A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Each year, helminths (commonly known as worms) infect millions of people worldwide.The problem itself is called "helminthiasis" and is considered very common.How can you recognize the first signs in time, what are the consequences of ignoring the symptoms, why is it important to consult a doctor before going to the pharmacy, and what should pet owners know?Parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions for us.
The most common worms are roundworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms do you need to know about first?
— I think many have already heard the so-calledenterobiasisa type of helminthiasis caused by worms belonging to the genuspinworms(a medium-sized hollow worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, of the majority of known cases, 37% of people suffer from these worms.Although I am personally sure that this number is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are examined, adults are also infected.
In second placeascariasisa type of intestinal worms caused by roundworms belonging to the class and family of nematodesroundworms(reddish roundworm (the color of the body changes to yellowish-white after death). Its occurrence in the population is multiple, but the course of ascariasis is more serious and it is characterized by many serious complications.
On average, about 20 species of worms are found in countries.In addition, the infection can be combined if different groups of the worm are detected in the body.
Symptoms of infection rarely appear immediately
- Where exactly do these parasites live in the human body?
– Their location is complex, there are many different classifications, depending on the species and the migration of the larvae, the worms can settle anywhere: in the liver, intestines, lungs, and even in the brain.
— Why are helminths dangerous?
— The danger is determined by the degree of infection, i.e. the number of larvae entering the body and their degree of development.Immunity plays an important role, as most parasites are killed upon arrival by saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.as a result.Those helminths that still managed to survive infect the body and disrupt 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 around the anus at night;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Typically, the body gives the above signs in the later stages of the development of a helminthic infection.At the initial stage, it is quite difficult to suspect something.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
— Why is it believed that children are more susceptible to infections than adults?
—First of all, the body is stronger in adults.Immunity is usually higher and you can cope better with uninvited guests.
Second time, the stomach pH of babies and their parents is different.Neutral for children.In adults, the acidity is higher, and helminths really do not like an acidic environment.
Third time, the diet of adults is different.What increases acidity?Onion, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (eg wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and...alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes particularly corrosive, which does not give many parasites a chance to survive.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may indeed contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
With the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed fruit juices have appeared on many people's tables.This is good, they contain phytoncides that suppress the development of parasites and even kill them.I recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beetroot juices.
The nutrition of boys and girls is controlled by parents, who are more likely to agree to give their youngest sweets than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, of course, they can allow him to try this vegetable, taking into account the unique characteristics of the baby's health).
Unfortunately, today the beautiful and tasty junk food that children love so much has appeared.But such foods are fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not change the acidity of the stomach, but simply create a cozy and pleasant habitat for parasites.
- What treatment is prescribed?
- You shouldn't make decisions alone, especially regarding your children.If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor orders an examination, based on the results of which it can be determined whether there is an infection and to what extent.
For the diagnosis, the stool must be examined for the presence of helminths (worm eggs in stool).A general blood test also helps.It indicates a possible problem: low hemoglobin content, increased ESR, increased eosinophil count.A modern method of laboratory diagnostics is also effective - a blood test with ELISA.
Based on the data received and the characteristics of your or your child's body, the specialist will select the appropriate medication and (very importantly) its dose.
Why can't you go to the pharmacy and ask for "something against worms"?We must remember: drugs to fight helminths are very toxic.To make sure of this, check the list of possible side effects.Believe what you see, you may go into shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the right treatment, and while we are curing one thing, we do not cripple another.
Important!Since enterobiasis is characterized by a fairly high contagiousness (the ability to spread infectious diseases from sick people or animals to healthy susceptible people (animals), it is necessary to examine the relatives of the infected person, therefore treatment may be necessary not only for the person suffering from helminthiasis, but also for all family members (adults, children, even pets).
Worms live for quite a long time in an open environment and are spread from an infected person to a healthy person through contact and through objects.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should be especially careful
- Are such drugs prescribed for pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be good to check everything and solve the issue at the planning stage of pregnancy.
If an infection is discovered, of course the process cannot be started.The problem must be solved.There are no special anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, after carefully examining the woman's condition, the doctor will follow the path of least resistance.You have to choose an individual treatment regimen that is effective in all cases, but at the same time gentle on the body.
— Are worms transferred from mother to child through milk?
- No.On the contrary, milk contains immunoglobulins that protect the child.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so through touch, bottles, clothing and so on, she can still spread the parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if an anthelmintic drug is prescribed to a nursing mother, it should be warned that during this period the child should be transferred to artificial feeding, since the toxic substances of the drug taken are also excreted with milk.The baby's body is not ready for such severe stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should the presence of worms be examined?
— The experts' opinions are divided here.Many epidemiologists believe that preventive medicine courses should be provided to whole groups (in kindergartens, schools, workplace institutions).But if at least one person refused these actions, they do not make much sense.Even if the only one remains infected, as I have already said, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't examine your body from time to time and help it if suddenly something is wrong.The outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During these periods, it is worth contacting a pediatrician or a therapist on your own, having them examined and checking whether everything is fine, but at the same time (if we are talking about children) it is worth warning the kindergarten group leader or the school teacher so that they can inform the other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transferred from the animals to the owners?
- Yes, in addition, cats usually spread more of their species than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can cause ittoxocariasisin people.It is a helminthiasis belonging to the group of nematodes, 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 pets to walk, and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside, like in all civilized countries.After all, it is mainly due to dog excrement that helminths spread throughout the area.Moreover, you must admit that "mines" are often found near playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog at home, but the child has a whole bunch of characteristic worms.
If you have pets, remember the following rules:
- do not kiss pets;
- don't let them into your bed;
- don't forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- have your animal examined by a veterinarian in time;
- if your dog has worms, see a doctor;the whole family will probably need to take the medicine;
- try to walk your pets in the right place.
I would like to draw the attention of lovers of all things unusual to carefully study the physiology of an exotic animal before buying it, make sure it is healthy and learn about the possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc.they can introduce parasites into your home that are completely unknown to our body.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties both during diagnosis and treatment.