The treatment of parasitic diseases is an urgent problem for the population of countries with warm and hot climates. According to the World Health Organization, 25% of the world's population is vulnerable to worm infections. Parasites can exist in the host for a long time (several years) without revealing their existence and gradually destroying the organs from the inside. Most helminthiases are accompanied by suppression of allergic reactions and immune protection, leading to serious illness and even death.
What is a worm
Worms (worms)-the general term for parasitic worms, whose owners are humans or animals. Currently, there are more than 250 species of worms on the earth (about 90 of them live in the CIS). The length of worms in the human body can reach several meters, but most of them are 20-40 cm. Disease.
The characteristic of worms is that their entire life cycle cannot be carried out in the host's body-conditions that are non-specific to the human body are necessary for egg maturation. The long-term existence of worms is due to reinfection (the ingestion of mature eggs in the mouth and then in the stomach and intestines). After the worm's egg enters the human body, the larva will come out of it and begin to move in the body. Most worms "live" in the intestines, but certain types of worms can migrate with the bloodstream to other organs (lungs, liver, heart, brain, eyes).
When worms infect the human body and further develop into adults, they will have the following pathological effects:
- Mechanically destroy the integrity of the intestinal wall;
- Toxic waste from contact with worms;
- Parasites absorb useful substances necessary for the human body;
- The liver duct is closed and there are worm masses in the intestinal cavity (large worm lesions are rare).
Helminthiasis is a group of diseases caused by the invasion of worms. Children are more susceptible to this disease because their immunity has not been fully developed and they cannot take care of their personal hygiene. Stay away from children, it is possible to infect adult family members, which helps to spread further.
For helminthiasis, the specific symptoms are not characteristic, because the clinical manifestations of helminth infection are similar to the pathological signs of the gallbladder, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, laboratory tests must be performed to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, asymptomatic carriers are often found, and their diagnosis is difficult.
type
Worms are divided into three categories according to their morphological characteristics: round, banded and flat worms. Each category is subdivided into several categories. Helminthiasis is combined into groups based on the type of worm that causes the disease. The characteristics of various worms and the pathology they cause:
- Roundworms (nematodes) are relatively small (2-40 cm) worms of the opposite sex that spread widely due to their ease of transmission. Nematode infection occurs when the eggs of the parasite enter the mouth of the host from the feces of the carrier. The most common representatives of worms are pinworms-they are infected in 90% of cases. Enterobiasis larvae cause enterobiasis, accompanied by severe fatigue and gastrointestinal diseases. The second most common type of helminthiasis is caused by roundworms, called ascariasis-this is a parasitic disease in which the parasite not only infects the human intestines, but also other organs (liver, lung, heart). Ascariasis can cause internal bleeding in children and allergic reactions-stunted growth. The so-called whipworm, despite its small size (3-5 cm), can have a toxic effect on the human body for up to 5 years, causing trichomes. The influence of Trichinella spiralis causes the development of trichinosis, which is characterized by muscle tissue damage.
- Tapeworms (taenia) are the largest representative of worms (10-15 meters). These are same-sex parasites, that is, their reproduction is done by one person. A mandatory stage in the life cycle of tapeworms is the development of ungulates in the body. Tapeworm eggs enter the environment through the feces of the host animal. In addition, infection through contaminated meat is also possible. For example, insufficient heat treatment of pork leads to infection with pork tapeworm and beef-bovine tapeworm. Hydatid disease is caused by echinococcal tapeworms. Humans are the intermediate host and are considered to be a serious parasitic disease. This pathology leads to the formation of cysts in the organs, which can only be eliminated with surgical intervention.
- Flatworms (flukes) are small (7-30 mm) and usually affect the liver and bile ducts. Flukeworm disease can lead to the development of hepatitis and cholelithiasis. The main feature of flatworms is the presence of suckers on the surface of the body to absorb nutrients and blood. As a result of eating uncooked or cooked fish and seafood, you will be infected with flukes. The main representatives of flukes are liver flukes and schistosomiasis; the first cause is posterior flagellosis, and the second cause is schistosomiasis.
