Worms in humans - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

When worms enter the human body, they begin their parasitic activity, making a person feel unwell. Helminthic infections often cause severe allergic reactions, gastrointestinal diseases and other pathologies not related to the gastrointestinal tract. However, traditional treatment of these diseases does not bring cure. Worms in humans can be suspected with a high probability based on certain symptoms, but helminthiasis clinically appears only when the worms multiply massively. In cases of asymptomatic cases, laboratory tests will help in the reliable diagnosis of helminthiasis. Symptoms of worms in humans can be different, but first of all, abdominal pain, discomfort near the anus, nausea and general malaise appear. To restore good health, it is necessary to get rid of worms using anthelmintic drugs or folk remedies.

What are worms?

Worms are parasites of humans and animals that belong to the class of flatworms or roundworms. Worms have a fairly common structure.
In their development, worms traditionally pass through several stages: egg - larva - adult. Most of a person's infection with worms occurs when he ingests the eggs of the worms.

Eggs ingested in the human intestinal tract quickly hatch into larvae, which begin to migrate to their place of permanent life, where they turn into adults. In the process of movement, almost all helminths make real "journeys" through the human body.

Only some parasites (for example, tapeworms) hatch in the intestinal tract and remain there. Usually, the destruction of tissues and organs and the symptoms caused by larvae and other developing forms of helminths during movement are more pronounced, compared to the symptoms caused by parasites of mature forms.

As we said above, adult worms traditionally have a stable localization in the body, and their developing forms often migrate to different organs and tissues, and often the path of their movement is quite complex. For example, with ascariasis, a person becomes infected by eating food contaminated with worm eggs (ascaris eggs ripen in the soil).

In the cavity of the intestinal tract, roundworm eggs hatch into larvae, which within a few hours enter through the wall of the intestinal tract into the blood vessels and are carried to the lungs through the bloodstream. In the lungs, roundworm larvae grow and mature. The growing larva slowly burrows into the adjacent bronchi and crawls along them, first into the trachea, and then into the oral cavity, where it is again swallowed and transported to the intestinal tract.

The roundworm larva that re-enters the intestinal tract transforms into an adult worm. Pulmonary migration of roundworm larvae is manifested by an abundance of symptoms (cough, asthma attacks, increased body temperature, allergic skin rash), and the presence of a small number of adult worms in the intestinal tract may not appear in anyway.

What are worms? Worms are scientifically called helminths. Helminths mean any worm that parasitizes the bodies of humans, animals and plants. Therefore, tapeworms are not a specific type of parasite, but a whole group of different worms, three of which are the most common.

Some scientists claim that almost the entire population of the Earth is infected with one or another parasitic worm. However, in this case, helminthic infections should be the most common types of diseases in the world, and moreover, a number of serious studies prove that in fact everything is not so bad. But the thought that a person still has helminths makes him immediately seek an answer to the question of how to get rid of worms.

It should also be understood that helminthic infection is not something rare and insignificant. There are more than three hundred species; larvae in humans enter far beyond the intestine and continue to develop there, gradually poisoning the body. Let's understand what are the symptoms of worms in humans, because the warned, as we know, is armed. And then we will find out how to get rid of worms effectively and what is needed to ensure that they do not return.

In fact, it is very easy to determine the presence of worms in the body of any person - you just need to do a stool test. However, the problem is that most people don't even think to pass such a test. The problem is that helminths in adults and children manifest themselves, masquerading as a large number of diseases, and at first they do not reveal their presence at all.

A person can spend years treating the intestines, liver, kidneys, stomach, gall bladder, and the root of the evil will be helminthiases and parasites, which feel good when not fought.

Often, infection with helminths causes the development of diseases that have nothing to do with the helminths themselves. And in this case, you can be treated indefinitely if you do not understand in time what is happening.

All this proves that worms are not just an unpleasant phenomenon. And given the presence of a large number of ways of infection, knowing the signs of worms in people is extremely important.

How do worms (parasites) appear?

Symptoms of helminthic diseases depend on the stage of development of the parasite. The development of helminthiasis is usually divided into acute and acquired stages.

• The acute phase of parasite development begins from the moment the patient is infected with worms and lasts 2-3 weeks (in the case of severe disease - up to 2 months).This stage is characterized by the dominance of allergic manifestations (rash, dry suffocating cough, increased levels of eosinophils in the blood), which develop in response to the appearance of antigens (fragments) of migrating larvae in the blood. The immune response is very pronounced at the stage when the early forms of the parasite (larvae) are present in the body of an infected person;
• the acquired phase of the development of worms occurs after the acute phase and lasts several weeks, months or years (for some helminthic diseases - up to 10 years).The symptoms of this stage for us depend on the location of the worms, their number and feeding habits.
  In places where they spread, parasites damage tissues with their attachment organs (hooks, spines, cutting plates, cuticular spines). The damage causes tissue irritation and the development of an inflammatory reaction.

