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 (WHO), 25% of the world population is susceptible to helminth infestation. Parasites can exist in the host's body for a long time (several years) without revealing their presence and gradually destroying the organs from within. Most helminthiasis are accompanied by allergic reactions and suppression of immunological protection, which leads to serious illness and even death.
What are worms
Helminths (worms) - the common name given to parasitic worms, the owner of which is a person or an animal. There are currently more than 250 types of helminths on the planet (about 90 of them live in the CIS). In length, worms in the human body can reach several meters, but most of them are 20-40 cm tall. Helminths can inhabit almost all organs of the human body, feed on the internal resources of the host, weaken it and lead to the development of diseases.
The peculiarity of helminths is that their entire life cycle cannot take place in the host's body - unspecific conditions are necessary for the human body to ripen the eggs. The persistent presence of worms is due to re-infection (ingestion of mature eggs in the mouth, and then in the stomach and intestines). After the eggs of helminths penetrate the human body, larvae emerge from them and begin to move through the body. Most helminths "live" in the intestines, but some types of worms can travel to other organs (lungs, liver, heart, brain, eyes) in the bloodstream.
In the course of infection and development into adults, worms have the following pathological effects in the human body:
- mechanical violation of the integrity of the intestinal wall;
- Exposure to toxic waste products from helminths;
- Intake of useful substances necessary for a person by the parasite;
- Closure of the liver ducts, intestinal lumens with lumps of worm (rare in lesions of large helminths).
Helminthiases are a group of diseases caused by helminthic invasions. Children are more prone to such pathologies, since their immunity is not yet fully developed, and in addition, they are unable to take care of personal hygiene on their own. Further away from the child, it is possible to infect adult family members, which contributes to further spread.
Specific symptoms are not characteristic of helminthiasis, since the clinical picture of infection with worms is similar to the signs of pathologies of the gallbladder, liver and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, laboratory tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, asymptomatic promotion is often noted, the diagnosis of which is fraught with certain difficulties.
species
Helminths are divided into three large groups based on morphological characteristics: round worms, tapeworms and flatworms. Each category is divided into several classes. Helminthiases are grouped according to the type of disease-causing worm. Features of the varieties of helminths and the pathologies they cause:
- Roundworms (nematodes) are heterosexual helminths of relatively small size (2-40 cm) that are widespread due to their ease of transmission. Nematode infection occurs when the parasite's eggs enter the host's mouth from the carrier's feces. The most common representatives of helminths are pinworms - they are infected in 90% of cases. Pinworm larvae cause enterobiasis disease, accompanied by severe exhaustion, gastrointestinal disorders. The second most common helminthiasis is caused by the Ascaris worm and is called ascariasis - this is a pathology in which parasites infect not only the human intestine, but also other organs (liver, lungs, heart). Ascariasis in children can provoke internal bleeding, the appearance of allergic reactions - developmental delay. The so-called whipworm, despite its small size (3-5 cm), can have a toxic effect on the human body for 5 years and cause the disease trichocephalosis. The influence of Trichinella worms leads to the development of trichinosis, the characteristic feature of which is damage to muscle tissue.
- Tapeworms (cestoses) are the largest representatives of the helminths (10-15 meters). These are same-sex parasites; H. their reproduction is carried out by a person. A mandatory stage in the life cycle of tapeworms is the development of ungulates in the body. Cestode eggs enter the environment with the faeces of host animals. Infection through contaminated meat is also possible. For example, insufficient heat treatment of pork leads to infection with pork tapeworm, beef - with beef tapeworm. Echinococcosis caused by echinococcal tapeworms for which a person is an intermediate host is considered a serious parasitic disease. This pathology leads to the formation of cysts in the organs, which can only be eliminated with the help of surgical intervention.
- Flatworms (trematodes) are small (7-30 mm) and usually affect the liver and bile ducts. Trematosis can lead to the development of hepatitis, cholelithiasis. The main characteristic of flatworms is the presence on the surface of the body of suction cups that serve to absorb nutrients and blood. Trematode infection occurs from eating poorly cooked or undercooked fish and seafood. The main representatives of the trematodes are liver fluke and schistosomes; the first cause opisthorchiasis, the second - schistosomiasis.
Protozoal infections caused by the simplest unicellular microorganisms occupy a niche of their own among the parasitic invasions. These parasites multiply by dividing, so their number increases rapidly. The most common type of unicellular parasite in our region is lamblia, it comes in two forms - vegetation and cysts (spores). According to statistics, every third child suffers from giardiasis, as infection occurs when only 2-10 lamblic cysts enter the intestine.
causes
Infection with helminth and protozoan invasions occurs via the oral and fecal route - mature eggs or spores enter the host's mouth and intestines via the faeces of infected animals. Science knows four main routes of infection:
- Contact - carried out when a person comes into contact with an infected carrier (animals, birds, another person) it leads to the development of contact helminthiasis.
- Infection from soil and water that contain disease-causing eggs or cysts causes geohelminthiasis.
- An infection that occurs when consuming raw or insufficiently thermally processed meat and fish leads to the development of biohelminthiasis.
- A small percentage of the infestation is due to insect bites.
How do you treat human worms?
Symptoms for lesions from different helminths are usually similar. The most noticeable and common signs are sudden weight loss, malaise, paleness of the skin, itching in the anus. At the same time, some symptoms can still help to make a diagnosis - for example, gastrointestinal tract disorders, the nervous system signals the presence of beef tapeworms in the body, allergic reactions and rashes - whipworm, etc. How to remove worms from a person, what methodsand drugs exist for them - these problems are treated by an infectious disease doctor.
Determining the correct diagnosis is based on the precise establishment of the type of pathogenic helminth. This may require laboratory tests (urine, blood, feces, bile) and other diagnostic measures (ultrasound, fluorography). It is necessary to begin removing parasites immediately - the longer the helminths are in the body, the more difficult it is to get rid of the consequences of defeat later. The doctor prescribes treatment according to the patient's weight, sex and age, taking into account the individual characteristics and general condition of the patient.
Successful elimination of worms in humans is ensured not only by treatment with anthelmintics, but also by following a healthy diet and preventing new infections. Previously, only folk methods of removing parasites were used, now they are used as additional measures to combat helminths, since many synthetic anthelmintics have appeared on the pharmaceutical market.
The modern pharmacological industry has about 20 drugs for removing worms in humans. Among them there are drugs with a narrow and wide spectrum of action:
| Type of drug | Indications |
| Antinematodic (to remove roundworms) | Enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichocephalosis, trichinosis, strongyloidosis, ankylostomiasis |
| Anti-Trematode (to remove flat worms) | Schistosomiasis, Fascioliasis, Opisthorchiasis, Clonorchiasis |
| Protivocestodnoy (used to remove tapeworms) | Echinococcosis, diphyllobothriasis, teniasis, teniarinchiasis, diphyllobothriasis |
How to remove worms from a person
Most anthelmintics are effective against adults - eggs and larvae are not significantly destructive. For this reason, doctors recommend repeating the course after 2-3 weeks to rule out re-infection. In addition, when treating some types of helminthiasis, experts advise doing an enema or drinking a laxative in the evening after taking the pills.
Among the traditional medicines, raw pumpkin seeds, garlic, and tansy are the most effective. The mechanism of action of most drugs and non-traditional worm removal drugs is to disrupt the work of the neuromuscular system of helminths, suppress metabolism (due to the inhibition of fumarate reductase), and destroy the skin tissue of worms.
Symptoms of poisoning may occur in the patient during treatment: intestinal discomfort, headache, vomiting, allergic reactions, abdominal pain. The treatment of worms in humans with antiparasitic drugs should only be carried out according to a doctor's prescription and according to the manufacturer's instructions, in order to avoid complications and side effects.
Tablets
All worm removal drugs should be taken with a glass of liquid (water, milk) with meals. Comparative properties of some tablets for worms. All drugs are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation:
| The active ingredient of the drug | action | Indications | Type of application (for 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, digestive system disorders, rashes | Liver failure, up to 6 months of age |
| Carbendazim | Paralysis of the muscles from parasites | Ascariasis, Strongyloidiasis, Trichocephalosis, Noncatorosis | Depending on the type of parasite | Nausea, weakness, allergic reactions | Component sensitivity |
| Pyrvinia Emboat | Violation of the metabolism of worms | Enterobiasis | 5 mg / kg body weight once in the morning after breakfast | Headache, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions | Liver failure, up to 3 months of age |
For successful fight against parasites, it is important to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene and strictly adhere to the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor. In addition to the use of anthelmintics, it is recommended to take care to remove toxins from the body and restore the functioning of organs and strengthen the immune system. For this purpose, folk recipes (infusions, teas), as well as industrial complexes of vitamins and minerals, are often used.
Home remedies
Using traditional medicine recipes is very effective in removing parasites. For this purpose, decoctions, tinctures, solutions for enemas from the following natural ingredients are used:
- Garlic;
- Pumpkin seed;
- 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 hospitalization, but if infected with large worms, supportive therapy in a hospital setting may be needed. Removing worms at home includes both drug treatment and the use of alternative medicine. Any medication will only be accepted if prescribed by a doctor; self-medication is prohibited.
pumpkin seed
Pumpkin seeds are considered the most popular folk remedy for removing worms due to their negative effect on worms and the absence of side effects. The anthelmintic properties of this product are due to the presence of the substance cucurbitin, which is a poison to most worms. Pumpkin seeds should not be eaten with the shell more than 300 g per day for an adult. Several popular recipes:
- Wash and dry the seeds, grind in a blender, add honey. It is necessary to take the mixture on an empty stomach, take a laxative after 4 hours.
- During the day you should eat 100 g of seeds (divided into 4 servings), after each consumption, after an hour, drink a teaspoon of castor oil, the course lasts 3-4 days.
garlic
Garlic remedies are believed to be effective against roundworms, pinworms, and some types of tapeworms. In addition, garlic has immunostimulatory properties and does not cause serious side effects. Several recipes for drugs with garlic:
- Chop 2 lemons and 10 cloves of garlic in a meat grinder, mix and refrigerate. Take the product 1 tablespoon three times a day.
- Pour 200 ml of warm water over a few chopped garlic cloves and leave to stand overnight. Garlic water should be taken daily for a week, 200 ml in the morning on an empty stomach.
Troichetka
This product contains powders of several plants in various combinations. These drugs not only help fight frequent helminth invasions, but also help normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Mix tansy, cloves and wormwood in a ratio of 4: 2: 1. Take a mixture of 1 teaspoon a day before meals with water, on the second day eat 2 tablespoons, on all subsequent days - 3. The course of treatment is 14 days.
- Mix marigold, dried calamus and caraway seeds in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Take the mixture in a similar manner.
Enemas of worms
Enemas based on substances toxic to parasites are widely used in the elimination of worms. Such procedures are effective only for intestinal helminthiasis. Several popular recipes:
- Pour 2-3 cloves of chopped garlic with a glass of milk, bring to a boil, leave to cool. Use the enema solution within 2 weeks. Garlic enema should not be given to children under 3 years of age.
- Pour ½ teaspoon of baking powder with a glass of water, bring to the boil, allow to cool. It is necessary to do a soda enema for 30 minutes. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped tansy flowers with 500 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, then let rest for 4 hours. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.