Worms in the human body are parasites that are not viable by themselves, they can survive and reproduce exclusively through the host (human or animal). Parasitic diseases are caused by the worms themselves in humans or by their larvae. The disease spreads infectiously, the helminthic invasion often goes unnoticed, gradually causing disorders in the organism.
First of all, you need to understand what helminths are. This is a general term for worms that parasitize the human body, the bodies of animals, or even plants. This explanation is also the answer to the question of what worms are. The terms "worm" and "helminth" are synonymous.
The most dangerous helminthic invasion is the long-term asymptomatic form, which leads to diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. Intestinal parasites live by absorbing nutrients from the human body. Helminthic invasion can already be detected at an advanced stage, after the appearance of other symptoms of the presence of intestinal parasites.
Some intestinal parasite larvae can reach various body tissues. In this case, inflammatory deposits form, as the immune system recognizes the larvae as foreign organisms. Some allergic reactions of the immune system can occur as a result of the presence of helminths in humans.
When worms appear in a person, the symptoms and treatment of the invasion are closely related to the elimination of the cause of the discomfort, that is, the parasite, and the signs of its presence also disappear.
Forms of infection with parasites.
There are many factors why worms appear. Its appearance may be due to the following situations:
- one of the most common risk factors for helminthiasis is the influence of mass tourism;
- second is the contamination of water and food;
- helminths can become infected after eating meat products, sausages;
- poorly washed fruits and vegetables are the main source of parasite larvae;
- The transmission of worms from pets is often recorded.
Symptoms of parasitic diseases.
Worm infestations can manifest in different ways, depending on the type of parasite. The most common manifestations are the following:
- constipation (difficulty in defecating caused by worms) is the result of blocked intestinal flow;
- diarrhea - loose stools appear due to exposure to substances secreted by parasites that cause loss of potassium and chloride;
- flatulence and bloating - parasites cause inflammation and gas in the small intestine;
- pain in the muscles and joints - helminthiases are often characterized by the location of worms even in joint fluids and muscle tissues;
- allergy - parasites pierce the intestinal walls, as a result of which undigested molecules enter the bloodstream and cause an allergic reaction;
- skin problems - with helminthiasis, skin problems such as acne, rash and itching often occur;
- anemia - parasites adhere to the intestinal mucous membranes and "steal" nutrients, leading to anemia;
- granulomas - a tumor-like focus forms surrounding the eggs of the parasites;
- nervousness - worms produce toxins that irritate the central nervous system, as a result, psychological signs may appear;
- sleep disturbances - night anxiety accompanies helminthic invasion for the following reasons: at this time, the worms leave the rectum, the activity of the liver increases, which is trying to get rid of the toxins they produce;
- chronic fatigue is one of the first signs of parasites in the body;
- oncological diseases.
Pinworms
Pinworms are among the most common intestinal parasites in the human body. These worms are scientifically called Enterobiusvermicularis. They are distributed all over the world. Despite the fact that these worms are mainly characteristic of the child's body and are more common in groups of children, they are also found in the adult population.
The infection occurs when the larvae of the parasite are ingested, which are found in any part of the environment of the infected person. They are present on the skin, under fingernails, in bedding, clothing, and dust. In the duodenum, the larvae develop into adult parasites, after which they migrate to the large intestine.
Adult pinworms are about 1 cm long, thin, and resemble a white thread. They lay eggs in the perianal region. This is manifested by the most characteristic symptoms of the disease: discomfort and itching in the rectal area.
Complications of infection caused by parasites are chronic intestinal inflammation, in girls - secondary vaginal infection.
2/3 of people infected with intestinal parasites are not aware of the presence of helminthiasis, since they often do not feel other symptoms besides anxiety, irritability and fatigue.
Vlasoglav
The second most common intestinal parasite is the whipworm, Trichuristrichiura. Infections caused by these types of worms are usually asymptomatic, making it very difficult to accurately identify an infected person.
An adult whipworm is between 3 and 5 cm long and the infestation occurs orally, through the use of contaminated food or water, as well as through contaminated soil. The larvae of the parasite hatch in the small intestine, while the adult worms nest in the large intestine. The adult female lays eggs, which hatch with the feces and hatch in warm soil after 5 weeks of nesting.
At worst, whipworms only cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea. The most serious complications of this infection occur exclusively in tropical areas. In severe cases, chronic diarrhea or anemia can occur.
