How to get rid of worms?

16 December 2023

A man suffers from abdominal pain caused by worms.

Worm infestations are seen in more than 1. 5 billion people. You can become infected with worms through food, raw water, or contact with a sick person.

Helminthiasis or helminthic infestations are a group of diseases caused by parasitic worms that live in the human body. According to the latest data, 1 in 100 people are hidden carriers and around 80% of new cases of the disease occur in children and adolescents. At the same time, helminthiasis is recorded not only in underdeveloped countries: outbreaks of enterobiasis and ascariasis often occur among wealthy segments of the population.

The wide distribution of helminthiases is explained by the asymptomatic course of the disease in the early stages. Furthermore, symptoms of infestation do not appear when the number of parasites in the body is small. The patient may not suspect the presence of parasites for a long time, but still infects others.

How dangerous are worms?

Today, 360 species of worms are known to be dangerous to humans. Most of them parasitize in the human intestines or liver, but, depending on the type of parasite and its life cycle (egg, larva, adult), any organ and system can be affected: lungs, heart, central nervous system, muscles , eyeballs. , etc. Further away.

The main damages caused by helminths are:

gradual development of anemia (insufficient number of red blood cells).The worms consume nutrients from the intestines, as a result the body does not receive enough micro- and macroelements, the patient loses weight and suffers from vitamin deficiency;
destruction of organs and tissues.Many worms penetrate the intestinal walls and damage surrounding tissues during migration. Microscopic wounds and ulcers form on the organs, the gastrointestinal mucosa is constantly inflamed and the risk of infection increases;
pathologies of the nervous system.Worms not only destroy the tissues around them, but also release waste products - toxins that have a destructive effect on the central and peripheral nerves. The patient becomes nervous, irritable and is bothered by headaches, insomnia, lethargy and apathy;
allergic reactions.Worm waste products (toxins) are also dangerous allergens. Therefore, with helminthic infestations, a skin rash often develops, itching appears, and nausea and vomiting are possible.

Helminthic infestations in children can cause developmental delays and lead to dangerous complications: from perforation (through ulcers) of the intestines to paralysis of the arms and legs.

Helminths are typical representatives.

The most common types of parasites include:

pinworms– round worms that penetrate the rectum and colon. Infection occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed;
Intestinal worms– intestinal worms that attack the small intestine. During the development cycle, they can migrate along with the blood and lymph flow, entering the lungs and heart;
whipworm- an intestinal worm that lives in the large intestine. It penetrates the mucosa with the help of a thin head, damaging the integrity of the tissues and causing microulcers;
opisthorchis– flatworms that attack the liver. Parasites clog the ducts, cause stagnation of bile and disrupt the normal functioning of the organ;
curved heads- nematodes that parasitize the duodenum. Infection occurs through contact with larvae, which pierce the skin, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body;
had of the bull- a tapeworm that reaches a length of up to 10 meters. It occupies almost the entire intestine, causing severe exhaustion;
intestinal eel– intestinal worms that penetrate the colon and cecum. To lay eggs, the worms approach the anus, causing intense itching in the anal area;
echinococcus– tapeworms that affect not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the liver and lungs. They cause echinococcosis, a disease in which cysts form in various organs of a person.

A parasitologist treats helminth infections.

How are worms transmitted?

According to the WHO, more than 1. 5 billion people worldwide suffer from soil-transmitted helminthiasis. There is a misconception that one can become infected with worms only by consuming low-quality foods: untreated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or unprocessed meat and fish. But that's not true. Some parasites can penetrate through intact skin.

Helminth larvae penetrate the skin, enter the capillaries and spread throughout the body along with the bloodstream. For humans, such punctures are not sensitive; It is quite difficult to suspect an infection. You can also become infected with parasites by inhaling microscopic eggs along with dust.

How can you tell if you have worms?

Depending on the organs affected by the helminthic infestation, patients may develop conjunctivitis, cough, headaches, swelling and tremors in the extremities. In cases of severe vitamin deficiency, joint pain appears, hair falls out, and nails begin to peel. In children, helminthiasis can cause delayed physical and intellectual development.

Common symptoms of worms in humans are:

malaise, weakness, fatigue;
allergies, such as rashes, coughs, asthma attacks;
decreased or increased appetite;
nausea, vomiting without intoxication;
Stomachache;
diarrhea or constipation;
weight loss, even if you have a good appetite;
sleeping problems, insomnia;
swollen or enlarged lymph nodes;
fever without reason;
pain in muscles and joints without exercise;
snoring or grinding your teeth while sleeping;
presence of worms in the feces;
itching in the anal area (often with pinworms).

How do you know if there are worms?

