How to get rid of worms?

16 December 2023

A man suffers from abdominal pain caused by worms

Worm infestations have been observed in more than 1. 5 billion people. You can become infected with worms through food, raw water or contact with a sick person.

Helminthiasis or helminthic infestations are a group of diseases caused by parasitic worms that live in the human body. According to the latest data, 1 out of 100 people is a hidden carrier, and about 80% of new cases of the disease occur in children and adolescents. At the same time, helminthiasis is recorded not only in underdeveloped countries: outbreaks of enterobiasis and ascariasis often occur among wealthy segments of the population.

The wide distribution of helminthiasis is explained by the asymptomatic course of the disease in the early stages. Also, symptoms of infestation do not appear when the number of parasites in the body is low. The patient may not suspect the presence of parasites for a long time, but still infect others.

How dangerous are worms?

Today, 360 types of worms dangerous to humans are known. Most of them parasitize in human intestines or liver, but depending on the type of parasite and its life cycle (egg, larva, adult), all organs and systems can be affected: lungs, heart, central nervous system, muscles, eyeballs. , etc. Next.

The main damages caused by helminths are:

gradual development of anemia (insufficient number of red blood cells).Worms consume nutrients from the intestines, as a result of which the body does not receive enough micro- and macroelements, the patient loses weight and suffers from vitamin deficiency;
destruction of organs and tissues.Many worms penetrate the intestinal walls and damage the surrounding tissues during migration. Microscopic wounds and ulcers form on the organs, the gastrointestinal mucosa is constantly inflamed, the risk of infection increases;
pathologies of the nervous system.Worms not only destroy the tissues that surround them, but also release waste products - toxins that have a destructive effect on the central and peripheral nerves. The patient becomes nervous, irritable, suffers from headache, insomnia, lethargy and apathy;
allergic reactions.Worm waste products (toxins) are also dangerous allergens. Therefore, with helminthic infestations, skin rashes often develop, itching appears, nausea and vomiting are possible.

Helminth infestations in children can cause developmental delays and lead to dangerous complications: from perforation (through ulcers) of the intestines to paralysis of the arms and legs.

Helminths are typical representatives

The most common types of parasites are:

pinworms– roundworms that penetrate the rectum and large intestine. Infection occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed;
round worms– roundworms that attack the small intestine. During the developmental cycle, they can migrate along with the blood and lymph flow, entering the lungs and heart;
whip- a roundworm that lives in the large intestine. With the help of a thin head, it penetrates the mucous membrane, damaging the integrity of the tissue and causing microulcers;
opisthorchis– flatworms that attack the liver. Parasites clog the ducts, causing stagnation of bile and disrupting the normal functioning of organs;
curved head- roundworms that parasitize the duodenum. Infection occurs through contact with the larvae, which pierce the skin, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body;
bull tapeworm- a tapeworm that reaches a length of up to 10 meters. It occupies almost the entire intestine, which leads to severe exhaustion;
intestinal eel– roundworms that penetrate the colon and cecum. To lay their eggs, the worms approach the anus, causing severe itching in the anal area;
Echinococcus– tapeworms that affect not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the liver and lungs. They cause echinococcosis, a disease in which cysts form in various organs of a person.

A parasitologist treats helminth infections.

How are worms transmitted?

According to the WHO, more than 1. 5 billion people worldwide suffer from soil-transmitted helminthiasis. It is a common misconception that you can get infected with worms only by consuming low-quality food: untreated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or unprocessed meat and fish. But that's not true. Some parasites can penetrate intact skin.

Helminth larvae penetrate the skin, enter the capillaries and spread throughout the body along with the bloodstream. For humans, such punctures are not sensitive - it is quite difficult to suspect an infection. You can also become infected with parasites by inhaling microscopic eggs along with dust.

How can you tell if you have worms?

Depending on which organs are affected by the helminthic infestation, patients may develop conjunctivitis, cough, headache, swelling and trembling of the extremities. In cases of severe vitamin deficiency, joint pain occurs, hair falls out, and nails begin to peel. In children, helminthiasis can lead to a delay in physical and intellectual development.

Common symptoms of worms in humans are:

malaise, weakness, fatigue;
allergies, such as skin rash, cough, asthma attacks;
decreased or increased appetite;
nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
stomach pain;
diarrhea or constipation;
weight loss, even if the appetite is good;
sleep problems, insomnia;
inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes;
fever without reason;
muscle and joint pain without exercise;
snoring or grinding teeth in sleep;
presence of worms in feces;
itching in the anal area (often with pinworms).

How to find out if there are worms?

