Worms in the human body are parasites that are not viable in 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, helminthic invasion often goes unnoticed, gradually causing disturbances in the body.
First of all, you should understand what helminths are. This is a general term for worms that parasitize the human body, in 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 helminth 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. Helminth invasion can be detected already at an advanced stage, after the onset of other symptoms of the presence of intestinal parasites.
Some intestinal parasite larvae can reach various tissues in the body. In this case, inflammatory deposits are formed, as the immune system recognizes the larvae as foreign organisms. Some allergic reactions of the immune system can occur due to 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.
Ways of parasite infection
There are many factors from which worms appear. Their appearance may be due to the following situations:
- one of the most common risk factors for helminthiasis is the influence of mass tourism;
- in second place 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;
- transmission of worms from pets is often recorded.
Symptoms of parasitic diseases
Worm infestations can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the type of parasite. The most common manifestations are the following:
- constipation - difficulty in bowel movements caused by worms - is the result of blockage of intestinal flow;
- diarrhea - loose stools appear due to exposure to substances secreted by parasites that cause the loss of potassium and chloride;
- flatulence and bloating - parasites cause inflammation and gas in the small intestine;
- pain in muscles and joints - helminthiases are often characterized by the location of worms also in joint fluids and muscle tissues;
- allergy - parasites pierce the intestinal walls, as a result of which undigested molecules enter the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction;
- skin problems - skin problems such as acne, rashes and itching often occur with helminthiasis;
- anemia: parasites adhere to the intestinal mucous membranes and "steal" nutrients, which leads to anemia;
- granulomas - a tumor-like focus forms surrounding the parasite eggs;
- nervousness - worms produce toxins that irritate the central nervous system, as a result psychological signs may appear;
- sleep disorders - 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 children's groups, they are also found in the adult population.
Infection occurs when the larvae of the parasite, which are found everywhere in the environment of the infected person, are ingested. They are present on the skin, under the nails, in bedding, in clothing and in 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, similar to 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 unaware of the presence of helminthiasis, as they often do not experience other symptoms besides anxiety, irritability and fatigue.
Vlasoglav
The second most common intestinal parasite is the whipworm, Trichuristrichiura. Infections caused by this type of worm are usually asymptomatic, making it very difficult to accurately identify an infected person.
An adult whipworm is 3-5 cm long. Worm infestation occurs by mouth, through the use of contaminated food or water, as well as through contaminated soil. The parasite larvae hatch in the small intestine, while the adult worms nest in the large intestine. The adult female lays eggs, which hatch with feces and hatch in warm soil after 5 weeks of nesting.
At worst, whipworm only causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea. More serious complications of this infection occur exclusively in tropical areas. In severe cases, chronic diarrhea or anemia may 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 within 1-2 days in the soil or feces, after 5-10 days they become larvae capable of transmitting 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 enter the pharynx and the person swallows them. The larvae reach the small intestine, where they remain for the time necessary for their development into adult worms.
Adult worms live in the small intestine, attaching themselves to the intestinal wall and feeding on the blood of their host, a human. Most of these parasites are eliminated from the body within 1-2 years, but records of their parasitism in the body can reach tens of years.
The larvae of A. duodenale worms that penetrate human skin are inactive (both in the intestine and in the muscles). In addition, A. duodenale parasitic infection can also be transmitted orally. However, the N. americanus worm requires migration.
nematodes
Nematodes - Ascarislumbricoides - also belong to intestinal parasites. An adult worm can grow up to 25cm in length. Helminths in such a person remain hidden for a long time. Their symptoms are often fatigue and cough, which in most cases are due to other reasons.
For helminthiasis infection, it is enough to use unwashed fruits and vegetables.
The larvae of these worms nest and hatch in the small intestine, penetrate the intestinal wall. Through the blood and lymphatic flow, they reach the lungs, causing a cough. When coughing, the greenish mucus is eliminated, with which the nematodes return to the intestine after swallowing. Ascaris eggs are excreted in the faeces.
The most common source of infection among humans is infected human feces.
In severe cases, roundworm 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 himself nor the treating physician initially suspects an intestinal parasite infection.
The disease caused by roundworms is called ascariasis. The main route of infection is fecal-oral.