It is impossible to independently determine the presence of helminthic infestation. In the initial stages, the disease can be practically asymptomatic. The patient does not feel pain, the immune system can suppress the pathogenic effects of toxins and allergens for some time. As a rule, the exacerbation begins during the migration of larvae or with an increase in the number of worms. The stronger the infestation (i. e. the more parasites), the more symptoms appear.

However, the asymptomatic course of the invasion is dangerous: the patient infects others, and his health gradually worsens. To detect the disease, it is necessary to periodically undergo a preventive examination in the hospital. As part of prevention, the therapist prescribes worm testing at least once a year. If you live in an endemic region, once every six months.

Helminth analysis

To detect a helminth infestation, the following tests may be prescribed:

stool analysis.The feces are examined for the presence of helminth eggs. The analysis does not require prior preparation: the patient just needs to bring a stool sample;
analysis of enterobiasis.To determine enterobiasis (a disease caused by pinworms), it is enough to scrape (smear) the anal area. The test is usually prescribed in the morning before going to the bathroom;
blood test to detect specific antibodies.The most revealing study that allows us to identify parasites such as intestinal worms, opisthorchis, acne and lamblia.

How long is a stool test valid for worms?

A stool test for worms allows specialists to detect helminth eggs (if present). This study does not offer a 100% guarantee of detection, since the number of eggs depends on the life cycle of the worms and periodically they may not be detected in the feces, even if the invasion persists. Therefore, in most cases, doctors recommend carrying out a stool test two or three times with a short interval between tests.

Blood test for parasites.

Blood testing for specific antibodies is the most informative method for detecting a helminth infestation. After the analysis, the doctor can not only talk about the presence of worms, but also determine their type and, therefore, select the most effective therapeutic complex.

The human immune system recognizes worms as pathogens: the body begins to produce specific antibodies to fight the parasites. This is what the analysis reveals.

Which worm test is best?

If a parasitic infection is suspected, the doctor will prescribe several tests. A comprehensive study allows you to determine with 100% accuracy the presence of worms, determine the type and stage of the life cycle. It cannot be said that any analysis is better or worse: it is necessary to perform several tests to increase the reliability of the diagnosis.

Where to go if you suspect worms?

If you suspect a helminth infestation, you should make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. In the early stages, helminthiasis does not present specific symptoms, so it is quite difficult to suspect that you or a loved one has worms. As a rule, the patient complains of mild discomfort: indigestion, headache, apathy.

If the symptoms do not go away within a week or the condition recurs periodically (for example, once every 3-4 months you do not feel well), you should see your doctor. Attacks of poor health may be associated with the migration of parasites.

What doctor treats worms in humans?

Treatment of parasitic infestations is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or parasitologist. But it is not advisable to immediately consult a specialist doctor: it is better to consult a therapist. He will prescribe a series of tests and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or gastroenterologist.

How to treat helminthiasis?

If worms are detected, the doctor prescribes antiparasitic medications aimed at combating a specific type of worm. Modern drugs are equally effective against worms at each stage of the life cycle: adults, larvae and eggs. In most cases, a single dose of tablets is sufficient, but sometimes a course of medications is required; The treatment is developed by a therapist or parasitologist.

It is unacceptable to deviate from the developed treatment tactics; This can cause worm eggs to remain in the body, which will subsequently lead to a new infestation.

Along with antiparasitic drugs, drugs that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, vitamins to eliminate avitaminosis and antihistamines (for an allergic reaction) can be prescribed.

Helminthiasis: treatment with home remedies.

There are a sufficient number of methods for treating helminthiasis with folk remedies. Patients are advised to consume a large amount of foods with strong essential oils: for example, drink clove infusions or eat garlic. These methods are not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

If the intestines are damaged by worms, the consumption of products with strong essential oils will cause additional irritation of the mucous membrane, increase pain and problems with bowel movements.

You should also not use anthelmintics without consulting your doctor. Some drugs cause the death of worms, but do not cause their evacuation, that is, they remain in the body, which causes severe poisoning. Safe treatment of invasion is only possible under the supervision of an experienced doctor!

Helminthiasis prevention

Treatment of helminthiasis should be carried out not only by the patient, but also by all members of her family. It is also necessary to boil bedding and underwear and carry out wet cleaning with disinfectants. In the future, to prevent helminth infestation, it is recommended:

monitor the quality of the food you eat: do not eat unwashed vegetables, fruits and herbs, unprocessed meat and raw fish;
observe the rules of personal hygiene, do not use other people's towels and utensils;
undergo a complete examination once a year, including testing for worm eggs.

Helminth infections are highly treatable and do not cause serious damage to the body if detected early. Therefore, the main thing is to seek medical help in time. To prevent helminthiasis, it is necessary to follow hygiene rules and undergo periodic medical examination.