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

There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to an adult's health. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, the disease develops helminthiasis. The vital activity of worms in the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups in the population are susceptible to infection, but a higher rate of infection in children.

Most types of worms are inside the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain period.

Forms of parasitic worms and features of their development

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

1. biological worms. In the process of passing through the entire development cycle, several owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
2. Geohelminter. Can be spread without intermediate hosts, but through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. The main representatives: roundworm, whipworm, necators.
3. Helminths are transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes needleworms and dwarf tapeworms.

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

Parasites also differ in location in the body:

• tissues affect the internal organs and tissues that make up their composition;
• cavitary resides in the lumen of the intestine, absorbing the nutrients that a person needs.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• roundworms;
• flatworms;
• good luck.

Methods of infection with helminths

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

1. Worm larvae or eggs, along with feces, end up on the ground or in water and infect a person when eating greasy food or raw liquid. During the summer holidays, the probability of invasion through water bodies increases.
2. By contact with a sick person or common objects. This method 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 the eggs remaining on hands and underwear. Subsequently, they indulge in a healthy person.
3. Tapeworm infection occurs when eating raw and inadequately processed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
4. Insects can carry eggs and worm 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 penetrate into the human body and after a certain time become 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 lasts for up to two months. Chronic invasion can be observed throughout a person's life if left untreated.

The main types of helminths that parasitize humans

Each form of a microorganism is characterized by a lesion of a particular organ and the corresponding symptoms. But 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 types of helminths:

1. Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine and the larvae can move through the circulation to the lungs. They belong to geohelminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are ingested. 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 zone - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of the parasite enterobiasis is formed. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
3. Tape helminths. These include bovine and pork tapeworms, broad tapeworms. They are characterized by the ability to increase the population at a rapid rate thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body is made up of many parts that contain 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 lining. Accumulates in the lumen of the intestine and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs when eating poorly cooked 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 penetrates into the blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluid. Lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and cancer. The source of the 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 within three weeks. During this period, the symptoms may be absent or manifest in a mild form. If left untreated, the intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the disease becoming chronic.

Signs of disease with helminth attacks

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 whole body;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes, cough and suffocation;
• itchy skin rash;
• pain in the joints.

The topic of parasites is unpleasant and frightening, so many myths about these harmful organisms have emerged.

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 helminth, there may be:

• increased salivation, a slight increase in temperature, hives with ascariasis;
• frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, nagging pain in the navel when infected with needleworm;
• nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
• yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pain throughout the body in case of invasion of flues.

It is important to detect worms in time using tests and apply effective treatment.

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

Methods for sampling material for the detection of intestinal parasites

The most important analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the examination of feces. The material is delivered to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of defecation. The use of laxatives and the penetration of urine on the material 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 can be prescribed:

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

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

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

Treatment methods for helminthic invasions

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

Adult ascarids and pinworms are destroyed by drugs containing mebendazole, which block the worm's ability to feed and reproduce.

Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasites 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 prescribed by the attending physician. Self-administration of medication is unacceptable due to various contraindications.

The use of traditional medicine

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

Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:

• reinfann;
• yellow yellow;
• immortelle sand;
• garlic.

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

A decoction of wormwood is recommended to be used as an enema. It is possible to use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and its juices also destroy parasites.

Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness

Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any kind of parasite 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 the disease.

Purified or boiled water must be available around the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquid. Vegetables and fruits are best washed with boiling water.

Caution should be exercised when handling animals. Pets need to be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Do not forget routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Vaccinations 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 dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of getting worms into the human body.