Almost the entire population is infected with worms, according to a WHO study. Many people are unaware of the presence of helminths and protozoa, and attribute the discomfort to colds or poisoning. But sometimes one can see the whole worm or part of it in the feces. It is better to be checked periodically to detect foreign organisms in the body.
The main types of worms
Helminths of various types can live in the human body, it affects not only the stomach, but also other internal organs.
Depending on the habitat, they are divided into several main classes:
- geohelminths - larvae live in feces, human infection occurs through the oral route, flies can be carriers;
- biohelminths - the bodies of fish or animals are selected as intermediate hosts, in the form of larvae they enter the human body, where they begin to actively develop;
- contact helminth - a small species, transmitted by contact through objects of common use.
The greatest harm can be caused by 3 types of parasites - worms, tapeworms and ringworms. Worms are divided according to their habitat into intestinal and external intestinal forms. Intestinal helminths have a complex structure, mainly reproduce outside the human body - ringworms, pinworms, tapeworms. They live only in the large and small intestines, feeding on the mucous membranes of organs.
The simplest organisms - giardia, cryptosporidium - can also settle in the gut. Despite the primitive structure, it is difficult to get rid of them - they multiply rapidly, quickly becoming resistant to drugs. Against the background of infection, various infectious diseases develop.
The outer form of the intestine can move throughout the body with the help of blood flow. Often, these helminths affect the cells of the liver, pancreas, spleen. Less often - the brain, respiratory and visual organs, lymph nodes, soft tissues. It is difficult to make a diagnosis with this form of infection, as it is not always possible to detect this worm in a person’s stool.
Cestodes and trematodes enter the body with poorly fried meat and fish, dirty water. The rest of the parasites can be infected if hygiene rules are not followed.
In 80% of infections with helminthiasis occur due to dirty hands and poorly washed food from plants.
What do Human Worms Look Like? These are parasites in the form of worms, mostly brightly colored. Its length varies from a few millimeters to 2-3 m.
ringworm
Most often, roundworms occur in children.
Main types:
- roundworms - have a spindle -shaped structure, the length of the female reaches 40 cm, they leave the body with feces;
- pinworms - small gray -white worms, length not exceeding 10 mm, adults and eggs can be found in feces;
- mine worm necators - externally similar parasites, length - not more than 15 mm, have sharp teeth;
- Vlasoglav - worm about 5 cm long, completely white.
More:
- Enterobiasis - infection by parasites in contact with cream worms. Helminthiasis refers to an epidemiological disease - when a person is infected, everyone who comes in contact with it quickly becomes infected. Pinworms enter the body through the oral passage. Enterobiasis is accompanied by severe itching in the anus, which often leads to re-infection.
- Trichuriasis is an infection with whip worms. It lives in the early part of the small intestine, feeding on mucous membrane tissue and blood. With large accumulation, severe diarrhea begins, rectal prolapse is possible.
- Mining worms affect the duodenum. Larvae enter through the skin when in contact with soil, and are carried by the bloodstream to all internal organs and lungs. A person begins to experience a strong cough, along with sputum, the larvae penetrate the organs of the digestive system. After the defeat of the blood vessel, the worm injects a special enzyme into it, which prevents blood clotting.
- Roundworms can move freely around the body, a person swallows parasite eggs along with dirty vegetables, untreated water. Flies can be egg carriers.
Symptoms of helminthiasis
The main danger of helminthic invasion is the long-term absence of signs of infection. And when symptoms appear, it is similar to other common diseases. A person starts taking pills for cough, fever, intestinal disorders or constipation on their own, but the medications themselves do not give positive results.
Externally, infection with parasites can manifest in the form of acne, seborrhea, cracked heels, seizures in the corners of the mouth, papillomas. In women, they can trigger the discharge of leucorrhea, inflammation occurs in the ovaries, menstruation becomes painful and irregular. With prolonged infection, fibroids, fibroids, and mastopathy appear. In men, helminthiases lead to impotence, prostatitis, prostate adenoma. Worms trigger the formation of sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Symptoms of aggression in humans:
- frequent colds, respiratory diseases;
- chronic inflammation of the respiratory organs and paranasal sinuses;
- constipation, diarrhea, bloating;
- joint and muscle pain;
- sharp fluctuations in weight;
- manifestations of anemia.
Granulomas are a clear sign of infection. In these tumors, the destroyed eggs accumulate, they form in the intestinal wall, in the lungs, liver, and uterus. Against the background of persistent poisoning by parasites, oncological diseases develop. Severe poisoning leads to allergic reactions, itching, eczema. A person’s mental state also changes - aggression is replaced by apathy, chronic fatigue appears, and insomnia anxiety.
The main symptom is worms in the stool. They can be seen visually or detected using special analysis.
Children and parasites
Worms in children are diagnosed more often than in adults. The child puts dirty hands, toys into his mouth, likes to come into contact with animals, plays in the sand and soil. According to statistics, every third child who attends preschool has helminths. In children, pinworms, ascaris, Giardia and Toxocara are often found.
Giardia is a small parasite that affects even newborns. When infected, severe diarrhea begins, there is a high temperature, abdominal pain. Many parents attribute the symptoms to the manifestations of intestinal infections, treatment does not give the desired result, helminthiasis enters a chronic stage.
Toxocara lives in the bodies of cats and dogs, coming out with feces. A child becomes infected when playing in a sandbox or on the ground, after contact with an abandoned animal. These worms look like white threads with different thicknesses and lengths. Large photos depicting parasites can be used as a visual aid when communicating with children about the need to wash their hands thoroughly.
The consequence of infection is an increase in aggression, constant cravings, apathy. Children begin to get tired quickly, the quality of sleep worsens. The main symptom that allows you to know for sure about the infection is itching in the anus, the presence of parasites in the stool.
Biting teeth at night is not a sign of a parasitic attack in children.
Worm attacks are dangerous for children - chronic diseases develop, the immune system is disrupted, appetite problems and weight gain arise. When infected with whip worms, children begin to experience developmental delays, severe anemia.
Medical treatment
Since there are more than 200 different helminths in the human body, there is no single treatment method. Modern diagnostic types help to identify exactly which worms are present in the body, which allows you to prescribe adequate therapy. Often, parasites of various types are found in humans.
The drug only affects adults, they are powerless against larvae and eggs. Therefore, for complete release, it is necessary to undergo several courses of antiparasitic therapy.
Worms in the body can cause many serious diseases - chronic diseases of the digestive and respiratory organs, nervous disorders, glaucoma, tumors of various origins. It is easy to avoid infection with helminths-wash your hands regularly, use antibacterial agents on the street, meat and fish subject to high-quality heat treatment, do not drink raw water, pour boiling water over all vegetables and fruits without exception.