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 a higher rate of infection in children.

Most types of worms are found inside the body, but they lay eggs there and die after some time.

Forms of parasitic worms and features of their development

According to the mode of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:

1. biological worms. During the full development cycle, several owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, roundworms, echinococcus.
2. Geohelminths. Able to spread without intermediate hosts, but through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. The main representatives: roundworms, whipworms, necators.
3. Helminths transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes dwarf pinworms and tapeworms.

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

Parasites also differ in their location in the body:

• tissues affect the internal organs and the tissues that compose them;
• cavitary live in the intestinal lumen, absorbing nutrients necessary for a person.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• roundworms;
• tapeworms;
• strokes of luck.

Methods of infection with helminths

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

1. Larvae or eggs of worms, as well as feces, end up on the ground or in water, infecting a person by eating unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the probability of invasion by water bodies increases.
2. Through contact with a sick person or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical of pinworms. 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. Subsequently, they indulge in a healthy person.
3. Tapeworm infection occurs when eating raw, underprocessed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, including cattle and pigs.
4. Insects can carry worm eggs and larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential infestation.

The life cycle of the overwhelming majority of parasites consists in the release of a large number (millions) of eggs, which, penetrating into the human body, after some time turn into larvae.

The development of the parasite in the human body can cause acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and persists for up to two months. Chronic invasion can be seen throughout a person's lifetime if left untreated.

The main types of helminths that parasitize humans

Each form of a microorganism is characterized by damage to a certain organ and the corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of obtaining nutrients - 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 helminths:

1. Roundworms are large white roundworms up to 20 cm long. The adults live in the small intestine and the larvae can travel through the circulatory system to the lungs. They belong to soil-transmitted helminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Parasite eggs also accumulate on the sand.
2. Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution area - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of the parasite, enterobiosis is formed. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under the age of 14.
3. Band helminths. These include bovine and porcine tapeworms, large tapeworms. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at a rapid rate, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body is made up of many parts, containing a reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases are formed. Localized in the small intestine, damages the lining of the epithelium. Accumulate in the lumen of the intestine and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs by eating undercooked beef, pork, or fish.
4. Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like a hair with a thickened back. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it enters the blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluid. The lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and cancer. The source of invasion is unwashed products.

The insidiousness of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as other diseases.

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

Signs of disease with helminth infestation

The main symptoms of worm 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, coughing and choking;
• itchy rashes;
• pain in the joints.

The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths about these pests have appeared.

The consequences of a worm infestation are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between pathologies is the specific signs of disturbances in the functioning of the organism. Depending on the type of helminths, there may be:

• increased salivation, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
• frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbance, shooting pain in the navel in case of infection with pinworms;
• nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
• yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, aches all over the body in case of fluke invasion.

It is important to detect worms early with tests and apply effective treatment.

Symptoms of helminthiasis directly depend on the type of parasite, its location in the body and the intensity of infection.

Methods of 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 returned to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of the stool collection. The use of laxatives and the penetration of urine on the material are unacceptable. The stool container should be kept refrigerated at 4-5 degrees until sent to the laboratory.

In addition, the following tests may be ordered:

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

The ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect helminths in the body.

A person can be infected with one or more types of helminths. As a rule, the presence of isolated individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the population of worms leads to severe damage to internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. Symptoms of the disease are aggravated at night, which additionally affects resistance to the parasite.

Methods of treating helminthic invasions

Specialized drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and in prevention. Prescribe medication only after identifying the type of worm that hit the body.

Adult roundworms and pinworms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and multiply.

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

Vlasoglav is affected 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-administration of drugs is unacceptable due to various contraindications.

The use of traditional medicine

The most common remedy for worms are pumpkin seeds. They are eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, after grinding and adding honey. The recommended dose is around 300 grams per hour. After taking it, it is necessary to cleanse the stomach with laxatives.

Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:

• tansy;
• gentian yellow;
• immortal sand;
• Garlic.

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

Wormwood decoction 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.

Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness

Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any type of parasitic infestation. The concept and rules of personal hygiene should be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the likelihood of disease.

Purified or boiled water should be available 24 hours a day to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquids. Vegetables and fruits are best washed in boiling water.

Care should be taken when dealing with animals. Pets should be treated for various parasites, both external and internal. Don't forget routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Vaccinations will minimize the risk of losing a family member to one of the common diseases.

It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Worm infection can progress to dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of introducing worms into the human body.