Nematodes
Human nematodes include 2 types of parasites: Ancylostomaduodenale and Necatoramericanus. Adult females are 10-13 mm (A. duodenale) or 9-11 mm (N. americanus), males 8-11 mm (A. duodenale) and 7-9 mm (N. americanus).
The eggs are excreted from the host's body in the feces. Under favorable conditions (humidity, heat), the larvae hatch in 1 to 2 days in the soil or in the feces, after 5 to 10 days they turn into larvae capable of transmitting the infection. Under favorable natural conditions, they can survive for 3-4 weeks.
Contact with the human body occurs through the penetration of the parasite larvae through the skin. Through the bloodstream, they reach the heart and lungs, penetrate the pulmonary alveoli, then from the bronchial tree they enter the pharynx and the person swallows them. The larvae reach the small intestine, where they remain for the time necessary for their development to become adult worms.
Adult worms live in the small intestine, attach to the intestinal wall, and feed on the blood of their host, a human. Most of these parasites are eliminated from the body in one or two years, but the records of their parasitism in the body can reach tens of years.
The larvae of A. duodenale worms that penetrate human skin are inactive (either in the intestines or in the muscles). Furthermore, parasitic infection by A. duodenale can also be transmitted orally. However, the N. americanus worm requires migration.
Intestinal worm
Roundworms, Ascarislumbricoides, also belong to the intestinal parasites. An adult worm can grow up to 25 cm in length. Helminths in such a person remain hidden for a long time. Its symptoms are usually fatigue and cough, which in most cases are due to other reasons.
For helminthiasis infection, it is enough to use unwashed vegetables and fruits.
The larvae of these worms nest and hatch in the small intestine, they penetrate the intestinal wall. Through blood and lymphatic flow, they reach the lungs and cause a cough. When coughing, the greenish mucus is cleared, with which the intestinal worms return to the intestines after ingestion. Ascaris eggs are excreted in the feces.
The most common source of infection among humans is infected human feces.
In severe cases, ascaris can cause inflammatory processes in the body, most often pneumonia. But, in most cases, people infected with worms remain asymptomatic or the symptoms are so mild that neither the patient nor the attending physician initially suspects an infection with intestinal parasites.
The disease caused by ascaris is called ascariasis. The main route of infection is fecal-oral.
According to WHO estimates, the incidence of worms is approximately one billion infected people per year.
Helminths in adults, whose symptoms and treatment depend on the location of the worms, are characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic forms to severe and even fatal cases. Common symptoms are abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, rectal itching, or allergic manifestations. In the first, migratory phase, parasite larvae can cause signs of inflammation of the lungs (Loeffler syndrome), pancreas, heart muscle, liver and other organs.
Roundworms in the intestines are the cause of metabolic disorders and nervous system disorders.
Ascaris in the respiratory organs.
When worms migrate into the human body, they pass through the pharynx, where they colonize lymph nodes around the main lymphatic chain (Waldeyer's chain).
Where there may be maggot larvae:
- lymphatic and salivary glands;
- pharynx;
- larynx;
- the area along the ear canals leading to the middle ear;
- all the corridors leading to the brain.
The lateral nasopharyngeal walls have openings that lead to the Eustachian tube, which connects the pharynx with the middle ear. This allows the pressure in the ear to balance with atmospheric pressure. By these routes, the larvae of the worms can reach the middle ear. As a result, hearing deteriorates, tinnitus, headache and Meniere's syndrome appear - vertigo, accompanied by moments of memory loss.
Pulmonary manifestations of ascaris
When ascaris lesions occur in the lungs, diseases of this organ and skin signs in the form of roughness and rash occur. These symptoms are accompanied by a slightly elevated temperature, but sometimes feverish conditions. The person suffers from a dry cough, asthmatic bronchitis, and hoarseness. Untreated lung ascaris can develop into chronic problems with seasonal flare-ups and ultimately cause severe bronchial asthma. The person becomes addicted to drugs and sometimes even retires with a disability pension.
Intestinal worms in other organs
Due to the colonization of other organs by maggot larvae, minor hemorrhages and signs of inflammation appear in them.
They can penetrate the pancreas, bile ducts, and liver. In the small intestine, the larvae fuse into a "bulge", causing ileus. The larvae of the parasite live in the aforementioned organs throughout human life, feeding on their metabolites and mechanically damaging them.
