Symptoms of worms in humans can be very different, it all depends on the type of parasites in the body. Treatment definitely requires an integrated approach, only under these conditions will it be possible to eliminate this problem. Medicines and traditional methods are used for this purpose.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine the signs and symptoms of worms in humans, because the symptoms of helminthic infestation are very similar to the pathologies of many diseases of the intestines and stomach, gall bladder, liver and infectious diseases.
What kinds of worms are there?
Worms are usually divided into several groups, namely:
- round
- tape worms;
- fluxes.
Roundworms are thin and long worms that are yellowish or pink in color. The disease begins to develop when the eggs of these worms are ingested, which can happen if contaminated food is consumed. The larvae hatch from the eggs in the intestines and spread throughout the body.
Along with the blood flow, they move to the internal organs, causing small bruises. Among the main symptoms of worms (abdominal pain is one of the signs of helminth infestation in the photo) we can distinguish fever and body pain. Often no one pays special attention to these signs, because they are associated with colds. Meanwhile, the larvae move into the lung tissue along with the bloodstream. From there, after ripening, they enter the oral cavity, and then the intestines, where they grow and multiply. During their lifetime, roundworms release toxic substances in the human intestines, which cause health deterioration and unpleasant symptoms.
Among the main symptoms of worms in adults are:
- stomach-ache;
- frequent desire to defecate;
- loose stools;
- Signs of intoxication.
As a result, weight loss, rashes on the body and other signs of allergies can occur.
In childhood, worms are a major concern. These are small, gray roundworms. Their appearance is caused by the lack of hygiene rules and the consumption of low-quality products. In addition, infection through pets is possible. Worms live and reproduce in the intestines.
It is quite difficult to get rid of this type of parasite, since self-infection occurs constantly. At night, pinworms lay eggs in folds near the anus. At this time, very strong itching and painful sensations are noted. The general state of health significantly worsens, because parasites have a toxic effect on the body, which causes severe inflammation. This will appear as:
- Nausea
- diarrhea;
- stomach-ache.
Another round worm is the whip. Its back part is thick, barrel-like, and the head part is very thin, hairy. Using a thin part of the body, parasites penetrate the walls of the intestine and feed on blood. Infection occurs when worm eggs enter food.
The parasite damages the intestinal walls, causes intoxication of the body, which often leads to appendicitis.
A broad tapeworm is a long worm that belongs to the tapeworm family. This flat parasite reaches very large sizes. In the process of development, larvae go through several stages. Its intermediate hosts are river fish and crayfish. Humans consume river fish infected with helminths, with which the latter enter the body, where they begin to grow.
This parasite is large in size, so it needs a lot of food. As a result, a person develops quite characteristic symptoms of worms, namely, rapid weight loss, deterioration of health, weakness and anemia.
Cattle and pig worms are classified as tapeworms. They reach several meters. You can become infected by eating undercooked or undercooked meat. The tapeworm's body consists of several flat parts in which the eggs develop.
They can live in the human body for several years. Thanks to the presence of special suction cups and hooks, these parasites are very firmly attached to the intestinal walls. They absorb all nutrients, torture the human body with toxins. Among the main symptoms of worms are severe weakness, weight loss, nausea and intestinal dysfunction. A person constantly suffers from headaches, even migraines, dizziness. There are mind spells.
When the liver enters the body, it causes the disease opisthorchiasis. You can become infected by eating river fish that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment. If a person has this type of worms, the symptoms are expressed in the form of pain and a feeling of fullness on the right side, stool disturbances, sometimes a slight yellowing of the skin can be observed. Most people go to the doctor with symptoms of hepatitis and cholecystitis. If parasites are not removed from the body for a long time, liver cirrhosis and malignant tumors may develop.
Methods of infection
Before identifying the signs and symptoms of worms in humans, you need to understand exactly how the infection occurs. The main ways of infection with worms:
- through the soil;
- contact with animals;
- food
- open reservoirs.
Sometimes the source of infection can be a biting insect bite. You can become infected by eating food that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment.
Main symptoms in adults
Symptoms of worms in humans cannot always be immediately recognized correctly. Parasites cause a number of symptoms. If they occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. If you recognize the symptoms of worms in a person at the initial stage, it will allow you to avoid many diagnostic errors. Among the main features should be noted:
- allergic skin rash;
- frequent cough;
- the appearance of discharge from the nose, pneumonia;
- Constipation
- frequent colds;
- nervous.
If the worms are long, they form whole balls that prevent the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice. As a result, people experience symptoms of worms such as constipation, diarrhea and bloating. Grinding of teeth may occur.
Depression is observed against the background of constant chronic poisoning with waste products of worms. When the parasites move through the body and damage the tissues, a person begins to feel pain in the joints. If there are worms, the symptoms can be very different, only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis.
Signs of childhood helminthic infestation
Symptoms and signs of worms in children are quite specific. The doctor will be able to accurately determine whether the child has parasites in the intestines by such manifestations as:
- increased activity;
- salivation;
- itching near the anus;
- peeling of the eyelids;
- craving for sweet food;
- lethargy and drowsiness;
- signs of anemia;
- Frequent colds.
If these signs and symptoms of worms are observed in a child, then there is a high probability of the presence of parasites in the body. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor to diagnose and prescribe the correct and effective treatment.
Manifestations of the acute stage
In adults, the first symptoms of worms do not appear after infection, but after several days. The average incubation period is 2-3 weeks. The presence of parasites in the body can be manifested in the form of allergic reactions. In the process of growth and vital activity, helminths release toxic substances, which cause intoxication of the body.
Among the allergic symptoms of worms in adults are the following:
- swelling;
- a rash
- itchy skin;
- Cough.
In particularly severe cases, the development of bronchitis and asthma is not excluded. Some parasites can cause severe reactions such as facial swelling. Especially complex manifestations can occur against the background of echinococcosis. This happens as a result of cyst rupture. In this case, the risk of anaphylactic shock and death of the patient increases significantly.
In adults, the symptoms of worms in the acute stage include not only allergic manifestations, but also an increase in temperature. With a severe infection, your health will deteriorate significantly. Cough and chest pain often occur.
Manifestations of the chronic stage
In the chronic form of infection, the symptoms of worms in adults largely depend on the location of the parasite. In particular, the following symptoms may occur:
- bowel dysfunction;
- painful sensations;
- bloating;
- Decreased or increased appetite.
Helminths secrete substances that have a negative effect on the digestion process. There may be a lack of nutrients in the body.
Symptoms of worms in adults often include various psychological disorders. The more parasites there are in the body, the more pronounced are the signs of damage to the nervous system. Among the manifestations of the presence of helminths, it is necessary to distinguish headache, insomnia and senselessness.
specific symptoms
There is a high risk of infection with worms, such as trematodes, or, as they are also called, worms. These parasites live in various organs of the human body. Signs and symptoms of worms are as follows:
- local swelling;
- Cough
- rise in temperature;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- myalgia;
- chills;
- Enlarged spleen and liver.
These helminths can cause the development of pyelonephritis, cystitis and urolithiasis. Possible complications include chronic kidney failure. Intestinal form manifests itself in the form of pain, poor appetite and bloody diarrhea.
Conducting diagnostics
If a person shows symptoms of worms, treatment should be given as soon as the diagnosis is made. Several accurate and informative diagnostic methods are used to determine the presence of parasites in the body. They include:
- related immunosorbent assay;
- ELISA tests;
- serological technique;
- x-ray
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- tomography;
- Bioresonance diagnostics.
Enzyme immunoassay helps to determine the presence of adult parasites or their eggs in the body, as well as to identify their type. ELISA tests indicate the body's reaction when infected with parasites. This technique is not independent. It should be used in conjunction with other types of research.
Serological methods are used to diagnose helminthiasis in the acute stage. Bioresonance diagnostics is a study that allows you to identify parasites at a very early stage.
Modern diagnostic techniques with high accuracy will help not only to recognize the fact of infection with worms, but also to determine what type they belong to, determine the age, stage of development, which significantly speeds up the recovery process.
Drug therapy in adults
If symptoms of worms appear in adults, treatment should be carried out immediately, because only this will prevent the development of complications and dangerous pathologies. Helminthiasis therapy includes the use of a number of procedures and medications, as well as the strict orders of the doctor.
Treatment to eliminate the symptoms of worms in humans necessarily involves taking certain medications. The use of anthelmintic compounds aims to destroy many types of worms. There are also narrowly targeted drugs.
It should be noted that all drugs cause certain side effects, namely nausea, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and other signs of poisoning. If such manifestations occur, you should take an enterosorbent.
To eliminate the symptoms of worms in adults, treatment can be carried out with anthelmintic drugs in the form of drops. This drug is very convenient to use, as it allows you to accurately calculate the dose, which is often not possible with tablets, because they are covered with a protective coating.
All drugs for the treatment of worms help to quickly and effectively eliminate the symptoms of helminthic infestation, but they are very toxic substances and can cause intoxication of the body.
Drug therapy for children
Parasites cause severe discomfort and deterioration of well-being. That is why, after symptoms of worms appear in children, treatment should be started immediately. Medicines are available in the form of tablets and in the form of a suspension.
These drugs contain different active ingredients that are effective only against a specific type of parasite, so the drug can be used only after diagnosis. Depending on the symptoms of worms in children, treatment is selected individually in order to effectively get rid of parasites and not harm the child's body. It is necessary to strictly follow the prescription, because the dose is always selected separately for each child and depends on his weight, age and the type of parasite.
Many medications are prohibited for children weighing less than 12 kg.
Folk remedies
If you have symptoms of worms at home, treatment can be done with traditional methods. Different herbs are used to fight helminths, which are no less effective than medicines. This includes the following:
- Dandelion
- onion
- urticaria;
- tanzi
- stable
- burdock;
- garlic.
An equally common way to treat helminth infestations is to consume raw pumpkin seeds. As a preventive measure, you can use carrot juice, which is recommended to be taken for 2 weeks, 200 ml each.
In addition to decoctions and tinctures, it is additionally recommended to do enemas, which will help remove helminths. For an enema, you can use garlic tincture, tansin infusion or dry wormwood. Any of these means are used only in strained form so that small particles of plants do not enter the intestines and do not damage the mucous membrane.
implementation of prevention
It is recommended to carry out preventive measures regularly, as this will prevent helminth infection and further treatment for a long time. For prevention, you should try to avoid foci of infection with worms, as well as use folk remedies. It is also advisable to take preventive measures:
- protection of hygiene;
- eat only well-washed vegetables and fruits;
- destruction of insects at home that carry helminth eggs;
- drink only boiled water;
- Drug prevention.
Medicines should only be used after consulting a doctor, as they contain toxic substances that can harm your health.