Worms in the human body are parasites that are not viable in themselves, they can survive and reproduce exclusively through the host (human or animal). Parasitic diseases are caused either by the worms themselves in humans or by their larvae. The disease spreads infectiously, the helminthic invasion often goes unnoticed, gradually causing disturbances in the body.
First of all, you need to understand what helminths are. It is a general term for worms that parasitize the human body, in the bodies of animals or even plants. This explanation is also the answer to the question of what worms are. The terms "worm" and "helminth" are synonymous.
The most dangerous helminthic invasion is the long-term asymptomatic form, leading to diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. Intestinal parasites live by absorbing nutrients from the human body. Helminthic invasion can be detected already at an advanced stage, after the appearance of other symptoms of the presence of intestinal parasites.
Some larvae of intestinal parasites can reach various body tissues. In this case, inflammatory deposits form, as the immune system recognizes the larvae as foreign organisms. Some allergic reactions of the immune system can occur due to the presence of helminths in humans.
When worms appear in a person, the symptoms and treatment of the invasion are closely related to eliminating the cause of the discomfort, that is, the parasite, and the signs of its presence also disappear. .
Modes of parasite infection
There are many factors from which worms appear. Their appearance may be due to the following situations:
- one of the most common risk factors for helminthiasis is the influence of mass tourism;
- second, contamination of water and food;
- helminths can get infected after eating meat products, sausages;
- poorly washed fruits and vegetables are the main source of parasite larvae;
- transmission of worms from pets is often recorded.
Symptoms of parasitic diseases
Worm infestations can manifest in different ways, depending on the type of parasite. The most common manifestations are:
- constipation - difficulty in passing a bowel movement caused by worms - is the result of a blockage of intestinal flow;
- diarrhea - loose stools appear due to exposure to substances secreted by parasites that cause the loss of potassium and chloride;
- gas and bloating - parasites cause inflammation and gas in the small intestine;
- pain in muscles and joints - helminthiasis are often characterized by the localization of worms even in joint fluids and muscle tissue;
- allergy - parasites perforate the intestinal walls, as a result of which undigested molecules enter the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction;
- skin problems - with helminthiasis, skin problems such as acne, rashes and itching often occur;
- anemia - the parasites adhere to the intestinal mucous membranes and "steal" nutrients, which leads to anemia;
- granulomas - a tumor-like focus forms that surround the eggs of parasites;
- nervousness - worms produce toxins that irritate the central nervous system, as a result, psychological signs may appear;
- sleep disturbances - nocturnal anxiety accompanies the helminthic invasion for the following reasons: at this time, the worms leave the rectum, the activity of the liver increases, which tries to get rid of the toxins they produce;
- chronic fatigue is one of the first signs of parasites in the body;
- oncological diseases.
Pinworms
Pinworms are among the most common intestinal parasites in the human body. These worms are scientifically called Enterobiusvermicularis. They are distributed all over the world. Although these worms are mainly characteristic of the child's body and are more common in groups of children, they are also found in the adult population.
Infection occurs when the larvae of the parasite are swallowed, which are found anywhere in the environment of the infected person. They are present on the skin, under the nails, in bedding, clothing and dust. In the duodenum, the larvae develop into adult parasites, after which they migrate to the large intestine.
Adult pinworms are about 1cm long, slender, and look like a white thread. They lay eggs in the perianal region. This is manifested by the most characteristic symptoms of the disease - discomfort and itching in the rectal area.
Complications of infection caused by parasites are chronic intestinal inflammation, in girls - secondary vaginal infection.
2/3 of people infected with intestinal parasites are unaware of the presence of helminthiasis, as they often do not experience symptoms other than anxiety, irritability and fatigue.
Vlasoglav
The second most common intestinal parasite is the whipworm, Trichuristrichiura. Infections caused by this type of worm are usually asymptomatic, making it very difficult to accurately identify an infected person.
An adult whipworm is 3 to 5 cm long. Infestation with the worm occurs orally - through the use of contaminated food or water, as well as through contaminated soil. The larvae of the parasite hatch in the small intestine, while the adult worms nest in the large intestine. The adult female lays eggs which hatch with the feces and hatch in warm soil after 5 weeks of nesting.
In the worst case, whipworm only causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea. More serious complications of this infection occur exclusively in the tropics. In severe cases, chronic diarrhea or anemia may occur.