An independent niche of parasite invasion is occupied by protozoan infections caused by the simplest single-celled microorganisms. The reproduction of these parasites is carried out by division, so their numbers are increasing rapidly. The most common type of single-celled parasite in our area is Lambworm, which exists in two forms-plants and cysts (spores). According to statistics, one-third of children suffer from Giardiasis, because the infection occurs when only 2-10 Lan's cysts enter the intestine.
reason
Infections by worm and protozoan invasion are carried out through the oral fecal route-mature eggs or spores enter the host's mouth and intestines from the feces of the infected animal. Science knows four main ways of infection:
- Contact-when a person comes into contact with an infected carrier (animal, bird, another person), leading to the development of contact helminthiasis.
- Infection by soil and water containing diseased eggs or cysts can cause ground helminthiasis.
- Infections that occur when eating raw or inadequately heat-treated meat and fish can lead to the development of biological helminths.
- A small percentage of infections are caused by insect bites.
How to treat human worms
The symptoms of lesions caused by different worms are usually similar. The most significant and common symptoms are sudden weight loss, malaise, pale skin, and anal itching. At the same time, some symptoms are still helpful for diagnosis-for example, gastrointestinal dysfunction, nervous system indicating the presence of bovine tapeworms in the body, allergic reactions and skin rashes-whipworm, etc. How to remove worms from a person, what methods and medications are available-these issues are handled by infectious disease doctors.
The determination of the correct diagnosis is based on the accurate determination of the type of pathogenic worm. This may require laboratory tests (urine, blood, stool, bile) and other diagnostic measures (ultrasound, fluoroscopy). The removal of parasites must begin immediately-the longer the parasites are in the body, the harder it is to get rid of the consequences of future failure. The doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on the patient's weight, gender and age, as well as the patient's individual characteristics and general condition.
The successful elimination of worms in humans can be ensured not only by the use of deworming drugs, but also by insisting on improving a healthy diet and preventing new infections. In the past, only folk methods were used to remove parasites, but now they are used as an additional measure against worms because many synthetic anthelmintics appear on the pharmaceutical market.
The modern pharmacology industry has about 20 kinds of drugs used to remove worms in humans. There are many drugs with a very narrow range of action:
| Type of drug | Indications |
| Resistant to nematodes (designed to remove roundworms | Ascariasis, Ascariasis, Trichinosis, Trichinosis, Strongyloidosis, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease |
| Anti-fluke (designed to remove flatworms) | Schistosomiasis, fasciasis, posterior flagellosis, clonorchiasis |
| Protivocestodnoy (designed to remove tapeworms) | Echinococcus disease, bilobal filariasis, tapeworm disease, tapeworm disease, bilobal filariasis |
How to remove worms from people
Most anthelmintics are effective against adults-eggs and larvae are not significantly destructive. For this reason, doctors recommend repeating the course of treatment after 2-3 weeks to rule out re-infection. In addition, experts recommend that in the treatment of certain types of helminthiasis, an enema should be given at night or a laxative should be taken after taking the medicine in the morning.
Among the traditional medicines, the most effective are raw pumpkin seeds, garlic, and tansy. The mechanisms of action of most anthelmintic drugs and non-traditional drugs include disrupting the work of the worm's neuromuscular system, inhibiting metabolism (due to inhibiting fumarate reductase), and destroying the worm's outer skin tissue.