It is impossible to independently determine the presence of helminthic infestation. In the initial stages, the disease can be almost asymptomatic. The patient does not feel pain, the immune system can suppress the pathogenic effects of toxins and allergens for a while. As a rule, exacerbation begins during the period of larval migration or with an increase in the number of worms. The stronger the infestation (i. e. the more parasites), the more symptoms appear.

However, the asymptomatic course of the invasion is dangerous - the patient infects others, and his health gradually deteriorates. In order to detect the disease, it is necessary to periodically undergo a preventive examination in the hospital. As part of prevention, the therapist prescribes worm tests at least once a year. If you live in an endemic region - once every six months.

Analysis of helminths

The following tests can be prescribed to detect helminthic infestation:

stool analysis.Feces are examined for the presence of helminth eggs. The analysis does not require preliminary preparation: the patient only needs to bring a stool sample;
analysis for enterobiosis.To determine enterobiasis (a disease caused by pinworms), it is enough to take a scraping (swab) from the anal area. Usually the test is prescribed in the morning before going to the toilet;
blood test for specific antibodies.The most revealing study that allows us to identify parasites such as roundworms, opisthorchis, acne and lamblia.

How long is the stool test for worms valid?

A stool test for worms allows experts to detect helminth eggs (if present). This study does not give a 100% guarantee of detection, because the number of eggs depends on the life cycle of the worms and occasionally they cannot be detected in the feces, although the invasion remains. Therefore, in most cases, doctors recommend testing the stool two or three times with a short interval between tests.

Blood test for parasites

A blood test for specific antibodies is the most informative method for detecting helminthic infestation. After the analysis, the doctor can not only talk about the presence of worms, but also determine their type, and therefore choose the most effective therapeutic complex.

The human immune system recognizes worms as a pathogen: the body begins to produce specific antibodies to fight the parasite. This is revealed by the analysis.

Which worm test is better?

If a parasitic infection is suspected, the doctor will prescribe several tests. A comprehensive study allows you to determine the presence of worms, determine the type and stage of the life cycle with 100% accuracy. It cannot be said that any analysis is better or worse: it is necessary to perform several tests in order to increase the reliability of the diagnosis.

Where to go if you suspect worms?

If you suspect a helminthic infestation, you must make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. In the early stages of helminthiasis, there are no specific symptoms, so it is quite difficult to suspect that you or a loved one has worms. As a rule, the patient complains of mild weakness: indigestion, headache, apathy.

If the symptoms do not disappear within a week or the condition returns occasionally (for example, once every 3-4 months you do not feel well), you should consult a doctor. Bouts of ill health may be associated with parasite migration.

Which doctor treats worms in humans?

Treatment of parasitic infestations is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or a parasitologist. But you should not immediately consult a specialist doctor: it is better to consult a therapist. He will prescribe a series of tests and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or gastroenterologist.

How to treat helminthiasis?

If worms are detected, the doctor prescribes antiparasitic drugs aimed at fighting a specific type of worm. Modern drugs are equally effective against worms in each stage of the life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases, one dose of tablets is enough, but sometimes a course of medication is required - the treatment is developed by a therapist or parasitologist.

It is unacceptable to deviate from the developed treatment tactics - this can lead to the retention of worm eggs in the body, which will later cause re-infection.

In addition to antiparasitic drugs, drugs that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate vitamin deficiency and antihistamines (for an allergic reaction) can be prescribed.

Helminthiasis: treatment with folk remedies

There are a sufficient number of methods for treating helminthiasis with folk remedies. Patients are advised to consume a large number of foods with strong essential oils: for example, drink clove infusions or eat garlic. Such methods are not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

If the intestines are injured by worms, then consumption of products with strong essential oils will cause additional irritation of the mucous membrane, increase pain and problems with bowel movements.

You should also not use anthelmintics without consulting a doctor. Some drugs lead to the death of worms, but do not cause their evacuation, i. e. they remain in the body, which causes severe poisoning. Safe treatment of invasion is possible only under the supervision of an experienced doctor!

Prevention of helminthiasis

Treatment of helminthiasis should be carried out not only by the patient, but also by all members of his family. It is also necessary to boil bed linen and underwear and perform wet cleaning using a disinfectant. In the future, in order to prevent helminthic infestation, it is recommended:

control the quality of the food you eat: do not eat unwashed vegetables, fruits and herbs, unprocessed meat or raw fish;
follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not use other people's towels and accessories;
undergo a comprehensive examination once a year, including tests for worm eggs.

Helminth infections are highly treatable and do not cause serious damage to the body if detected in time. Therefore, it is most important to seek medical help in time. To prevent helminthiasis, it is necessary to follow hygiene rules and undergo a regular examination by a doctor.