Parasitesit is a very common phenomenon that can be easily identified in most people during a normal medical examination.
Specialists have many methods and techniques for identifying and diagnosing worms in the body of a child and an adult. In the current state of development of medicine, this is completely simple. In addition, many helminths can be detected independently, leaving the body and entering the external environment. This process usually occurs when the female breeds and lays eggs.
Further determination of the type, quantity and duration of the life cycle of worms in humans should be carried out in special clinics during a comprehensive examination.
Types of worms in humans
Representatives of helminths are identified on the basis of general characteristics and lifestyle, life cycle and developmental characteristics. It also takes into account how worms manifest themselves in humans, how long they live in the body and what diseases they cause.
Doctors can detect the presence of the following types of worms in the body:
- nematode, nematode.The life cycle does not exceed 40 years; they parasitize in the intestine. It can affect the respiratory system and stomach. Representatives: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms;
- tape parasites.They can live in the intestines and migrate throughout the body for about 20 years. The large dimensions reach 8-10 meters. Individuals of bovine and porcine tapeworms, tapeworms;
- trematodes, trematodes.They appear in internal organs and subcutaneous tissues. It moves into all organs and can become life-threatening.
Each of the above groups has representatives that are most often found in people.
And each of them represents a serious danger to health and normal functioning of the body:
- nematodeIt can cause: appendicitis, jaundice, inflammation of the biliary tract;
- pinworms.Leads to complications: gastritis, allergic reactions, nervous disorders;
- whipwormMay cause dysentery, rectal prolapse;
- Toxocara.It is manifested by decreased vision, bronchitis, necrosis of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, disruption of brain function;
- echinococcus.Represents a danger in the form of anaphylactic shock, urticaria, liver enlargement, cyst formation and death;
- Trichinella.It can cause the formation of infiltrations, damage to the heart and brain;
- Giardia.Consequences: anemia, gastritis, Quincke's edema, pancreatitis;
- hookworms.May cause intestinal dysfunction;
- wide ribbon.Promotes the development of anemia, hypovitaminosis, necrosis of intestinal tissue, damage to the spinal cord;
- filariae.It can cause diseases: conjunctivitis, lymphadenitis, asthma, abscesses; lung flukes. They cause enteritis, bronchitis, fever, meningitis, tachycardia.
These are just some of the parasites mentioned quite often. There are worms that are less dangerous, but still harmful. Therefore, it is important to study them in laboratory conditions.
Worm infection
It is not difficult for parasites to penetrate the human body. It is impossible to detect or identify them in the environment, as they are often at the stage of small microscopic larvae or eggs.
There are some methods and routes of infection:
- bodies of waterIn most parasites, the larvae spend the intermediate stages of their life cycle in both fresh and salt water. They are sometimes found in intermediate hosts such as fish and molluscs;
- sand or wet earth. Together with feces, mainly eggs, they are released for further development or to search for a temporary carrier;
- unprocessed dirty vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs. From the soil future pests penetrate the surface of the products;
- animals: homeless and domestic. Temporary means.
Even an ordinary walk with a child or a trip to the store, calling the elevator or dirty handrails can cause the appearance of parasites. To avoid this, you need to follow simple rules of personal hygiene, regularly carry out water cleaning of the house and ventilate the room where the workplace is located.
Worms in an adult, their signs and symptoms
Characteristics alone cannot unambiguously determine whether a person has a helminth infestation.
How can you check if you really have worms?
To do this, there are general characteristic signs of the presence of worms in a person and methods for determining them:
- changes in appetite, including both its increase and decrease;
- nervousness, fear, excitement. Fatigue and weakness may also occur;
- snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep;
- intestinal problems, including diarrhea and constipation;
- swelling;
- headache, dizziness;
- swelling of the limbs;
- itching in the anus;
- increased body temperature;
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- skin rashes, redness;
- nausea;
- stomach pain;
- fragility of hair and nails.
These are just a few signs that may indicate the presence of worms in an adult. However, these symptoms can also be characteristic of other diseases. Therefore, only a proper examination will allow you to get an accurate result.
Signs of worms in children
Having still insufficient immunity and protective protein cells, children are often subject to more serious consequences of the presence of parasites in the body:
- intestinal dysfunction, dysbacteriosis;
- bloating, flatulence;
- skin inflammation, urticaria;
- involuntary urination or urinary incontinence;
- respiratory tract diseases. Bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma;
- In girls, inflammation of the genital organs is possible;
- vomiting, nausea;
- itching and burning in the anus;
- severe abdominal pain and colic;
- sleep disorders;
- nervousness,
- Newborns may experience serious complications or developmental delays.
It is quite difficult to identify worms on your own, and many parents do not think about their presence. Trying to treat their children without the help of specialists, they can aggravate the spread of parasites in the children's body. The consequences in these cases are unpredictable.
Tests for various worms
How to understand that a person is developing helminthiasis?
Accurate determination of the presence of worms in adults and children is possible only with the help of specially developed research methods.
The doctor prescribes appropriate research methods depending on the symptoms and signs of parasites:
- scrapingThis is a traditional and simple method, which involves taking a smear from the anus to determine the presence of worm eggs;
- stool analysis.This method has been tested, but is not always effective, since not all helminths are found in secretions;
- general chemical blood test.It allows you to determine only the inflammatory process using indicators of low hemoglobin levels and also takes leukocytes into account;
- CPR diagnostics.This method consists of studying the parasite's DNA material present in the blood by comparing it with available samples. Provides an accurate determination of the class of helminths and their quantity;
- linked immunosorbent test.This method is also based on the analysis of the patient's blood. Detected samples of IgM and IgG antibodies indicate a protective reaction of the immune system against worms.
Additionally, ultrasound, x-ray and tomography may be prescribed. Their need is associated with the migration of parasites through the organs and their frequent change of location. The biopsy or probing method is also used to obtain material from the affected organs. The choice of diagnostic method depends on the class of helminths and the effect on organs.
Worms: treatment for adults and children
It is important to realize that in most cases the process of treating diseases caused by helminth infections is complex. It is not always possible to completely eliminate the larvae and eggs of all parasites in one course of treatment. Patients often need to be under constant medical supervision and undergo regular tests.
What to do in this case?
It is important to follow your doctor's advice and recommendations.
Generally, drugs with a broad spectrum of action are prescribed.
Special care should be taken when taking medicines for young children and infants. The powerful components of medicinal anthelmintics are not always suitable for an organism with low immunity.
Only an expert doctor can prescribe medications appropriate to the patient's age and the degree of complication of the disease.
FAQ
What symptoms can indicate the presence of worms in a person?
Symptoms of worms may include constant fatigue, weight loss, insomnia, itchy anus, worms in the stool, and abdominal pain.
What diagnostic methods are used to determine the presence of worms in a person?
To diagnose worms, you can use stool tests for worm eggs, a blood test for antibodies against worms, as well as investigational diagnostic methods such as ultrasound and X-rays.
Useful tips
Tip number 1
Pay attention to symptoms that may indicate the presence of worms, such as constant tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and allergic reactions.
Tip no. 2
Contact your doctor for special stool or blood tests to check for worm eggs or antibodies against them.