How to get rid of worms?

16 December 2023

A man suffers from abdominal pain caused by worms

Worm infection is 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 infestation is a group of diseases caused by parasitic worms living in the human body. According to recent data, 1 in 100 people is a latent 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 enterobiosis and ascariasis often occur in wealthy segments of the population.

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

How dangerous are worms?

To date, 360 species of worms are known, which are dangerous to humans. Most of them parasitize in the human intestines or liver, but depending on the type of parasite and its life cycle (egg, larva, adult), any organ and system can be affected: lungs, heart, central nervous system, muscles, eyeballs. and. Sh. further.

The main damage caused by helminths is:

The 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 macro elements, the patient loses weight and suffers from vitamin deficiency;
Destruction of organs and tissues.Many worms penetrate the walls of the intestine and damage the surrounding tissues during migration. Microscopic wounds and ulcers form on the organs, the gastrointestinal mucosa is constantly inflamed and the risk of infection increases;
Pathologies of the nervous system.Worms not only destroy the tissues around them, but also release waste products - toxins, which have a devastating effect on the central and peripheral nerves. The patient is nervous, irritable and suffers from headache, insomnia, lethargy and apathy;
Allergic reactions.Worm residues (toxins) are also dangerous allergens. Therefore, during helminthic infestations, skin rashes often develop, itching occurs, and nausea and vomiting are possible.

In children, helminthic infestations can cause developmental delays and cause dangerous complications: from intestinal perforation (ulcers) to paralysis of the hands and feet.

Helminths are typical representatives

The most common types of parasites include:

pinworms- Roundworms that enter the rectum and colon. Infection occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed;
round worms- Roundworms that attack the small intestine. During the development cycle, they can migrate with the flow of blood and lymph, enter the lungs and heart;
whipworm- A roundworm that lives in the large intestine. With the help of a thin head, it penetrates the mucous membrane, damages the integrity of tissues and causes microulcers;
Opisthorchis- Flatworms that attack the liver. Parasites choke the ducts, which causes stagnation of bile and disrupts the normal functioning of the organ;
bowed heads- Roundworms that parasitize the duodenum. Infection occurs through contact with larvae that pierce the skin, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body;
Bull tape- a tapeworm, the length of which reaches 10 meters. Holds almost the entire intestine, which causes severe exhaustion;
Intestinal eel- Roundworms that enter the large intestine and cecum. To lay eggs, worms approach the anus, which causes 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 human organs.

A parasitologist treats helminthic infections.

How are worms transmitted?

According to 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 eating low-quality food: raw water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or raw meat and fish. But this is not so. Some parasites can penetrate through intact skin.

Helminth larvae penetrate the skin, enter the capillaries and spread throughout the body along with the blood. For people, such a puncture is 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 tremors in the limbs. In case of severe vitamin deficiency, joint pain appears, hair falls out and nails begin to peel. In children, helminthiasis can cause delays in physical and intellectual development.

Common symptoms of worms in humans include:

Weakness, weakness, fatigue;
Allergies, such as skin rashes, cough, asthma attacks;
decreased or increased appetite;
nausea, vomiting without poisoning;
stomach-ache;
diarrhea or constipation;
Weight loss, even if the appetite is good;
sleep problems, insomnia;
swollen or enlarged lymph nodes;
fever for no reason;
Pain in muscles and joints without exercise;
snoring or grinding teeth during sleep;
the presence of worms in the stool;
Itching in the anal area (often with pins and needles).

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 practically asymptomatic. The patient does not experience pain, the immune system can temporarily suppress the pathogenic action of toxins and allergens. As a rule, exacerbations begin during the larval migration period or with an increase in the number of worms. The stronger the infestation (that is, 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. To detect the disease, it is necessary to periodically undergo a preventive examination in the hospital. As part of prevention, the therapist will prescribe worm tests at least once a year. If you live in an endemic region - once every six months.

Helminth analysis

The following tests can be prescribed to detect helminthic infestation:

Fecal 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 enterobiosis (a disease caused by pinworms), it is enough to take a smear (smear) from the anal area. As a rule, 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 such parasites as roundworms, opisthorchis, acne and lamblia.

How long does a stool test for worms last?

A stool test for worms allows specialists to detect helminth eggs (if present). This study does not provide a 100% guarantee of detection, since the number of eggs depends on the life cycle of the worms, and periodically they may not be detected in the feces, although the infestation remains. Therefore, in most cases, doctors recommend performing a stool test 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, accordingly, select the most effective therapeutic complex.

Worms are recognized by the human immune system as a pathogen: the body begins to produce specific antibodies to fight the parasites. This is what the analysis shows.

Which test is better than worms?

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

Where to go if you suspect worms?

If you suspect a helminth infection, you should make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. In the early stages, helminthiasis does not have 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 periodically (for example, you feel bad once every 3-4 months), you should consult a doctor. Attacks of poor health can be related to the migration of parasites.

Which doctor treats worms in humans?

Parasitic infestations are treated by an infectious disease specialist or 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 found, the doctor will prescribe antiparasitic drugs directed against a specific type of worm. Modern preparations are equally effective against worms at each stage of the life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases, a single dose of tablets is enough, but sometimes a course of medication is required - the treatment is developed by a therapist or parasitologist.

It is not allowed to deviate from the developed treatment tactics - this can cause the eggs of the worm to remain in the body, which will subsequently lead to re-infection.

Along with antiparasitic drugs, drugs that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate vitamin deficiency and antihistamines (for allergic reactions) can be prescribed.

Helminthosis: treatment with folk remedies

There are a sufficient number of methods for the treatment of helminths with folk remedies. Patients are advised to consume large amounts of foods with strong essential oils: for example, drink toothpaste or eat garlic. Such methods are not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

If the intestines are damaged by worms, then taking products containing 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 cause the death of worms, but do not cause their evacuation, e. i. They remain in the body, causing severe poisoning. Safe treatment of infection 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 linen and underwear and carry out wet cleaning using disinfectants. In the future, to prevent helminthic infestation, it is recommended to:

Control the quality of your food: 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 dishes;
Once a year, undergo a comprehensive examination, including tests for worm eggs.

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