Nematodes
Human nematodes include 2 types of parasites - Ancylostomaduodenale and Necatoramericanus. Adult females are 10-13 mm (A. duodenale) or 9-11 mm (N. americanus), males 8-11 mm (A. duodenale) and 7-9 mm (N. americanus).
The eggs are excreted from the host's body in the stool. Under favorable conditions (humidity, heat), the larvae hatch in 1 to 2 days in the soil or in the stool, after 5 to 10 days they become larvae capable of transmitting the infection. Under favorable natural conditions, they can survive for 3 to 4 weeks.
Contact with the human body occurs through the penetration of the larvae of the parasite through the skin. Through the bloodstream they reach the heart and lungs, enter the pulmonary alveoli, then from the bronchial tree they enter the pharynx, and the person swallows them. The larvae reach the small intestine, where they remain for the time necessary for their development into adult worms.
Adult worms live in the small intestine, attach themselves to the intestinal wall, and feed on the blood of their host, a human. Most of these parasites are eliminated from the body within 1 to 2 years, but the records of their parasitism in the body can reach decades.
Larvae of A. duodenale worms that enter human skin are inactive (whether in the intestines or muscles). In addition, A. duodenale parasitic infection can also be transmitted orally. However, the N. americanus worm requires migration.
Round worm
Roundworms - Ascarislumbricoides - also belong to intestinal parasites. An adult worm can be up to 10 inches long. Helminths in a person of this type remain hidden for a long time. Their symptoms are most often fatigue and cough, which in most cases are due to other reasons.
For helminth infection it is enough to use unwashed vegetables and fruits.
The larvae of these worms nest and hatch in the small intestine, penetrate the intestinal wall. Through blood and lymph flow, they reach the lungs, causing a cough. When coughing, the greenish mucus is cleared up, with which the roundworms return to the intestines after swallowing. Ascaris eggs are excreted in the stool.
The most common source of infection between humans is infected human feces.
In severe cases, roundworms can cause inflammatory processes in the body, most often pneumonia. But, in most cases, people infected with the worms remain asymptomatic or the symptoms are so mild that neither the patient himself nor the attending physician first suspects an infection with intestinal parasites.
The disease caused by roundworms is called ascariasis. The main route of infection is faecal-oral.
According to WHO estimates, the incidence of worms is around 1 billion people infected per year.
Helminths in adults, the symptoms and treatment of which depend on the location of the worms, are characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations - from asymptomatic forms to severe, even fatal cases. Common symptoms are abdominal discomfort and pain, diarrhea, rectal itching, or allergic manifestations. In the first phase - migratory - parasite larvae can cause signs of inflammation of the lungs (Loeffler syndrome), pancreas, heart muscle, liver and other organs.
Roundworms in the intestines cause metabolic disturbances and nervous system disorders.
Ascaris in the respiratory organs
When worms migrate through the human body, they pass through the pharynx, where they colonize the lymph nodes around the main lymphatic chain (Waldeyer's chain).
Where worm larvae may be present:
- lymphatic and salivary glands;
- pharynx;
- larynx;
- the area along the ear canals leading to the middle ear;
- all the passages leading to the brain.
The side walls of the nasopharynx have openings leading to the Eustachian tube, which connects the pharynx to the middle ear. This balances the pressure in the ear with atmospheric pressure. Along these paths, the larvae of the worms can reach the middle ear. As a result, hearing deteriorates, tinnitus appears, headaches and Ménière's syndrome - dizziness, accompanied by moments of memory loss.
Pulmonary manifestations of roundworms
When roundworm lesions of the lungs, diseases of this organ and skin signs in the form of roughness and rash occur. These symptoms are accompanied by a slightly elevated temperature, but sometimes with feverish conditions. The person suffers from a dry cough, asthmatic bronchitis and hoarseness. Left untreated, pulmonary roundworms can progress to chronic problems with seasonal flare-ups and ultimately cause severe bronchial asthma. The person becomes addicted, and sometimes even retires with a disability pension.
Roundworms in other organs
Due to the colonization of other organs by worm larvae, minor bleeding and signs of inflammation appear in them.
They are able to enter the pancreas, bile ducts and liver. In the small intestine, the larvae coalesce into a "lump", causing an ileus. The larvae of the parasite live in the aforementioned organs throughout human life, feeding on their metabolites and damaging them mechanically.