Some fast-growing parasites, such as cysticerci or hydatid cysts, which are located in the brain, eyeball and liver, compress the surrounding tissues, often causing dysfunction of vital organs, which leads to serious consequences.

In the acquired phase of helminthiasis, metabolism breaks down, as the parasite constantly absorbs valuable nutrients, such as proteins, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins. In addition, the process of absorption of digested food in the intestinal tract is interrupted. The acquired phase in most digestive helminthic infections is often asymptomatic, especially in cases where the parasites are represented by a single individual.

Any disease symptoms appear only when the parasite is large, such as roundworm or tapeworm.
With other helminthiasis, for example, with enterobiasis, night itching may appear in the anal area; intensive occupation with trichuriasis contributes to the development of hemorrhagic colitis; in children, symptoms of rectal prolapse may occur.

How can you get infected with worms?

You can get parasites in different ways. In this case, worms are carried by larvae that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The main methods of infection:

• lack of hygienic skills - dirty hands, working on the ground;
• eating food contaminated with helminths - unwashed fruits and food that men ate, as well as insufficiently heat-treated meat and fish (kebab, rare steak, smoked foods, sushi, etc. );
• drinking unboiled water contaminated with worm eggs;
• contact with animals that are natural reservoirs for worms - cats and dogs, wild animals (hunting, fishing, working on fur farms);
• contact with a person with helminthiasis - a handshake, through sheets, door handles, etc.

In what organs can worms live?

Helminthic parasites are divided into two categories, which correspond to the location of activity in the body of the donor:

• cavity– worms that live in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. There are about 100 species of intestinal parasites, and for each part of the intestine there are a couple of dozen species. The small intestine is ready to accept roundworms, antelostomes, broad tapeworms and other less common "brothers". The small intestine will "share living space" with tapeworms, dwarf tapeworms and others. Medical literature describes cases where a person has been simultaneously infected with several types of parasites;
• fabric- worms located in organs, tissues and even in blood. Modern medicine successfully copes with paragonimiasis (lungs), cysticercosis (brain), echinococcosis (liver) and filariasis (lymphatic vessels). Some worm larvae move throughout the body through the circulatory system and randomly attach to any organ. If too many eggs are introduced, the whole body can become infected.

How can you get infected with worms?

To protect yourself, you should know about 4 ways of spread and infection with worm eggs:

• through soil and water - geohelminthiasis. They develop in sand, soil and water, then enter the human body and start laying eggs there. The worm eggs then enter the external environment along with the feces and wait in the wings to infect a new person. Eating poorly washed vegetables and fruits, dirty hands and dust that gets into food can lead to the infection of a person with geohelminths. Some parasite eggs enter the human body through the skin of the feet and joints;
• through direct contact.Worms in pets and humans are transmitted through hand contact, play and shared activities.
• through the consumption of contaminated food of animal origin - biohelminthiasis. Eating raw and lightly processed meat (kebabs, lard, canned meat, home-cooked game) and fish (sushi, dried fish, canned fish) is potentially dangerous. There is a possibility of infection with intestinal infections and biohelminths;
• for insect bites. This type of infection is quite rare. These include intestinal myiasis, canthiasis and scoleciasis. Do not confuse the eggs of parasites and the larvae of insects, which are also deposited under the skin of animals and the skin of people (for example, larvae of flies).

Symptoms of worms

To understand how to remove tapeworms from a person, you need to know the symptoms that manifest each type of tapeworm. Depending on the location of the dislocation, helminthic infections can be:

• illuminating.Cavity species of worms inhabit the area of the small and large intestines. For example, the area inhabited by roundworms and tapeworms is the small intestine. Hookworms live in the lower part of the small intestine, whipworms live in the large intestine;
• muscular (cellular).They live in muscle cells, lung tissue, brain cells, liver, lymph nodes and eyes. Some of the worms are luminal and cellular, because in the early stages they migrate with the bloodstream and populate the above organs.

Symptoms of worms in an adult can be different. As mentioned above, they are often easily confused with signs of other diseases. In some cases, everything happens according to the classic scenario of mass infection. In this case, the signs of worms in an adult and a child will be similar, most likely, in children - more pronounced.

Visible symptoms of worm infection: itching in the anus, especially at night; sudden weight loss or gain; anemia, manifested externally in pallor of the skin; tired, tired look.

