Worms are a group of parasitic worms that exist at the expense of living organisms. Disappointing statistics indicate that every 4th person on our planet is infected with parasites.
In this regard, it is important to know how the infection with worms occurs and what methods of treatment exist to date.
Ways of infection
Most often, the infection occurs by oral-fecal route. That is, a person swallows laid eggs of worms with food and water, after which he becomes a carrier of parasites.
Worms can get into the human body in the following ways:
- Through the soil. After the hands are in contact with the ground, it will not be enough to just wash them with soap and water, it is necessary to remove the accumulated dirt from under the nails. Vegetables that grow in the ground also need careful processing. After washing vegetables under running water, it is advisable to scald them with boiling water, in order to surely destroy the tape parasites. You also need to take care of the purity of those pets that are walking on the street. The fact is that, along with dirty paws, pets can bring a lot of sewage into the house, and children playing on the floor can become infected with worms.
- From person to person. The mechanism of pinworm infection occurs in the following way: pinworms, crawling out of the intestines at night, lay 6000 eggs near the anus, because of which the carrier is experiencing severe itching. The child, combing the itchy area, subsequently spreads the infection by contact.
- Through the water. A large number of worms, or rather their eggs, falls into wells and open reservoirs. For this reason, people who live in country houses or in rural areas are recommended to use bactericidal water filters and boil water without fail. Also not recommended when swimming in open water to swallow water.
Common signs of the appearance of worms
Most often, people are identified worms that belong to the form of roundworms. It can be pinworms, whipworm, roundworm and others.
There are common signs of helminthic invasion, which should not be ignored:
- quite high body temperature;
- dry cough, which does not pass a long time;
- mild abdominal pain, vomiting, loose stools;
- lack of appetite, as a result of which there is a loss of weight (sometimes, on the contrary, a brutal appetite wakes up, but despite this, a person in weight does not gain weight);
- recurrent headaches;
- various allergic reactions in the form of a skin rash;
- bruises under the eyes, pale skin;
- frequently occurring bunches;
- irritability, poor sleep;
- anemia;
- itching around the anus;
- constant fatigue.
It is generally accepted among the people that if a person is gritting his teeth in a dream, then his body is most likely affected by worms.
What organs can worms live in and how do they look
Helminths are divided into:
- tissue;
- cavitary.
Abdominal worms can live in the colon and small intestine.
These are roundworms, which can reach a length of 40 cm and a width of 6 mm.
Also in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract can live up to hundreds of different parasites: pinworms, dwarf tapeworm, whipworm, wide tapeworm, hookworms and others.
Tissue worms can live in the following organs:
- brain;
- liver;
- bile ducts;
- lymphatic vessels;
- lungs.
These parasites reach a length of 5 mm, in appearance resemble whitish oblong worms.
Symptoms depending on the type of helminth
It is worth noting that the manifestation of common symptoms depends on the type of parasitic helminth.
- Enterobiasis or pinworms. The most characteristic feature of pinworms is unbearable itching in the anus, which is worse at night. As for a small number of pinworms in the body, in this case, itching may be periodic. For example, 1-3 days there is an itch in the area of the anus, after which it stops for several weeks and then reappears. This indicates the presence of pinworms in the body.
- Trichocephalosis, difillobotrioz, ankilostomidozy, schistosomiasis. The parasites of these groups contribute to the development of acute vitamin deficiency. The fact is that the poison of worms can seriously change the intestinal microflora, which disrupts the work of the whole organism. Because of this, there can be various skin rashes, upset gastrointestinal tract and so on.
- Roundworm. Symptoms of damage by these parasites directly depend on the degree of development of helminths. At the initial stage of development, roundworms provoke the appearance of subfebrile temperature, dry cough, weakness. Blood tests show a high percentage of eosinophils. Also, the appearance of allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes. The second phase of development of ascaris provokes disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and serious weight loss. The presence of worms in the body is accompanied by a violation of the central nervous system (headaches, fatigue, increased irritability, etc.).
- Trichinosis. In this case, there may be mild muscle pain, swelling of the eyelids and face, fever.
How to get worms
To date, parasitologists can offer a variety of anthelmintic drugs that effectively act on various types of worms.
There are also broad-spectrum drugs that are often used to prevent helminthic invasion.
It is worth emphasizing that before the appointment of a drug, the doctor conducts a number of diagnostic measures to identify a particular type of worms and the degree of infection of the body.
Medicines
Most often, an experienced specialist in helminth infections prescribes the following medications:
- Albendazole (average price ranges from 110 to 170 rubles);
- Sanoxal (170-180 rubles);
- Helmodol, Worm (70-110 rubles);
- Mebendazole - (80-110 rubles);
- Nemotsid, Pyrantel (35-60 rubles).
How to take the above preparations from worms? Considering that the majority of medical devices effectively affect only adults, without affecting the larvae and the eggs of worms, after the initial course of treatment after 2 weeks it is necessary to repeat the course.
It is also recommended to give an enema with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, so that you can get rid of the remaining parasites, after taking the drugs in the morning before bedtime.
Folk remedies
It is worth remembering that in no case should we ignore the traditional treatment in the matter of getting rid of worms. Using only popular methods will not be effective.
Folk remedies should be used only with traditional medicine, only this way you can count on complete disposal of worms.
To date, there are many popular recipes that promise quick disposal of parasites, consider the most effective of them.
It is recommended to eat on an empty stomach a few tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (raw). After that, you need to drink a decent dose of laxative. If necessary, this procedure can be repeated several times.
Garlic is an excellent natural remedy for worms. Helminths will come out on their own if you consume up to 10 cloves of garlic with warm boiled milk for several days in a row. It is advisable to eat garlic on an empty stomach, after which it is recommended to drink a laxative.
Also popular is the following composition: 1 spoon (table) of flowers and celandine roots are crushed and filled with boiling water (250 ml). Infusion is necessary to cool, strain and drink for several receptions before lunch and breakfast. This procedure is recommended for several weeks.
One onion is cut into 4 parts and filled with warm water for the night (1 cup). In the morning, this infusion to drink on an empty stomach. Treatment is recommended for 7 days.
Pills for prophylaxis
There are effective drugs for parasites, which can also be used for preventive purposes. Thanks to them, it is possible not only to get rid of worms, but also to prevent their reappearance.
Pyrantel
Of all the existing anthelmintic drugs, the most harmless is Pirantel. The whole advantage of this drug is that it is practically not absorbed into the blood and spreads directly through the intestines.
Pyrantel paralyzes the muscular system of parasites, having a destructive effect on them. In some cases, there may be side effects when taking this drug in the form of nausea, mild dizziness and diarrhea.
The drug is applied once, with a calculated dose of 1 mg per kilogram of weight. Recommended price - 64 rubles.
Vermox
This tool is effective against pinworms, whipworm. Vermox can be attributed to a broad-spectrum drugs. This tool is highly toxic, but very effective, it must be considered before taking. The recommended price is 85-100 rubles.
Dekaris
The drug effectively destroys worms and is an excellent stimulator of immunity. Dekaris is recommended for use to patients whose body is weakened by various diseases. The price is 95-100 rubles.
To prevent infection by worms, it is first necessary to follow the generally accepted rules of hygiene. Special attention should be paid to hand washing. This should be done carefully, not forgetting to remove dirt from under the nails.
It is also recommended to subject the consumed vegetables and fruits to heat treatment, roast meat and fish well and do not forget to boil milk. These simple rules will help prevent worms.
