A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Every 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 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?Specialist parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions for us.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms should you know first?
— I think many have heard about the so-calledenterobiasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms of the genuspinworms(a medium-sized cavity worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, in most known cases, up to 37% of people suffer damage caused by these worms.Although I am personally sure that the figure is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are studied, but adults are also infected.
in second placeascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by intestinal worms that belong to the class of nematodes, familyintestinal worms(a reddish roundworm (after death, the color of the body changes to yellowish white). 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, around 20 species of helminths are found in countries.Also, the infection can be combined when different groups of helminths 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 classifications and, depending on the species, in addition to the migration of the larvae, the worms can settle anywhere: in the liver, intestines, lungs and even the brain.
— Why are helminths dangerous?
— The danger will be determined by the degree of infestation, that is, the number of larvae that have entered the organism and the degree of their development.Immunity plays an important role as most parasites are killed on arrival due to saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.Helminths that still managed to survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
SymptomsBoth children and adults can have very different:
- lack of appetite;
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- persistent runny nose and cough;
- skin rashes;
- nocturnal itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Normally, the body emits the above signals in later stages of the development of a helminthic infestation.In the early stages it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms don't like onions or garlic.
— Why are children believed to be more susceptible to infections than adults?
—first of all, in adults the body is stronger.Immunity is generally higher and better suited to uninvited guests.
in second place, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.In children it is neutral.In adults, the acidity is higher, and helminths do not really like an acidic environment.
Third, 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 gives no chance of life to many parasites that reach there.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
With the trend of a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices have appeared on many people's tables.This is 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 supervised by parents, who are more willing to give their little ones sweets than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wishes, he can be allowed to try this vegetable, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby's health).
Unfortunately, today a beautiful and tasty fast food has appeared, which children love.But these foods are fast and easily digestible carbohydrates, which do not increase the acidity of the stomach, but simply prepare a cozy and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatment is prescribed?
— You should not make decisions on your own, especially in relation to your children.If you have any suspicions, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine if there is an infection and its extent.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the feces for the presence of helminths (feces for worm eggs).A general blood test also helps.A possible problem is indicated by: low hemoglobin content, increased ESR, increased number of eosinophils.A modern laboratory diagnostic method is also effective - blood analysis using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your particular organism or the child's body, the specialist will select the appropriate medicine and (which is very important) its dosage.
Why can't you just go to the pharmacy and ask for “something for the worms”?We must remember: drugs intended to combat helminths are very toxic.To make sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Believe me, what you see may leave you in shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment and, although we cure one thing, we do not cripple another.
Important!Since enterobiasis is characterized by a fairly high contagiousness (the ability of infectious diseases to be transmitted from sick people or animals to healthy susceptible people (animals), it is necessary to examine relatives of the infected person. Therefore, treatment may be necessary not only for the person who has helminthiasis, but also for all family members (adults, children and even pets).
The worms live long enough in an open environment and are transmitted by contact and through objects from an infested person to a healthy person.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should take special care.
— Are these medications prescribed for pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be good to try to check everything and solve the problem already in the pregnancy planning phase.
If an infection is discovered, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem needs to be resolved.There are no special anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, after carefully examining the woman's condition, will follow the path of least resistance.You must select an individual treatment regimen that is effective, but at the same time gentle on the body in each specific case.
— Are worms transmitted 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, etc., she can still transmit the parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if a nursing mother is prescribed an anthelmintic drug, she should be warned that during this period it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial nutrition, since toxic substances from the taken drug are also excreted along with milk.The baby's body is not prepared for such serious stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
—How often should I be tested for worms?
— Expert opinions here vary.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide courses on preventive medications to entire groups (in kindergartens, schools, labor institutions).But if at least one person rejected these actions, they don't make much sense.Even if the only one infected remains, as I already said, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But this does not mean that you should not examine your body from time to time and help it if suddenly something is wrong.An outbreak of the disease is generally observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During these periods, it would be good to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, get a test and check if everything is fine, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if a problem is identified, it would be a good idea to warn the teacher of the group in kindergarten or the teacher at school, so that they inform all other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, in addition, cats, as a rule, transmit more of their species than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocariasisin humans.It is a helminthiasis of the nematode group, 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 in all civilized countries.After all, it is mainly thanks to dog feces that helminths spread throughout the area.In addition, it must be admitted that “mines” can often be found near children's playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog at home, but the child has a bunch of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- don't kiss pets;
- don't let them into your bed;
- don't forget to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating;
- have your animal examined by a veterinarian in a timely manner;
- If your dog has worms, consult a doctor;Most likely, the entire family will need to take the medication;
- 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 purchasing an exotic animal, study in detail the information about its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and find out about possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc., can bring home parasites that our body is not familiar with at all.All of this sometimes leads to great difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment.