The symptoms of worms in humans can be very different, it all depends on the type of parasites present in the body. Treatment necessarily requires an integrated approach, only under this condition it will be possible to eliminate this problem. For this, traditional medicines and methods are used.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine the signs and symptoms of worms in a person, since helminth infestation is very similar in its symptoms to the pathologies of many diseases of the intestines and stomach, gallbladder, liver and infectious diseases.
What types of worms are there?
Worms are usually divided into several groups, namely:
- round;
- had;
- trematodes.
Nematodes are thin, long worms of a yellowish or pinkish hue. The disease begins to develop when the eggs of these worms are ingested, which can occur if contaminated food is consumed. The larvae grow from eggs in the intestines and spread throughout the body.
Together with the bloodstream, they are transported through the internal organs, causing minor bleeding. Among the main symptoms of worms (in the photo one of the signs of helminth infestation is abdominal pain) the presence of fever and body aches can be highlighted. Often no one pays special attention to these signs, as they associate them with a cold. Meanwhile, the larvae, along with the bloodstream, are transferred to the lung tissue. From there, after maturation, they penetrate into the oral cavity and then into the intestines, where they grow and multiply. During their life, nematodes release toxic substances into the human intestines, causing poor health and unpleasant symptoms.
Among the main symptoms of worms in adults are:
- abdominal pain;
- frequent need to defecate;
- loose stools;
- signs of intoxication.
As a result, weight loss may occur, rashes and other signs of allergies may appear on the body.
In childhood, pinworms are the main concern. These are small, grayish round worms. Its appearance is due to non-compliance with hygiene standards and the consumption of low-quality products. In addition, infection through pets is possible. Pinworms live and reproduce in the intestines.
It is quite difficult to get rid of this type of parasite, since autoinfection constantly occurs. At night, pinworms lay eggs in the folds near the anus. At this time, very intense itching and painful sensations are noted. General health deteriorates significantly, as parasites have a toxic effect on the body and cause serious inflammation. This appears in the form:
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- Stomachache.
Another roundworm is the whipworm. Its back part is thick, barrel-shaped, and the head part is very thin, hair-shaped. Using a thin part of the body, the parasites penetrate the intestinal walls and feed on blood. Infection occurs when whipworm eggs enter food.
The parasite damages the intestinal walls, causing intoxication of the body that often leads to appendicitis.
The broad tapeworm is a long worm that belongs to the tapeworm family. This flat parasite reaches very large sizes. The larvae go through several stages during development. Its intermediate hosts are river fish and crayfish. A person consumes river fish infected with helminths, with which the latter enter the body, where they begin to grow.
This parasite is large in size, so it requires a lot of food. As a result, a person develops quite characteristic symptoms of worms, in particular, rapid weight loss, poor health, fainting and anemia.
Bovine and porcine tapeworms are classified as tapeworms. They reach several meters. You can get infected by consuming undercooked or undercooked meat. The body of the tapeworm consists of several flat parts in which the eggs develop.
They can live in the human body for several years. Thanks to the presence of special suction cups and hooks, these parasites adhere very firmly to the intestinal walls. They suck out all nutrients and poison the human body with toxins. Among the main symptoms of worms are severe weakness, weight loss, nausea and intestinal dysfunction. A person is constantly bothered by headaches, including migraines and dizziness. There are faintings.
When liver fluke enters the body, it causes the disease opisthorchiasis. You can become infected by consuming river fish that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment. If a person has this type of worms, the symptoms are expressed in the form of pain and a feeling of fullness on the right side, disturbance of stool, and sometimes a slight yellowing of the skin can be observed. Most people go to the doctor with signs of hepatitis and cholecystitis. If parasites are not eliminated from the body for a long time, liver cirrhosis and malignant tumors can form.
Infection methods
Before identifying the signs and symptoms of worms in humans, it is necessary to understand exactly how the infection occurs. The main forms of worm infection:
- through the ground;
- contact with animals;
- food;
- open reservoirs.
Sometimes the source of infection can be the bite of stinging insects. You can become infected through food that has not been subjected to sufficient heat treatment.
Main signs in adults.
The symptoms of worms in humans cannot always be correctly recognized immediately. Parasites cause a series of symptoms. If they occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. If you recognize the symptoms of worms in a person in the initial stages, this will allow you to avoid a number of diagnostic errors. Among the main features it is worth highlighting:
- allergic skin rashes;
- frequent cough;
- the appearance of a runny nose, pneumonia;
- constipation;
- frequent colds;
- nervousness.
If the worms are long, they form entire balls that prevent the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice. As a result, symptoms of worms appear in humans, such as constipation, diarrhea and bloating. Teeth grinding may occur.
Against the background of constant chronic poisoning by waste products of worms, depression is observed. When parasites move through the body and damage tissues, the person begins to feel pain in the joints. If there are worms, the symptoms can be very different, only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis.
Signs of childhood helminthic infestation.
The symptoms and signs of worms in a child are quite specific. The doctor will be able to accurately determine whether the baby has parasites in the intestines through manifestations such as:
- increased activity;
- salivation;
- itching near the anus;
- peeling of the eyelids;
- craving for sweet foods;
- lethargy and drowsiness;
- signs of anemia;
- frequent colds.
If these signs and symptoms of worms are observed in a child, there is a high probability that there are parasites in the body. In this case, it is definitely worth visiting a doctor to diagnose and prescribe correct and effective treatment.
Manifestations of the acute stage.