According to WHO estimates, the incidence of worms is around 1 billion infected people per year.
Helminths in adults, the symptoms and treatment of which depend on the location of the worms, are characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe, even fatal cases. The most common symptoms are abdominal discomfort and pain, diarrhea, rectal itching or allergic manifestations. In the first stage - migratory - parasite larvae can cause signs of inflammation of the lungs (Loeffler syndrome), pancreas, heart muscle, liver and other organs.
Roundworms in the intestine are the cause of metabolic disorders and nervous system disorders.
Ascaris in the respiratory organs
As worms migrate to the human body, they pass through the pharynx, where they colonize the lymph nodes around the main lymphatic chain (Waldeyer's chain).
Where worm larvae may be present:
- lymphatic and salivary glands;
- pharynx;
- larynx;
- the area along the ear canals leading to the middle ear;
- all the steps leading to the brain.
The lateral nasopharyngeal walls have openings leading to the Eustachian tube, which connects the pharynx to the middle ear. This allows you to balance the pressure in the ear with the atmospheric pressure. Along these paths, the worm larvae can reach the middle ear. As a result, hearing deteriorates, tinnitus appears, headache and Meniere's syndrome - dizziness, accompanied by moments of memory loss.
Pulmonary manifestations of roundworm
When roundworm lesions of the lungs occur, 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 by a febrile condition. The person suffers from dry cough, asthmatic bronchitis and hoarseness. Untreated pulmonary roundworms can turn into chronic problems with seasonal flare-ups and eventually cause severe bronchial asthma. The person becomes a drug addict and sometimes even retires with a disability pension.
Roundworms in other organs
Due to the colonization of other organs by worm larvae, slight bleeding and signs of inflammation appear in them.
They are able to penetrate the pancreas, bile ducts and liver. In the small intestine, the larvae combine into a "lump", causing ileus. The parasite larvae 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 naturally excrete toxic substances. 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 migraine. When the furrows colonize, granulomas form in the gray crust.
Later the symptoms of brain cancer appear: loss of consciousness, seizures, convulsions. If the granuloma is located near the optic or auditory nerve, deafness or visual impairment appears.
Tapeworm
Catena - 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 bovine tapeworms (Taeniasaginata) and swine tapeworms (Taeniasolium). Both types colonize the body after consuming raw or improperly cooked meat. The parasite's eggs are long and lodge in the small intestine. Adult worms develop after 3 months. The end parts of the worm's body are filled with eggs, which are released individually and excreted with 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, tapeworm does not necessarily immediately cause the 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-rays or computed tomography. An accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of these studies.
Pesticide treatment
The methods of treatment for worms are varied. They include both the popular use of anti-parasitic herbs and the more modern bioresonance therapy.
Antiparasitic herbs
The rules for using antiparasitic herbs are based on the location of worms in the body.
Reception half an hour before meals is advisable in the following cases:
- parasites in the intestines and lower body;
- secondary worm infection of the genitourinary system.
Application with food: parasitic damage of the stomach, colon, liver and spleen.
Use after meals: parasitic infestation of the 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 anti-parasitic drugs
The most effective are drugs containing methyl ester of carbamic acid. This active ingredient is intended for the treatment of pinworms, whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms. When treating pinworms, the dosage is carried out according to the instructions. Treat other parasites with these drugs based on age.
Compliance with the dosage is important to avoid cramps.
Treatment by applying therapeutic frequencies on 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 the parasite's membrane to vibrate. The result is the rupture of the membranes and, consequently, the destruction of parasites. A specific frequency is applied for each type of microorganism.
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 parasites present are eliminated by treatment with these methods. The therapy takes place in 2 phases:
- phase 1: removal 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 using 1 frequency.
The use of a plasma generator, in addition to a significant reduction in the procedure time, has another great advantage: when using it, up to 5 people can be present at the same time together with the animals. 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 him roasted pumpkin seeds to chew - about 30 seeds 3 times a day. They should not be eaten with the main food.
Eating raw garlic in moderation will also help eradicate worms.
Getting rid of worms won't work without proper hygiene. Hand washing, frequent washing of bed linen, dishes are the basis of effective therapy.