If you or your children begin to experience such phenomena, you should definitely visit a doctor and insist on being tested for the presence of parasite eggs in the stool. Of course, it may not be their fault. Symptoms of helminth infection are not always to blame for poor health, but communication with the doctor will be useful in any case, because disorders in the body are visible.

Symptoms of worms in humans, the first signs

The first signs of worms in humans are always absent; symptoms of parasitic infection appear only when there are a large number of worms (worms, roundworms) or when the tapeworm reaches a large size, for example. The clinical picture of helminthiasis often mimics gastrointestinal pathology.

However, in addition to those characteristic of gastrointestinal lesions, there are signs that indicate dysfunction of other organs.

Symptoms that indicate the presence of helminths in the body:

• lack of appetite or, conversely, gluttony, bitterness in the mouth and excessive salivation;
• a strong desire to eat sweets (worms feed on carbohydrates);
• nausea, vomiting - sometimes worms crawl into the stomach, or their parts (segments) are found in vomit;
• itching of the anus and grinding of teeth during sleep often indicate enterobiasis;
• unstable stool - always provokes intestinal dysbiosis, helminthiasis occurs with frequent changes of diarrhea and constipation; with significant infection, worms can be excreted in feces;
• bloating - bloating and rumbling in the stomach is caused by toxins produced by worms;
• periodic abdominal pain - diffuse, often localized in the navel area, the pain is sometimes spastic in nature;
• skin manifestations - sudden allergic rashes and purulent formations (acne, boils), caused by a decrease in local immunity and the removal of toxins through the skin, often occur in a severe form, at the same time there is weakness of nails andexcessive. Hair loss;
• irritable bowel syndrome - impaired absorption of nutrients leads to the development of anemia and weight loss, especially with numerous helminthic colonies;
• cough is a dry symptom that appears in the pulmonary stage of helminthiasis (ascaris larvae enter the lungs with blood); severe infection can provoke pneumonia;
• obesity - surprisingly, it can also be caused by intestinal parasites, which, when fed on carbohydrates, cause a sharp drop in blood glucose and force a person to consume more food, and the body stores fats in reserve;
• symptoms from the nervous system - increased irritability, poor sleep or drowsiness, persistent depression, decreased attention and memory problems are especially pronounced in children with helminthiasis;
• chronic fatigue syndrome - parasites often provoke constant weakness, prolonged increase in temperature to 37-37. 5 C, flu-like conditions and muscle pain;
• pathology of the upper respiratory tract - a slow runny nose, intractable cough, even pneumonia and asthmatic conditions are often caused by the presence of helminths;
• decreased immunity - accompanying helminthiasis, intestinal dysbiosis and chronic intoxication lead to frequent colds and pathologies that are indicators of immune deficiency (herpes, warts, etc. ), including oncopathology.

The effect of helminthiasis on the nervous system deserves special attention. Each type of parasite during its life produces products that are perceived by the body as foreign substances. Their toxic effect, first of all, affects the nervous system, provoking irritability, depressive states and other disorders of emotional stability.

Flat parasites in humans. Symptoms

Fluke

Fluke is found in the tubules of the liver. Causes cancer of the digestive organs. You can become infected by eating lightly salted and raw fish products. Symptoms of worms in an adult: increased body temperature; periods of vomiting; indigestion; pain in the spleen, liver; allergy. The person periodically feels dizzy and sleep is disturbed; migraines are observed; he gets nervous; mood changes often. Treatment of helminthiasis is carried out in a hospital.

Schistosoma

Routes of infection with schistosomes include swimming in contaminated ponds and drinking contaminated water. Parasites in the small veins of the large intestine, abdominal cavity, small pelvis, uterus, bladder. It can be located in the brain.

Symptoms of worm infection include loss of appetite; disruption of the digestive system; pale skin; stomach ache; indigestion; intestinal and uterine bleeding, weight loss, intestinal obstruction. In women, it causes menstrual irregularities, abortions have been recorded during pregnancy due to the presence of worms.

Men develop impotence; sperm quality decreases (infertility). Children suffer from delayed growth and mental development. When brain cells are damaged, consciousness is impaired and paralysis and seizures can develop. Such conditions can cause death

Paragon

Paragonomia - pulmonary stroke: what causes worms in humans: from consumption of freshwater crabs, fish, pork. The worm affects the bronchial organs and lungs. Signs of worms in adults: fever; the person begins to cough, and for a long time.

When you cough, sputum is produced. migraine is observed; shortness of breath appears in the absence of movement; impaired visual acuity; periods of vomiting.