In the presence of larvae in the hepatic and bile ducts, the liver is weakened and cannot excrete toxic substances naturally. As a result, they are excreted through the skin, causing allergies, itchy rashes, subcutaneous swelling of "unknown" origin, and other manifestations in many variations, from dry eczema to purulent processes.
Ascaris in the brain
Symptoms of brain invasion vary depending on where the worm larvae are present. If they are in the meninges, there is a risk of meningoencephalitis with migraines. When colonizing the furrows, granulomas form in the gray crust.
Subsequently, the symptoms of brain carcinoma appear: loss of consciousness, epileptic seizures, seizures. If the granuloma is located near the optic or auditory nerve, deafness or visual impairment appears.
I had
The chain - Taeniasaginata, Taeniasolium - is one of the oldest and best known intestinal parasites. It can reach a record length, up to 9 m.
The two most common types of worms are the cattle (Taeniasaginata) and the porcine tapeworm (Taeniasolium). Both types colonize the body after consuming raw or undercooked meat. The parasite's eggs are long and are deposited in the small intestine. Adult worms develop after 3 months. The terminal parts of the worm's body are filled with eggs, which are released individually and excreted in the feces. The larvae have the ability to enter the bloodstream through the intestinal mucosa, subsequently migrating to the muscles and brain, where they settle.
Despite the severity of the disease, tapeworms do not necessarily cause immediate symptoms of its presence, so it remains invisible for a long time. The chain in the muscles causes muscle pain, in the brain - epileptic seizures.
The parasite is detected by X-ray or CT scan. An accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of these studies.
Treatment of parasites
Treatment methods for worms are varied. They include both the popular use of antiparasitic herbs and the more modern bioresonance therapy.
Antiparasitic herbs
The rules for the use of antiparasitic herbs are based on the location of the worms in the body.
Reception half an hour before meals is recommended in the following cases:
- parasites in the intestines and lower body;
- secondary infection with worms of the genitourinary system.
Application with food: damage by parasites of the stomach, colon, liver and spleen.
Use after meals: parasite infestation on upper body, lungs, neck, head.
Recommendations for the use of antiparasitic herbs:
- not recommended for pregnant women;
- one of the most common herbs for worms, wormwood, should not be used for stomach ulcers.
Chemical antiparasitic drugs
The most effective are drugs that contain carbamic acid methyl ester. This active substance is intended for the treatment of pinworms, whipworms, nematodes, tapeworms. When treating pinworms, the dosage is carried out according to the instructions. Treat other parasites with these medications based on age.
Compliance with the dose is important to avoid cramps.
Treatment by applying therapeutic frequencies in a bioresonance device and using a plasma generator.
These devices destroy pathogens in the body without negative side effects. When using a bioresonance device, electrical impulses pass through the tissues, when using a plasma generator - radio waves, which cause vibration of the parasite's membrane. The result is the rupture of membranes and, consequently, the destruction of the parasites. For each type of microorganism a specific frequency is applied.
During this treatment of worms, it is very important to observe the measures of the regimen: exclusion of alcohol consumption and subsequent detoxification. Dead worms must be removed from the body, otherwise they will be encapsulated and act as allergens.
All the parasites present are eliminated by treatment using these methods. The therapy is carried out in 2 stages:
- stage 1: elimination of small parasites: 20 minutes for each microorganism;
- stage 2 - removal of large worms - first, the frequency is applied to destroy the eggs, then the larvae and finally the adult worms.
Optimal timing of therapy:
- Unicellular: plasma - 5 minutes per frequency; bioresonance: 20 minutes per frequency.
- Multicellular: plasma - 10 minutes per frequency; bioresonance: 4 × 20 minutes with 1 frequency.
The use of a plasma generator, in addition to a significant reduction in the time of the procedure, has another great advantage: when using it, up to 5 people can be present together with the animals at the same time. Its range of action is up to 5 m.
conclusion
Treating worms involves eliminating sugar, sweet baked goods, and potatoes; These foods create an ideal environment for helminths to survive.
In case of treating the child, it is recommended to give roasted pumpkin seeds to chew, about 30 seeds 3 times a day. They should not be consumed with the main meal.
Eating raw garlic in moderation will also help eradicate worms.
Getting rid of worms will not work without proper hygiene. Hand washing, frequent washing of bedding and dishes is the foundation of effective therapy.