The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to the modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminths", now ubiquitous, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been accumulating.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
This entire variety of helminths is classified as lower worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (worms);
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- spiny-headed worms;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the body of people or animals, which are called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,its development begins in the external environment and ends in the “host” tissues;
- biohelminths,their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the process of development, these worms can change several “hosts”.
There is also a group of so-called contagious 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 nematode helminthic infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by human roundworm;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, its appearance is caused by hookworm and necator parasitism;
- strongyloidiasis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- filariasis, its cause is filaria, also called filaments.
Among cestodiases, the following diseases can be distinguished:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
Of trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is cat worm parasitism;
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese worm;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoal diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoebas, malaria plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in the soil, in sandboxes, on railings, on common household utensils, on toys, on towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, in lakes, on the hair, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, the parasites die and are eliminated from the intestine.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive tract and endocrine system, greater transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Your life activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mineral and protein deficiency;
- the formation of an allergic response, fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative influence of toxic residues of helminths.
Furthermore, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloids, schistosomes and others) during their introduction into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.The dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine up to its deepest layers.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues occurs, usually the liver, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there into almost all organs.The location of the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of the disease.The entry of helminths, in one way or another, affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
From the severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the treatment method depends on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms, in most cases, cause disruptions in the digestive tract.And the entry of protozoa (for example, amoebas) into the body can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, take infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive infestations, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy worms, long-term drug therapy is required and helps restore the basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of helminthiasis can only be avoided 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, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, in which parasite eggs and larvae are present along with soil particles.This way, you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food from meat, milk, fish and seafood not thermally processed.This route of transmission is typical of trichinosis and taeniasis.
- By contact, for example, through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted by blood through insect bites (e.g. filariasis).
- Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Considering the realities of modern home medicine, they try to postpone a doctor's appointment until the last minute, especially since medicines to eliminate helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription in all pharmacies.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.The means of combating parasites are not equal in their therapeutic activity;in addition, different types of worms “require” individual selection of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect the existence of parasites in the human body, contact a specialist.The algorithm of its actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the plague);
- appointment of a general blood test, feces, coprogram;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the state 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 medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on their location
Tissue damage caused by helminths is accompanied by numerous pinpoint hemorrhages.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.
In addition, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance accordingly, therefore, if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifest themselves in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration in well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion into the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of serious disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain about:
- shortness of breathe;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of shortness of breath;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are 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:
- ulcerations in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during helminth migration;
- the formation of swellings that resemble wen in appearance;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eyes depend on several factors.If the helminth “lives” under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms penetrate deeper into the optic nervous system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment and limited visibility.Without adequate treatment, the development of ocular helminthiasis can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly in the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal region;
- diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, especially typical in the initial stages of infection;
- mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the occurrence of painful spasms simultaneously with the urge to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence, bloating.
As a result of the disruption of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworms can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.Moreover, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness occur despite compliance with the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
In addition, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes and an exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upwards and the body temperature frequently increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a strange “creature” in the body should not be a reason for panic.Modern medicines allow you to quickly and without side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and completely restore their functioning.
Human parasites: treatment and prevention methods
Relatively 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 in our body is not motionless in one place, but is in constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Its length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from that of our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metallic electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of the person's own cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause any complications.
In fact, there are not so many medications used to eliminate helminths and protozoa.The dosage of medications, the regimen and duration of their use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient's age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of concomitant pathologies.
For relatively mild helminthic infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestine, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate 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 ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots with a glass of boiling water and cook in a water bath for 15 minutes.Let it cool completely and take 3 tbsp.I.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.I.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.I.cloves, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 teaspoon.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to the rules of hygiene, known to everyone from early childhood.This is washing your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom and when returning from a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants are also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every turn, so it is almost impossible to avoid encountering them.To prevent serious complications from the invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the state of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you should consult a doctor, undergo prescribed tests and complete full treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.