The treatment of parasitic diseases is an urgent problem for the population of countries with warm and warm climates. According to the World Health Organization, 25% of the world’s population is susceptible to helminthic infections. Parasites are able to exist in the host for a long time (several years) without giving up their presence and gradually destroying the organs from within. Most helminthiases are accompanied by allergic reactions and suppression of immunological protection, leading to serious illness and even death.
What are worms
Helminths (worms) - The common name for parasitic worms that are owned by a person or an animal. There are currently more than 250 helminth species on the planet (about 90 of them live in the CIS). Worms in the human body can be as long as several meters, but most are 20 to 40 cm in size. Helminths are able to implant almost every organ in the human body, feeding on the internal resources of the host, weakening it, and leading to development. diseases.
The peculiarity of helminths is that their entire life cycle cannot take place in the host - conditions specific to the human body are needed for the eggs to mature. The prolonged presence of worms is a consequence of re-infection (swallowing of mature eggs in the mouth, then in the stomach and intestines). Once the eggs of the helminths enter the human body, larvae come out of them and begin to move around the body. Most worms "live" in the intestines, but certain types of worms are able to migrate with bloodstream to other organs (lungs, liver, heart, brain, eyes).
During infection and further development in adults, worms in the human body have the following pathological effects:
- mechanical violation of intestinal wall integrity;
- exposure to toxic waste materials from helminths;
- the absorption of useful substances by humans by the parasite;
- obstruction of the hepatic ducts with nodules of intestinal lumen worms (rare lesions of large helminths).
Helminthiasis is a group of diseases caused by helminthic invasions. Children are more susceptible to such pathologies because their immunity has not yet fully developed and, in addition, they are unable to provide personal hygiene on their own. Infection of adult family members may occur further away from the child, contributing to further spread.
In helminthiasis, the specific symptoms are not typical, as the clinical picture of worm infection is similar to the signs of pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, so laboratory tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, asymptomatic transmission often occurs, with some difficulties in diagnosis.
Types
Helmamples are divided into three major groups based on morphological characteristics: roundworms, tapeworms, and flatworms. Each category is divided into several classes. Helminthiasis is grouped according to the type of worm that causes the disease. Characteristics of helminth species and the pathologies they cause:
- Cylindrical worms (nematodes) are relatively small (2-40 cm) heterosexual worms that are widespread due to their ease of transmission. Infection with nematodes occurs when the eggs of parasites enter the mouth of the host from the feces of the carriers. The most common of the helminths is pinworms - infected in 90% of cases. Pinworm larvae cause enterobiasis disease, which is accompanied by severe exhaustion and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The second most common helminthiasis is caused by the ascaris worm and is called ascariasis - a pathology in which parasites infect not only the human intestines but also other organs (liver, lungs, heart). Ascariasis can cause internal bleeding, allergic reactions, and developmental delay in children. Despite the small size (3-5 cm) of the so-called whipworm, it can have a toxic effect on the human body for 5 years, causing trichocephalosis. The effect of Trichinella worms leads to the development of trichinellosis, which is characterized by damage to muscle tissue.
- Tapeworms (cestoses) are the largest representatives of helminths (10-15 meters). These are same-sex parasites, e. g. they reproduce by an individual. A mandatory stage in the life cycle of tapeworms is the development of ungulates in the body. Cestode eggs are released into the environment by the feces of farm animals. In addition, infection through contaminated meat is possible. For example, insufficient heat treatment of pork leads to infection with porcine tapeworms and beef tapeworms. Echinococcosis, which is caused by tapeworms of echinococcus and is the intermediate host of a person, is considered a serious parasitic disease. This pathology leads to the formation of cysts in the organs, which can only be removed by surgery.
- Flatworms (trematodes) are small (7-30 mm) and usually affect the liver and bile ducts. Trematoses can lead to hepatitis and cholelithiasis. The main feature of flatworms is that there are sacs on the surface of the body that are used to absorb nutrients and blood. Infection with trematodes occurs due to the consumption of poorly cooked or cooked fish and seafood. The main representatives of trematodes are liver flakes and schistosomes; the first cause of opisthorchiasis, the second - schistosomiasis.
Protozoan infections caused by the simplest unicellular microorganisms occupy a separate gap between parasite invasions. These parasites multiply by division, so their numbers increase rapidly. The most common type of unicellular parasite in our region is lamblia, which exists in two forms - in vegetation and in cysts (spores). According to statistics, one in three children suffers from giardiasis because the infection occurs when only 2 to 10 lamblia cysts enter the gut.
Cause
Infection with helminthic and protozoal invasions occurs via the oral-fecal route - mature eggs or spores enter the feces and intestines of the farmer from the feces of infected animals. Science knows four main modes of infection:
- Contact - when a person comes into contact with an infected carrier (animals, birds, another person), contact leads to the development of helminthiasis.
- Infection through soil and water that contains disease-causing eggs or cysts causes geohelminthiasis.
- Infection with raw or undercooked meat and fish leads to biohelminthiasis.
- A small percentage of infections are caused by insect bites.
How to treat human worms
The symptoms of lesions caused by different helminths are usually similar. The most conspicuous and common signs are sudden weight loss, malaise, pallor of the skin, itching in the anus. However, certain symptoms may still help in making the diagnosis, such as gastrointestinal upset, the presence of a bovine tapeworm in the body, allergic reactions and skin rashes, whipworms, and so on. How to remove worms from a person, what methods and drugs exist for this - these issues are addressed by a doctor of infectious diseases.
The determination of the correct diagnosis is based on the exact determination of the type of pathogenic helminth. This may require laboratory tests (urine, blood, faeces, bile) and other diagnostic measures (ultrasound, fluorography). The removal of parasites should begin immediately - the longer helminths remain in the body, the harder it will be to get rid of the consequences of defeat later on. The physician prescribes treatment based on the patient's weight, gender, and age, taking into account the patient's individual characteristics and general condition.