During treatment, patients may show signs of poisoning: intestinal disease, headache, vomiting, allergic reactions, abdominal pain. The use of antiparasitic drugs to treat human worms can only be carried out in accordance with the doctor's prescription and the manufacturer's instructions to avoid complications and side effects.
tablet
All medicines used to remove worms should be taken with a glass of liquid (water, milk) with a meal. Comparative characteristics of some worm pills. The use of all drugs is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
| Active substance of the drug | action | Indications | Application method (adult) | side effect | Contraindications |
| Pirantel | Blockage of nerve endings in worm muscles | Ascariasis, Ascariasis, Non-Carworm Disease, Ascariasis | Up to 75 kg-15 ml of syrup at a time, 75 kg and above-20 ml | Dizziness, digestive system disease, skin rash | Liver failure, up to 6 months old |
| Carbendazim | Parasitic muscle paralysis | Ascariasis, strongyloidosis, trichomoniasis, non-cardiasis | Depends on the type of parasite | Nausea, weakness, allergic reactions | Component sensitivity |
| Pyrvinia boat | Violation of the worm's metabolism | Enterobiasis | 5 mg/kg body weight once after breakfast in the morning | Headache, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reaction | Liver failure, up to 3 months old |
In order to successfully fight against parasites, it is important to carefully observe personal hygiene rules and strictly follow the treatment procedures prescribed by the doctor. In addition to using anthelmintics, it is recommended to remove toxins from the body, restore organ function, and strengthen the immune system. For these purposes, folk recipes (infusion, tea) and industrial vitamin and mineral complexes are widely used.
Folk remedies
The use of traditional medicine formulations is very effective in removing parasites. For this, use the following natural ingredients in decoctions, tinctures, and enema solutions:
- garlic;
- pumpkin seeds;
- Walnut;
- onion;
- Herbs: dandelion, tansy, wormwood, burdock, nettle;
- Oils: hemp, cedar, linseed, sea buckthorn.
How to remove worms at home
Certain types of helminthiasis can be successfully treated at home without hospitalization, but if you are infected with a large worm, you may need supportive treatment in a hospital setting. Exterminating worms at home includes medication and the use of alternative medicines. Any funds can only be accepted in accordance with the doctor's regulations, and self-medication is prohibited.
pumpkin seeds
Due to the negative effects of pumpkin seeds on worms and no side effects, pumpkin seeds are considered the most popular folk remedy for removing worms. The anti-worm properties of this product are due to the presence of cucurbitacin, which is a poison to most worms. Adults should consume pumpkin seeds with their skins and no more than 300 grams. A few popular recipes:
- Wash the seeds, dry them, grind them in a blender, and add honey. The mixture needs to be taken on an empty stomach, and a laxative is taken 4 hours later.
- You should eat 100 grams of seeds (in 4 portions) during the day. After each intake, drink a teaspoon of castor oil one hour later for 3-4 days.
garlic
Garlic therapy is believed to be effective against roundworms, pinworms, and certain types of tapeworms. In addition, garlic has immune stimulating properties and does not cause serious side effects. Several recipes of garlic medicine:
- Grind 2 lemons and 10 garlics in a meat grinder, mix and refrigerate. Three times a day, 1 tablespoon each time.
- Pour 200 ml of warm water on a few cloves of garlic and let it sit overnight. Garlic water should be taken every day, 200ml in the morning on an empty stomach, for a week.
Trojchetka
The product contains powders of several different combinations of plants. These drugs not only help fight common worm invasions, but also help normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Mix tansy, cloves and wormwood in a 4: 2: 1 ratio. Take 1 teaspoon mixed with water every day before meals, 2 tablespoons the next day, and all subsequent days-3. The course of treatment is 14 days.
- Mix calendula, dried calamus and coriander seeds in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Take the mixture in a similar way.
Enema from a worm
Enemas based on substances that are toxic to parasites have been widely used to eliminate worms. This type of procedure is only effective in the case of intestinal helminthiasis. A few popular recipes:
- Pour 2-3 chopped garlic cloves with a glass of milk, boil and cool. Use enema solution within 2 weeks. Children under 3 years of age should not have garlic enema.
- Pour ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water, boil, and cool. It is necessary to enema with soda for 30 minutes. The course of treatment is 7 days.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped tansy flowers into 500 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, and then let stand for 4 hours. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.