A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Each year, helminths (popularly known as worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called "helminthiasis" and is considered very common.How to identify the first signs in time, what consequences can be caused by ignoring the symptoms, why it is important to consult a doctor before going to the pharmacy, and what pet owners need to know?Specialist parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions for us.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, first of all, what types of worms should you know?
— I think that many have heard about the so-calledenterobiosisis a type of helminthosis caused by worms belonging to the genuspinworms(a medium-sized hollow worm belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to recent data, up to 37% of most known cases are caused by these worms.Personally, I am convinced that this number is underestimated, since mainly children are studied, but adults are also infected.
In second placeascariasisIt is a type of helminthosis caused by roundworms belonging to the nematode family.roundworms(a red round worm (the color of the body becomes yellowish-white after death). Its prevalence in the population is several times lower, but the course of ascariasis is more severe and is characterized by a number of serious complications.
On average, about 20 types of helminths are found in the countries.In addition, when different groups of helminths are detected in the body, the infection can be combined.
Symptoms of infection rarely appear immediately
— Where exactly do these parasites live in the human body?
"Their localization is complex, there are many classifications, and depending on the species, as well as the migration of the larvae, worms can settle anywhere: in the liver, intestines, lungs and even the brain.
— Why are helminths dangerous?
— The degree of danger will be determined by the degree of infection, that is, the number of larvae entering the body and their degree of development.Immunity plays a big role, because most parasites are secreted by saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.Helminths that still manage to survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
SymptomsBoth children and adults can be very different:
- loss of appetite;
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- persistent runny nose and cough;
- skin rashes;
- itching at night around the anus;
- pain in the navel;
- increased fatigue
etc.
Typically, the body gives the above signals in the later stages of the development of helminthic infestation.It is very difficult to suspect something in the initial stages.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
- Why is it believed that children are more susceptible to infection than adults?
—First of all, the body is stronger in adults.Immunity is generally higher and copes better with uninvited guests.
Secondly, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.It is neutral in children.Acidity is higher in adults, and helminths really do not like an acidic environment.
Thirdly, adults have a different diet.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (such as wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and ... alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes especially caustic, which does not give many parasites a chance to live there.Although adults consume uncooked fish, meat, and seafood that may indeed contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
Freshly squeezed juices have appeared on many people's tables with the healthy lifestyle trend.That's good, they contain phytoncides that inhibit the development of parasites and even kill them.I would recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beet juices.
The nutrition of boys and girls is controlled by parents who agree to give smaller candies than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby's health, he can be allowed to try this vegetable).
Unfortunately, today, beautiful and tasty fast food, which children love very much, has appeared.However, such foods are fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not change the acidity of the stomach upwards, but simply prepare a comfortable and pleasant habitat for parasites.
- What treatment is prescribed?
— You should not make decisions yourself, especially regarding your children.If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will prescribe a test, the results of which will determine whether the infection is present and what its degree is.
For diagnosis, examination of the stool is necessary for the presence of helminths (stool for worm eggs).A general blood test also helps.A possible problem is indicated by the following: low hemoglobin content, increased ESR, increased number of eosinophils.A modern method of laboratory diagnostics is also effective - a blood test using ELISA.
Based on the obtained information, as well as the characteristics of your particular body or the body of the child, the specialist will choose the appropriate drug and (this is very important) its dosage.
Why not just go to the drugstore and ask for "something for worms"?We must remember: drugs that fight helminths are very toxic.To be sure of this, it is enough to look at the list of possible side effects.Believe me, what you see may shock you.Therefore, it is very important that the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment and while healing one thing, we do not cripple another.
It is important!Since enterobiosis is characterized by a fairly high infectivity (the ability of infectious diseases to pass from sick people or animals to healthy susceptible people (animals), it is necessary to examine the relatives of an infected person).Therefore, treatment may be necessary not only for a person with helminthiasis, but also for all family members, children, and even adults.
Worms live in the open environment for quite a long time and are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through contact and objects.Therefore, personal hygiene is very important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should be especially careful
— Are such drugs prescribed to pregnant women?
— Helminthosis is extremely undesirable for pregnant women.It would be good to check everything and try to solve the problem at the stage of pregnancy planning.
If an infection is detected, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem needs to be solved.There are no specific anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor will carefully examine the woman's condition and take the path of least resistance.He should choose an individual treatment regimen that will be effective, but at the same time gentle on the body in each specific case.
— Do worms pass from mother to child with milk?
- No, on the contrary, milk contains immunoglobulins that protect the child.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so touch, bottle, clothes, etc.through which it can still transmit parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if an anthelmintic drug is prescribed to a nursing mother, she should be warned that during this period the child should be transferred to artificial feeding, because the toxic substances of the drug taken are also excreted with milk.The baby's body is not ready for such serious stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should I be examined for worms?
— Experts have different opinions here.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to give courses of preventive medicine to all groups (in kindergartens, schools, workplaces).But if at least one person has refused these actions, they don't make much sense.Even if it remains infected alone, as I said, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check your body from time to time and help it if something suddenly goes wrong.The outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During these periods, it would be good to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, undergo an examination and check whether everything is in order, and if a problem is detected (if we are talking about children), it would be good to warn the kindergarten group teacher or the school teacher about it so that they can inform all other parents and take action.
— Do helminths pass from animals to their owners?
- Yes, besides, cats, as a rule, transmit more species than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocarosisin humans.It is a nematode helminthiasis characterized by fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly and eosinophilia.
I still don't understand why we don't strictly ensure that there are more separate areas for walking pets and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside like they do in all civilized countries.After all, the spread of helminths in the territory is primarily due to dog feces.Moreover, you must admit that "mines" can often be found near playgrounds.So it turned out that there is no dog in the house, but the child has a pack of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- do not kiss pets;
- don't let them in your bed;
- don't forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- get your animal examined by a veterinarian on time;
- if your dog has worms, consult a doctor;most likely, the whole family needs to take medicine;
- try to walk your pets in the right place.
I would like to draw the attention of lovers of everything unusual to the fact that before buying an exotic animal, study its physiology in detail, make sure that it is healthy and learn about possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc.it can bring parasites into your home that our body is completely unfamiliar with.All this sometimes causes great difficulties both in diagnosis and treatment.