When larvae are present in the liver and bile ducts, the liver is weakened and cannot naturally excrete toxic substances. As a result, they are excreted through the skin, causing allergies, itching, subcutaneous swelling of "unknown" origin and other manifestations in many variations, from dry eczema to purulent processes.
Ascaris in the brain
Symptoms of brain invasion vary depending on where the worm larvae are present. If they are in the meninges, there is a risk of meningoencephalitis with migraines. During the colonization of the furrows, granulomas form in the gray crust.
Later, symptoms of brain carcinoma appear: loss of consciousness, seizures, convulsions. If the granuloma is located near the optic or auditory nerve, deafness or visual impairment occurs.
Tapeworm
Chain - Taeniasaginata, Taeniasolium - is one of the oldest and most well-known intestinal parasites. It can reach a record length - up to 9 m.
The two most common types of worms are bovine tapeworm (Taeniasaginata) and pork tapeworm (Taeniasolium). Both types colonize the body after consuming raw or undercooked meat. The parasite's eggs are long and deposit in the small intestine. Adult worms develop after 3 months. The ends of the worm's body are filled with eggs, which are individually released and excreted in the stool. The larvae have the ability to enter the bloodstream through the intestinal lining and then migrate to the muscles and the brain, where they settle.
Despite the severity of the disease, tapeworm does not necessarily immediately cause symptoms of its presence, so it remains invisible for a long time. The chain in the muscles causes muscle pain, in the brain - epileptic seizures.
The parasite is detected by X-rays or computed tomography. An accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of these studies.
Antiparasitic treatment
Methods of treating worms are varied. They include both the popular use of antiparasitic herbs and the most modern bioresonance therapy.
Pest control herbs
The rules for the use of antiparasitic herbs are based on the location of the worms in the body.
A welcome half an hour before meals is recommended in the following cases:
- parasites in the intestines and lower body;
- secondary infection with worms of the genitourinary system.
Application with food: damage caused by parasites of the stomach, colon, liver and spleen.
Use after meals: parasitic infestation of the upper body, lungs, neck, head.
Recommendations for the use of antiparasitic herbs:
- not recommended for pregnant women;
- one of the most common herbs for worms, wormwood, should not be used for stomach ulcers.
Chemical pest control
The most effective are drugs containing carbamic acid methyl ester. This active substance is intended for the treatment of pinworms, whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms. When treating pinworms, dosage is carried out according to the instructions. Treat other parasites with these medicines according to age.
Adherence to the dosage is important to avoid cramps.
Treatment by applying therapeutic frequencies on a bioresonance device and using a plasma generator
These devices destroy pathogens in the body without any negative side effects. When using a bioresonance device, electrical impulses pass through the tissues, when using a plasma generator - radio waves, which cause vibrations of the parasitic membrane. The result is the rupture of membranes and, therefore, the destruction of parasites. For each type of microorganism, a specific frequency is applied.
When treating worms, it is very important to adhere to the measures of the diet: exclusion of alcohol consumption and subsequent detoxification. Dead worms must be removed from the body, otherwise they will be encapsulated and act as allergens.
Any parasites present are eliminated by treatment using these methods. The therapy takes place in 2 stages:
- step 1: elimination of small parasites - 20 minutes for each microorganism;
- stage 2 - removal of large worms - first, frequency is applied to destroy the eggs, then the larvae, and finally the adult worms.
Optimal timing of treatment:
- Unicellular: plasma - 5 minutes per frequency; bioresonance - 20 minutes per frequency.
- Multicellular: plasma - 10 minutes per frequency; bioresonance - 4 × 20 minutes using 1 frequency.
The use of a plasma generator, in addition to a significant reduction in the time of the procedure, has another great advantage - when using it, up to 5 people can be present with animals at the same time. Its radius of action can be up to 5 m.
Conclusion
Treating worms involves eliminating sugar, sugary baked goods, and potatoes - these foods create an ideal environment for helminths to survive.
In case of treatment of the child, it is recommended to give him chewable roasted pumpkin seeds - about 30 seeds 3 times a day. They should not be eaten with the main food.
Eating raw garlic in moderation will also help eradicate worms.
Getting rid of worms won't work without good hygiene. Hand washing, frequent washing of bedding, dishes are the basis of effective therapy.