In the body of an adult live different microscopic cohabitants. Most of them are useful and are our symbionts. These include about 500 species of bacteria that live mainly in the intestines. However, many life forms, entering the human body, begin to parasitize and poison the health of the host.
One type of unwanted neighbors are worms. They are parasitic worms that infect the intestines, liver, lungs and in rare cases even the muscles. All types of parasitic worms are grouped together as helminths, and the infection with them is helminthiasis.
To answer the question of how to treat worms, it is necessary to understand how they enter the human body. There are main ways of infection:
- Through the ground when they become infected with worms that spend part of their life cycle on earth. Eggs or their larvae in the development process fall on vegetables and fruits, which are later eaten. Infected with helminths through the soil, the animals then transfer them to humans.
- From contact with an infected person. The larvae can spread through the bedding, towels and other items used by an infected patient. According to statistics, helminths are present in the body of 60% of the population, migrants of Asian origin are a special risk group.
- By eating contaminated meat or fish. Worm eggs and larvae are destroyed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Sometimes insect bites can be the cause of the infection.
Once in the human body, worms actively multiply and release toxic waste. Their accumulation and increase in number increases the symptoms of the disease. To get rid of the parasite, you need to see a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.
Signs of a worm infection in an adult
The presence of a parasite in the organs can be determined by external signs. These include manifestations of the skin that significantly worsen its condition and cause itching. For example, inflammation, acne, cracked heels, stratification of the nails.
Worm infection has similar symptoms to other diseases. The intensification of various manifestations depends on the location of the helminth. In addition to skin rashes, intestinal disorders are characterized by:
- unstable bench;
- specific odor from the mouth, increased gas formation;
- nausea;
- itching in the anus;
- weight loss with a parallel increase in appetite.
Parasitic toxins also affect the nervous system, causing headaches and irritability. With a significant increase in the number of helminth individuals, memory problems and depression may occur. The immune system does not recover due to lack of vitamins and important elements. A person is constantly sick under the influence of viruses and bacteria. If the respiratory system is affected, coughing and choking may occur.
If you find these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. A specialist, using the results of the tests and a thorough examination, will determine the form of the parasite and prescribe medication.
Types of helminths that parasitize the human body
Treatment of the disease is prescribed depending on the type of parasite that has settled on the internal organs. Different worms affect certain tissues and cause specific symptoms.
The main forms of infection by parasitic worms are distinguished:
- Enterobiasis is formed under the influence of pinworms. Small round organisms are localized in the intestines and cause severe itching on the skin of the anus.
- Trichinella penetrates the muscles through the vascular system. Symptoms appear suddenly and unexpectedly in the form of fever, chills, swelling of the eyelids and face.
- Vlasoglavy belong to the nematodes and affect the colon. Signs of the disease are mild or absent. There may be dizziness, abdominal pain, inflammation of the appendix.
- Loss of different types of tapes. These include bovine ribbon, wide ribbon, pork ribbon. Parasites live in the intestines, differ in a strip-like body, divided into many small parts. Symptoms are characterized by dizziness, abdominal pain, bowel disorders.
These forms of invasions are most often caused by disregard for personal hygiene, eating badly fried meat. Pets are also a source of parasite spread.
If the patient shows symptoms of worm infection, the doctor confirms the diagnosis with the help of laboratory tests. Most often, feces are examined for helminth eggs and an enzyme immunity test is performed. In addition, scratches from the anus, endoscopy and ultrasound can be studied.
Medications needed to treat worms
If helminths are found in the human body, the doctor prescribes medication. To get rid of the disease, many turn to traditional medicine. It is possible to use combination treatment, but its effectiveness will be monitored by a specialist.
The presence of worms in the internal organs is not a dangerous diagnosis if the disease is identified in time and a course of medication is prescribed. Their impact will be aimed at destroying the parasite that poisons the body of the infected. After the removal of helminths and their metabolic products, human health is restored.
Due to the need to suppress the parasite, the composition of medicines will contain ingredients that affect their ability to absorb nutrients. Lack of nutrition and conditions for reproduction will lead to the death of worms.
Medicines according to the type of effect on worms are divided into the following types:
- The active components block the nervous and muscular system of the worms. They develop paralysis, cannot attach to the intestinal walls and are excreted from the body.
- The drug interferes with the oxidation processes of glucose in the body of the parasite, which causes their death.
- Drugs that block cell tubulin formation and ATP synthesis.
- Drugs that affect the intestinal system of the helminth.
- Components that destroy the worm shell. They are exposed to calcium and digested by the human intestinal system.
There are broad-spectrum drugs that target a specific type of helminth. The choice of treatment is made by the doctor based on the analysis, severity of symptoms and method of treatment. In addition, the presence of possible contraindications to the use of the drug is taken into account.
Furthermore, funds that eliminate the manifestation of allergic reactions to parasitic toxins are described. Taking these tablets reduces the level of poisoning with worm residues and alleviates the symptoms of the disease. Auxiliary components are used individually for the complex course of helminthiasis.
Atypical methods of treating helminthiasis
The use of medicines is especially effective in the fight against worms. The only drawback of drugs is their contraindications. For such situations, non-drug treatment is used:
- Ayurveda;
- exposure to oxygen;
- alcohol treatment.
The system of Indian Ayurveda medicine raises the overall tone of the body, restores vitality and helps fight helminths. According to this lesson, the cause of worm infection is the lack of personal hygiene and purity of thought. Special exercises are used to help maintain health and laxative decoction. Herbs combined with hot spices cleanse the body of toxins. Successfully used thyme, wormwood, St. John's wort with a break in the course for a week.
The essence of oxygen treatment is the saturation of the cells of the gastrointestinal tract with the right gas. To do this, a tube is inserted into the esophagus and oxygen is pumped through it. The procedure is repeated for several days. Ozone therapy is also used to kill worms. The tube with this method is inserted into the anus. An ozone-oxygen mixture is supplied through it, paralyzing the helminths. Olive oil and ozone enemas are sometimes used.
Alcoholic beverages are used as an ingredient in treatment. Cognac and tea are mixed in equal amounts and then drunk on an empty stomach with a laxative. Cognac is used as an independent medicine, one tablespoon for five days. Destroys helminths infusion of vodka with garlic for 10 days.
Traditional medicine methods in treating worms
The variety of folk remedies allows you to choose the best for each case of infection. Natural components that affect parasites include the following:
- Pumpkin and flax seeds combined with laxative decoction.
- Infusions of wormwood, pomegranate.
- Phytoncides of garlic and onions.
- Ginger root with sugar.
- Dried clove seeds, ground in a coffee grinder.
- Enema with castor oil and baking soda.
The choice of recipe depends on the types of helminths that live in the body. Based on the test results, the parasitologist will choose the optimal combination of different treatment methods.
Ways to protect yourself from worm infection
Maintaining health is possible by following the rules of personal hygiene in all situations. Hands should be washed with soap and water after visiting public places and traveling on public transport. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the interior and prevent the accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Pets should be cleaned every six months. After contact with stray dogs and cats, it is important to clean the surface of the hands with antibacterial soap.
Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be eaten well washed. Meat and fish should be cooked on high heat for at least 40 minutes.
Adherence to these recommendations will help avoid infection and subsequent treatment.