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 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?Specialist parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms should you know about first?
- I think many have heard the so-calledEnterobiasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms of the genuspinworms(a medium-sized cavity worm, belonging to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, of the majority of known cases, up to 37% of people are affected by these worms.However, I am personally convinced that this rate is underestimated, because mainly children are studied, but adults are also infected.
in second placeAscaridosisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the class of nematodes, familyround worms(A round worm of reddish color (the body color changes to 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 species of helminths are found in the countries.In addition, the infection can be combined when different groups of helminths are found in the body.
Symptoms of infection rarely appear immediately
- Where exactly do these parasites live in the human body?
"Their localization is difficult, there are many classifications, and depending on the species, as well as larval migration, 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 entering the body and the degree of their development.Immunity plays a big role, as most parasites are killed upon arrival by saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.Those helminths that still managed to survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
symptomsChildren and adults can have very different:
- lack of appetite
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad smell
- constant discharge and cough;
- skin rash
- Nocturnal itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel;
- Increased fatigue
and so on.
As a rule, the body gives the above-mentioned signals at the later stages of the development of helminthic infestation.In the early stages, it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
- Why is it considered that children are more susceptible to infections than adults?
-First of all, the body is stronger in adults.Immunity is generally higher and it copes better with uninvited guests.
SecondlyThe 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 acidic environment.
for the third timeAdults have different diets.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (such as wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and...alcohol.When consuming these products, the stomach juice becomes especially caustic, which does not give many parasites a chance to live there.Although adults also consume uncooked fish, meat and seafood, which may indeed contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
Along with the trend towards a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed 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 monitored by parents, who are more likely to agree to give their youngest sweets than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, he can be allowed to taste this vegetable, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the child's health).
Unfortunately, today there is a beautiful and delicious fast food, which children love very much.But such foods are fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not change the acidity of the stomach above, 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 doubts, ask your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will prescribe a test, the results of which will determine whether there is an infection and how extensive it is.
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 method of laboratory diagnosis is also effective - blood testing using ELISA.
Based on the received data, as well as the characteristics of your specific body or the body of the child, the specialist will select the appropriate drug and (which is very important) its dose.
Why can't you just go to the drugstore and ask for "something for worms"?It should be remembered: medicines aimed at fighting helminths are very toxic.To be sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Trust me, what you see might shock you.That is why it is very important that the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment and while curing one thing, we do not cripple another.
Important!Since enterobiasis is characterized by high transmissibility (the ability to transmit 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 with helminthiasis, but also for all family members, even elders.
Worms live long enough in the open environment and are transmitted by contact and objects from an infected person to a healthy person.Therefore, personal hygiene is very important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should be especially careful
- Are such drugs prescribed for pregnant women?
— Helminthosis is an extremely undesirable condition for pregnant women.It would be good to check everything and solve the issue at the pregnancy planning stage.
If an infection is detected, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem needs to be solved.There are no special anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, carefully studying the woman's condition, will follow the path of least resistance.He must select an individual treatment regimen that will be 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 baby.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so through touch, bottles, clothes, 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 feeding, since the toxic substances of the drug are excreted with milk.The child's body is not ready for such serious stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should I test for the presence of worms?
- The opinions of experts differ here.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide preventive medicine courses for whole groups (in kindergartens, schools, work institutions).But if at least one person refused these actions, there is not much point in them.Even if the only infected person remains, as I have already said, the chance of further spread of helminths is 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.Outbreaks of the disease are usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During this period, it would be good to contact a pediatrician or a therapist on your own, get tested and check if everything is fine, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if there is a problem, it would be good to warn the kindergarten teacher or the school teacher about it, so that they can inform other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, in addition, cats usually 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 from 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 pets and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside like in all civilized countries.After all, primarily thanks to dog feces, helminths spread throughout the area.Moreover, you must admit that "mines" are often found near children's playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog in the house, but the child has a whole bunch of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- Do not kiss pets;
- Don't let them in your bed;
- Do not forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- Check your pet at the vet on time;
- If your dog has worms, consult a doctor;Most likely, the whole family will need to take the drug;
- 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 in detail the information about its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and learn about the possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc.can bring into your home parasites that are completely unknown to our body.All this sometimes causes great difficulties both in diagnosis and treatment.