The successful eradication of worms in humans is ensured not only by the treatment with anthelmintics, but also by the adherence to a health-improving diet and the prevention of new infections. Previously, only folk methods were used to remove parasites, but now they are used as additional measures to control helminths as a number of synthetic anthelmintics have appeared on the pharmaceutical market.
The modern pharmaceutical industry has about 20 drugs to remove worms in humans. These include drugs with a narrow and broad spectrum of action:
| Type of medicine | Indications |
| Against nematodes (for the removal of nematodes | Enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichocephalosis, trichinosis, strongyloidosis, ankylostomy |
| Anti-trematoda (used to remove flatworms) | Schistosomiasis, fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis |
| Protivocestodnoy (for the removal of tapeworms) | Echinococcosis, diphyllobothriasis, teniasis, teniarinchiasis, diphyllobothriasis |
How to remove worms from a person
Most anthelmintics are effective against adults - they do not cause significant damage to eggs and larvae. For this reason, doctors recommend that you repeat the course after 2-3 weeks to rule out re-infection. In addition, experts advise you to take an enema in the evening or drink a laxative after taking your morning tablets when treating certain types of helminthiasis.
The most effective of the traditional medicines are raw pumpkin seeds, garlic, tansy. The mechanism of action of most drugs and non-conventional worms is to disrupt the neuromuscular system of worms, suppress metabolism (due to inhibition of fumarate reductase), and destroy the internal tissues of the worms.
During treatment, the patient may show signs of intoxication: intestinal disorders, headache, vomiting, allergic reactions, abdominal pain. To avoid complications and side effects in humans, worms should only be treated with antiparasitic drugs as prescribed by your doctor and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tablets
All medicines used to remove worms should be taken with a glass of liquid (water, milk). Comparative characteristics of some anti-worm tablets. All medicines are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation:
| The active substance is a medicine | Action | Indications | Method of administration (adults) | Side effects | Contraindications |
| Pirantel | Blocked nerve endings in worm muscles | Enterobiasis, ascariasis, noncatorosis, ankylostomiasis | Up to 75 kg - 15 ml of syrup once, 75 kg and more - 20 ml | Dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, skin rash | Hepatic insufficiency up to 6 months of age |
| carbendazim | Paralysis of the muscles of parasites | Ascariasis, strongyloidiasis, trichocephalosis, noncatorosis | It depends on the type of parasite | Nausea, weakness, allergic reactions | Component sensitivity |
| Pyrvinia emboat | Violation of worm metabolism | Enterobiasis | 5 mg / kg once in the morning after breakfast | Headache, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions | Hepatic insufficiency up to 3 months of age |
Strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene and strict adherence to the treatment prescribed by the doctor is important for the successful fight against parasites. In addition to the use of anthelmintics, it is recommended to remove toxins from the body and restore the function of the organs, and to strengthen the immune system. Folk recipes (infusions, teas) and industrial vitamin and mineral complexes are widely used for these purposes.
Folk remedies
Recipes from traditional medicine are extremely effective in removing parasites. For this purpose, decoctions, tinctures, enemas are used from the following natural ingredients:
- garlic;
- pumpkin seeds;
- Walnut;
- onion;
- herbs: dandelion, tansy, wormwood, burdock, nettle;
- oils: hemp, cedar, flaxseed, sea buckthorn.
How to remove worms at home
Some types of helminthiasis are successfully treated at home without hospital treatment, but if infected with large types of worms, hospital supportive therapy may be required. Removal of worms at home involves both medication and the use of alternative medicine. Any funds will only be accepted as prescribed by your doctor, self-medication is prohibited.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are considered to be the most popular folk remedy for removing worms due to their negative effects on worms and lack of side effects. The anthelmintic properties of the product are caused by the presence of the substance cucurbitin, which is poisonous to most worms. Pumpkin seeds, including peel, should not be consumed more than 300 g per day per adult. Many popular recipes:
- Wash and dry the seeds, grind in a blender, add honey. The mixture should be taken on an empty stomach and a laxative should be taken after 4 hours.
- During the day you should eat 100 g of seeds (divided into 4 servings), one hour after each intake drink a teaspoon of castor oil, the course of which is 3-4 days.
Garlic
Garlic remedies are believed to be effective against tapeworms, fungal worms and certain types of tapeworms. In addition, garlic has immunostimulatory properties and does not cause serious side effects. There are several recipes for garlic medicines:
- Grind 2 lemons and 10 heads of garlic in a meat grinder, mix and refrigerate. Take the product 1 tablespoon three times a day.
- Pour 200 ml of warm water on a few cloves of garlic, leave overnight. Garlic water should be drunk daily, 200 ml in the morning on an empty stomach for a week.
Troichetka
This product contains powder from several plants in different combinations. These drugs not only help fight common helminthic invasions, but also help to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Mix the tansy, cloves and wormwood in a 4: 2: 1 ratio. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture daily with water before meals, on the second day eat 2 tablespoons, every additional day - 3. The duration of treatment is 14 days.
- Mix the calendula, dry squid and cumin seeds in a 2: 1: 1 ratio. Remove the mixture in a similar manner.
Enema from worms
Enemas based on substances that are toxic to parasites are widely used to kill worms. Such procedures are only effective in intestinal helminthiasis. Many popular recipes:
- Pour 2-3 cloves of chopped garlic in a glass of milk, bring to a boil, cool. Use the enema solution within 2 weeks. Children under 3 years of age should not be given a garlic enema.
- Pour ½ a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water, bring to a boil, cool. Soda enema is required for 30 minutes. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped tansy flowers in 500 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes and let stand for 4 hours. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.