In the body of an adult live various microscopic cohabitants. Most of them are useful and our symbiotes. These include around 500 types of bacteria that live mainly in the intestines. However, many life forms that invade the human body begin to parasitize and poison the host's health.
One type of unwanted neighbors are worms. They are parasitic worms that infect the intestines, liver, lungs and, in rare cases, muscles. All types of parasitic worms are united under the name helminths, and infection with them is helminthiasis.
To answer the question of how to treat worms, it is necessary to understand how they get into the human body. There are the main routes of infection:
- Through the soil when infected with worms that spend part of their life cycle on earth. Their eggs or larvae fall on vegetables and fruits in the development process, which are later eaten. Infected with helminths through soil, animals subsequently transmit them to humans.
- Through contact with an infected person. The larvae can be spread through bedding, towels, and other items that an infected patient has used. 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. Eggs and larvae of worms are destroyed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Sometimes insect bites can be the cause of infection.
Once in the human body, worms actively reproduce, releasing toxic waste products. Their accumulation and increase in number increases the symptoms of malaise. To get rid of the parasite, you need to see a doctor and undergo treatment.
Signs of infection with worms in an adult
The presence of a parasite in the organs can be determined by external signs. These include skin manifestations that significantly worsen their condition and cause itching. For example, inflammation, acne, cracked heels, layering of the nails.
Infection with worms has symptoms similar to other diseases. The amplification of various manifestations depends on the location of the worm. In addition to rashes, intestinal diseases are characteristic:
- unstable chair;
- specific odor from the mouth, increased gas formation;
- nausea;
- itching in the anus;
- Weight loss while increasing appetite.
Parasitic toxins also affect the nervous system, causing headaches and irritability. With a significant increase in the number of helminths, memory problems and depression may appear. The immune system is not restored due to a lack of vitamins and important elements. A person is constantly sick under the influence of viruses and bacteria. If the airways are affected, coughing and retching attacks may occur.
If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. A specialist, based on the test results and a thorough examination, will determine the form of the parasite and prescribe medication.
Types of helminths that parasitize in the human body
Treatment of the disease is prescribed depending on the type of parasite that has settled in the internal organs. Different worms affect specific 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 enter the muscles via the blood vessel system. Symptoms appear suddenly and unexpectedly in the form of fever, fever, swelling of the eyelids and face.
- Vlasoglavy belong to the nematodes and infest the large intestine. Signs of the disease are mild or absent. There may be dizziness, abdominal pain, appendicitis.
- The defeat of various types of tapeworms. These include beef tapeworm, broadband worm, pork tapeworm. Parasites live in the intestines, differ in a ribbon-like body divided into many small parts. Symptoms are characterized by dizziness, abdominal pain, stool disorders.
These forms of invasions are most often caused by non-compliance with personal hygiene and eating poorly fried meat. Pets are also a source of the spread of the parasite.
If the patient shows symptoms of a worm infestation, the doctor will confirm the diagnosis with the help of laboratory tests. Most commonly, the feces are examined for worm eggs and an enzyme immunoassay is performed. In addition, swabs from the anus, endoscopy and ultrasound can be examined.
Medicines needed to treat worms
When helminths are found in the human body, the doctor prescribes medication. To get rid of the disease, many turn to traditional medicine. Combined treatment is possible, but its effectiveness is monitored by a specialist.
The presence of worms in the internal organs is not a dangerous diagnosis if the disease is detected in a timely manner and drug treatment is prescribed. Their action will be aimed at destroying the parasite that is poisoning the infected's body. After the removal of helminths and their metabolic products, human health is restored.
Due to the need to suppress the parasite, the composition of drugs includes components that affect their ability to absorb nutrients. Poor nutrition and reproductive conditions lead to the death of worms.
Drugs by type of action on worms are divided into the following types:
- Active components block the nervous and muscular systems of worms. They develop paralysis, cannot attach themselves to the intestinal walls and are excreted from the body.
- The drug disrupts the processes of glucose oxidation in the body of the parasite, which leads to their death.
- Drugs that block cellular tubulin formation and ATP synthesis.
- Medicines that affect the intestinal system of the worm.
- Components that destroy the shell of worms. They are exposed to calcium and digested by the human intestinal system.
There are drugs with a wide impact that target a specific type of helminth. The choice of medication is made by the doctor based on tests, the severity of the symptoms, and the method of treatment. In addition, the presence of possible contraindications to the use of the drug is taken into account.
In addition, funds are prescribed that eliminate the manifestation of allergic reactions to parasitic toxins. Taking these tablets reduces poisoning with the worms' waste products and relieves the symptoms of the disease. Auxiliary components are used individually for the complex course of helminthiasis.
Atypical methods of treating helminthiasis
The use of drugs is especially effective in the fight against worms. The only downside of drugs is their contraindications. Non-drug treatment is used in such situations:
- ayurveda;
- oxygen exposure;
- alcohol treatment.
The system of Indian medicine Ayurveda raises the general tone of the body, restores vitality and helps in the fight against helminths. According to this teaching, the cause of infection with worms is non-observance of personal hygiene and purity of thoughts. Special exercises are used to maintain health, and laxative decoctions. Herbs combined with hot spices cleanse the body of toxins. Successful use of thyme, wormwood, St. John's wort with a one-week break in the course.
The essence of oxygen treatment is to saturate the cells of the gastrointestinal tract with the appropriate gas. A tube is inserted into the esophagus and oxygen is pumped through it. The process is repeated for several days. Ozone therapy is also used to kill worms. In this method, the tube is inserted into the anus. Through them, an ozone-oxygen mixture is supplied, which paralyzes helminths. Olive oil and ozone enemas are sometimes used.
Alcoholic beverages are used as part of the treatment. Cognac and tea are mixed in equal proportions, and then drunk on an empty stomach with a laxative. Cognac is used as an independent drug, one tablespoon for five days. Destroys helminth infusion of vodka with garlic for 10 days.
Methods of traditional medicine in the treatment of worms
The variety of folk remedies allows you to choose the best for each case of infection. Natural components that affect parasites include:
- Pumpkin and flax seeds combined with laxative decoctions.
- Infusions of wormwood, pomegranate.
- Phytoncides of garlic and onions.
- Ginger root with sugar.
- Dried clove seeds ground in a coffee grinder.
- Enemas with castor oil and baking soda.
The choice of recipe depends on what types of helminths live in the body. Based on the results of the examination, the parasitologist selects the optimal combination of different treatment methods.
Ways to protect against infection with worms
Maintaining health is possible in all situations, while observing the rules of personal hygiene. After visiting public places and using public transport, hands should be washed with soap and water. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of underwear and prevent the accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Pets should be dewormed 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 thoroughly washed. Meat and fish should be treated at high temperature for at least 40 minutes.
Following these recommendations will help prevent infection and subsequent treatments.