Echinococcus

Echinococcus is a very dangerous tapeworm. It can cause death. He lives next to a person for a long time and is able not to express himself. The route of infection is through pets, often dogs. A person gets infected without observing hygiene rules.

Echinococcus causes the development of cysts in human organs. Treatment of worms in adults is performed only surgically. It often affects the digestive system, respiratory system, brain, bone tissue. Symptoms in adults depend on the organ affected.

Liver: pain in this area, of different nature, heaviness, fatigue, skin allergies, jaundice. Lungs: pain in the sternum, coughing fits, shortness of breath. Brain: migraine, dizziness, paralysis, mental disorders, epilepsy. Bones: muscles, joints ache; frequent fractures are observed.

Wide band

The tapeworm is one of the biggest parasites. Lives in the small intestine. The route of infection is the consumption of lightly salted caviar, fish that has not undergone proper heat treatment.

Worms in the human body are characterized by frequent periods of vomiting; pain in the abdominal area; indigestion; lack of appetite; fatigue; anemia; decrease in blood pressure; migraine. Moreover, sometimes the pain is so powerful that it leads to fainting.

Bull bar

Beef tape: the route of entry is contaminated beef. Helminthic infection colonizes the small intestine. How do you know that an infection has occurred? Signs of worms in humans: stomach pain; severe nausea; excessive increase in appetite; weight loss; rumbling in the stomach; bloating; increased stool frequency.

Pork loin

The pork tapeworm lives in different organs. Ways of infection are lack of hygiene, unwashed fruits. You can determine that a person has worms from dizziness, prolonged and regular migraine. The person sleeps poorly, often wakes up in a "cold sweat" due to nightmares, and therefore becomes irritable over time. Appetite is disturbed and belching appears.

Dwarf tape

The dwarf tapeworm reaches humans through the oral cavity of dirty fruits and vegetables. It lives in the area of the small intestine. Symptoms: fever, nausea, salivation, belching, heartburn, rhinitis, dry mucous membranes.

Roundworms in humans. Symptoms

Ascaris

Ascaris: you can get infected after eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Tapeworms live in the small intestine. Signs of the appearance of worms in a person: the anus itches, the person feels the movement of worms, which causes extreme discomfort. The temperature may rise, the lymph nodes may be enlarged, and there may be headaches in the evening. The liver is enlarged, the manifestations of allergies are visible (urticaria in the area of the feet and hands, dermatosis). Due to damage to the central nervous system, mental disorders occur - depression, convulsions, attacks of aggression, nightmares at night. Digestive function is interrupted.

Penworm

pink worm: this parasite starts from dirty hands. It lives in the large and small intestine of humans. The source of infection is sick people and non-compliance with hygiene standards.

The first signs of worms: itching of the anal area (worse at night); I have a stomach ache; to be sick; sleep is disturbed. The person is anxious and nervous; gets tired quickly.

Some people develop urinary incontinence against this background; allergic manifestations. Girls with worms experience profuse vaginal discharge.

Trichinella

Trichinella is a dangerous helminthic infection. Symptoms do not always appear immediately. Routes of infection: consumption of pork, vegetation near pastures. Helminthic infection affects all systems and organs without exception.

The following symptoms cause worms in humans: loss of appetite; people constantly feel nauseous, and a gag reflex occurs periodically. The stool is disturbed and there is pain in the abdomen. A distinctive feature is swelling of the face. Muscle pains; rashes appear on the skin; increase in temperature.

Breast worms

Pinworms are dangerous worms in adults. Symptoms may be severe or absent. The gastrointestinal tract (small intestine, duodenum) is affected. Routes of infection: contact with soil where larvae are present; through the mouth with vegetables and herbs contaminated from the soil.

Signs of the presence of worms: skin allergies with itching; coughing attacks (streaks of blood are visible in the sputum); increased body temperature, migraine. People feel dizzy and weak; aches and pains in the bones (as with ARVI). I suffer from hunger pangs.

After eating, a person feels nauseous and may vomit. Almost always after eating, the stomach is bloated and the stomach hurts. After eating, diarrhea appears two hours later. Many, on the contrary, experience constipation due to impaired bowel movement caused by worms. The person becomes sleepy and fatigue appears even in the absence of physical activity.

Is it worth taking deworming tablets for prevention?

If one of the family members has worms, preventive treatment is always carried out for the whole family.

Indications for the prophylactic use of drugs against helminths:

• the presence of domestic animals;
• constant contact with the ground (playing in the sand, villagers);
• if children live permanently in closed groups of children;
• regular trips to exotic countries;
• Hobbies: fishing, hunting, beach volleyball, soccer.