The first symptoms of worms in an adult do not appear immediately after infection, but after a few days. The average incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks. The presence of parasites in the body can manifest itself in the form of allergic reactions. During the process of growth and vital activity, helminths release toxic substances that cause intoxication of the body.
Among the allergic symptoms of worms in an adult, the following are observed:
- swelling;
- rashes;
- skin itch;
- cough.
In particularly severe cases, the development of bronchitis and asthma cannot be ruled out. Some types of parasites can cause serious reactions such as swelling of the face. Particularly complex manifestations can occur against the background of echinococcosis. This happens as a result of the cyst rupturing. In this case, the risk of anaphylactic shock and death of the patient increases significantly.
Symptoms of worms in an adult in the acute stage include not only allergic manifestations, but also an increase in temperature. With a serious infection, your health deteriorates significantly. Cough and chest pain often appear.
Manifestations of the chronic stage.
In the chronic form of infection, the symptoms of worms in an adult largely depend on the location of the parasite. In particular, the following symptoms can be observed:
- intestinal dysfunction;
- painful sensations;
- swelling;
- decreased or increased appetite.
Helminths secrete substances that negatively affect the digestion process. There may be a lack of nutrients in the body.
Symptoms of worms in adults usually include various psychological disorders. The more parasites there are in the body, the more pronounced the signs of damage to the nervous system. Among the manifestations of the presence of helminths, it is worth highlighting headaches, insomnia and distraction.
Specific symptoms
There is a high risk of infection with worms such as flukes or, as they are also called, trematodes. These parasites live in different organs of the human body. Signs and symptoms of worms appear as:
- local swelling;
- cough;
- temperature increase;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- myalgia;
- shaking chills;
- enlargement of the spleen and liver.
These helminths can provoke the development of pyelonephritis, cystitis and urolithiasis. Possible complications include chronic kidney failure. The intestinal form manifests itself in the form of pain, lack of appetite and diarrhea mixed with blood.
Carrying out diagnoses.
If a person develops symptoms of worms, treatment should be done immediately after diagnosis. To detect the presence of parasites in the body, several accurate and informative diagnostic methods are used. These include:
- linked immunosorbent assay;
- ELISA tests;
- serological techniques;
- Bone scan;
- ultrasound diagnosis;
- tomography;
- Diagnosis by bioresonance.
The enzyme immunoassay helps determine the presence of adult parasites or their eggs in the body, as well as identify their type. ELISA tests indicate the body's reaction when infected with parasites. This technique is not independent. It should be used in conjunction with other types of research.
Serological methods are used to diagnose helminthiasis in the acute stage. Bioresonance diagnosis is a study that allows parasites to be identified at a very early stage.
Modern diagnostic techniques with high accuracy will help not only recognize the fact of worm infection, but also determine which type they belong to, establish the age and stage of development, which significantly accelerates the recovery process.
Drug therapy for adults.
If symptoms of worms appear in adults, treatment should be carried out immediately, since only this will prevent the development of complications and dangerous pathologies. Treatment of helminthiasis involves the use of a wide range of procedures and medications, as well as strict medical prescriptions.
To eliminate the symptoms of worms in humans, treatment necessarily includes taking certain medications. The use of anthelmintic compounds is aimed at destroying many types of worms. There are also medications with specific objectives.
It is worth noting that all medications cause certain side effects, in particular nausea, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and many other signs of intoxication. If such manifestations occur, it is necessary to take enterosorbent.
To eliminate the symptoms of worms in adults, treatment can be carried out with anthelmintic medications in the form of drops. This medication is very convenient to use, as it allows you to accurately calculate the dosage, which often cannot be done with tablets, since they are coated with a protective layer.
All medications for the treatment of worms help to eliminate the symptoms of helminth infestation quickly and effectively, but they are very toxic substances and can cause poisoning of the body.
Drug therapy for children.
Parasites cause serious discomfort and deterioration of well-being. Therefore, after worm symptoms appear in children, treatment should begin immediately. The drugs are available in tablet form and in suspension form.
These medications contain several active ingredients that are effective only against a specific type of parasite, so the medication can only be used after diagnosis. Depending on the symptoms of worms in children, treatment is selected individually to effectively eliminate parasites and not harm the child's body. It is imperative to strictly follow the recipe, since the dosage is always selected separately for each child and depends on his weight, age and type of parasite.
Many medications are prohibited for children weighing less than 12 kg.
Home remedies
If you have symptoms of worms at home, treatment can be done using traditional methods. To combat helminthiasis, various herbs are used, which are no less effective than medications. These include the following:
- dandelion;
- onion;
- nettle;
- tansy;
- sagebrush;
- burdock;
- garlic.
An equally common way to treat helminth infestations is to consume raw pumpkin seeds. As a preventive measure, you can use carrot juice, which is recommended to be consumed for 2 weeks, 200 ml each.
In addition to decoctions and tinctures, it is also recommended to perform enemas that will help eliminate helminths. For an enema, you can use garlic tincture, tansy infusion or dried wormwood. Any of these remedies is used only in strained form, so that small plant particles do not enter the intestines and damage the mucous membrane.
Carrying out prevention.
It is recommended to carry out preventive measures regularly, as this will prevent helminth infection and subsequent treatment for a long time. For prevention, you should try to avoid foci of worm infection and also use folk remedies. It is also advisable to include preventive measures:
- maintain hygiene;
- eat only well-washed fruits and vegetables;
- extermination of insects in the house that carry helminth eggs;
- drink only boiled water;
- Carrying out pharmacological prophylaxis.
You should use medications only after consulting a doctor, as they contain toxic substances that can harm your health.