Types of intestinal helminths, disease symptoms and treatment methods

There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to an adult's health. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, helminthiasis disease develops. The vital activity of the worms in Organs 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, but there they lay eggs and die after a certain period of time.

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

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

Parasites also differ in location in the body:

• tissue affect the internal organs and the tissues that make up their composition;
• cavitaries live in the intestinal lumen, absorbing the nutrients needed by a person.

In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:

• worms;
• flat worms;
• chance.

Methods of infection with helminths

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

1. Larvae or worm eggs, along with feces, end up in the soil or water, infecting a person when eating unwashed food or raw liquids. During summer vacations, the likelihood of trespassing through bodies of water increases.
2. By contact with a sick person or shared objects. This distribution mode is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes intense itching, as a result of which the eggs remain on the hands and underwear. Subsequently, they give themselves to a healthy person.
3. Tapeworm infection occurs when eating raw and insufficiently processed meat. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and swine.
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 the human body, after a certain time turn into larvae.

The development of the parasite in the human body can cause both 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 life if left untreated.

The main types of helminths that parasitize humans

Each form of microorganism is characterized by damage to a particular 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 nematodes up to 20 cm long, the adults live in the small intestine and the larvae can move through the circulatory system to the lungs. Belonging to geohelminths, infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Parasite eggs also accumulate in the sand.
2. Pinworms are tiny 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 the infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
3. Ribbon helminths. These include bovine and porcine tapeworm, broad tapeworm. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at an accelerated rate, thanks to hermaphroditism. Your 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. Located in the small intestine, it damages the mucosa of the epithelium. They accumulate in the lumen of the intestine and can cause obstruction. Infection occurs when eating undercooked beef, pork or fish.
4. Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like hair with a thick back. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it penetrates 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.

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

Signs of disease with helminth infestation

The main symptoms of worm infection manifest themselves in the form of:

• weakness and fatigue;
• pain in the intestines;
• constipation alternating with diarrhea;
• swelling in the face or all over the body;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes, coughing and choking;
• itchy rashes;
• joint pain.

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

The consequences of worm infestation are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between the 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, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
• frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, dull pain in the belly button when infected with worms;
• nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension with worms;
• yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pains throughout the body in case of invasion of worms.

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

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

Material sampling methods 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 delivered to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and the ingress of urine into the material are unacceptable. The stool container should be stored in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until shipped to the laboratory.

In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:

• immunological test;
• blood and urine analysis;
• vaginal scraping in women and girls;
• sputum examination in the presence of cough;
• Ultrasonography and endoscopy;
• biliary analysis.

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

A person can be infected with one type of helminth, or several. As a rule, the presence of unique individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the worm population leads to severe damage to Organs internal organs which is the cause of health problems. The symptoms of the disease are worsened at night, which also affects resistance to the parasite.

Treatment methods for helminthic invasions

Specialized drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of medication is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Only prescribe medication after identifying the type of worm that has reached the body.

Ascarids and adult worms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and multiply.

Modern worm pills 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 several contraindications.

The use of traditional medicine

The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are consumed 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;
• yellow gentian;
• sandy immortelle;
• garlic.

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

It is recommended that a decoction of wormwood be used 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 kind of parasitic infestation. The concept and rules of personal hygiene should be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps to reduce the likelihood of illness.

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 with boiling water.

Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets must be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Don't forget about routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Vaccines will minimize the risk of losing a family member to one of the common illnesses.

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