The treatment of parasitic diseases is an urgent problem for the population of countries with warm and hot climates. According to the World Health Organization, 25% of the world's population is susceptible to helminth infestations. Parasites are able to exist for a long time (over several years) in the host's body, without revealing their presence and gradually destroying the organs from the inside. Most helminthiases are accompanied by allergic reactions and suppression of immunological protection, which leads to serious illness and even death.
What are worms?
Helminths (worms) - the general name for parasitic worms, the owner of which is a person or animal. Currently there are more than 250 species of helminths on the planet (about 90 of them live in the CIS). In length, the worms in the human body can reach several meters, but most have a size of 20-40 cm. Helminths are able to inhabit almost all organs of the human body, feeding on the internal resources of the host, weakening it and leading to the development of diseases.
The peculiarity of helminths is that their entire life cycle cannot take place in the host's body - conditions that are not specific to the human body are required for the maturation of eggs. The prolonged presence of worms is due to reinfection (ingestion of mature eggs in the mouth, and then in the stomach and intestines). After the helminth eggs have entered the human body, the larvae emerge from them and begin to move through the body. Most helminths "live" in the intestines, but some types of worms are able to migrate with the bloodstream to other organs (lungs, liver, heart, brain, eyes).
In the process of infection and further development in adults, worms in the human body have the following pathological effect:
- mechanical violation of the integrity of the intestinal wall;
- exposure to toxic waste products of helminths;
- absorption of useful substances necessary for a person by the parasite;
- closure of the ducts of the liver, intestinal lumen with lumps of worms (it is rare with lesions of large helminths).
Helminthiases are a group of diseases caused by helminthic invasions. Children are more susceptible to such pathologies, since their immunity has not yet been fully formed and, moreover, they are unable to take care of personal hygiene on their own. Further away from the child, it is possible to infect adult family members, which contributes to further spread.
For helminthiasis, specific symptoms are not characteristic, since the clinical picture of worm infection is similar to the signs of pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, gastrointestinal tract, therefore, laboratory tests are required to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, asymptomatic transport is often found, the diagnosis of which is associated with certain difficulties.
types
Helminths, based on their morphological characteristics, are divided into three large groups: round, ribbon-like and flatworms. Each category is divided into several classes. Helminthiases are combined into groups based on the type of pathogenic worm. Features of the varieties of helminths and the pathologies they provoke:
- Nematodes (nematodes) are heterosexual helminths of relatively small size (2-40 cm), they are widespread due to the ease of transmission. Roundworm infection occurs when parasite eggs enter the host's mouth from the carriers' feces. The most common representatives of helminths are pinworms - they are infected in 90% of cases. The larvae of pinworms cause the disease of enterobiasis, accompanied by severe exhaustion, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The second most common helminthiasis is caused by the ascarid worm and is called ascariasis - this is a pathology in which parasites infect not only the human intestine, but also other organs (liver, lungs, heart). Ascariasis is able to provoke internal bleeding, the appearance of allergic reactions, in children - developmental delay. The so-called whipworm, despite its small size (3-5 cm), can have a toxic effect on the human body for 5 years, causing the disease trichocephaly. The influence of Trichinella worms leads to the development of trichinosis, a feature of which is damage to muscle tissue.
- Tapeworms (cestosis) are the largest representatives of helminths (10-15 meters). These are same-sex parasites, eg. their reproduction is carried out by an individual. An obligatory stage in the life cycle of tapeworms is the development of ungulates in the body. Cestode eggs enter the environment in the feces of host animals. Also, infection through contaminated meat is possible. For example, insufficient heat treatment of pork leads to pork tapeworm infection, beef - with bovine tapeworm. Echinococcosis, caused by the echinococcal tapeworm, for which a person is an intermediate host, is considered a serious parasitic disease. This pathology leads to the formation of cysts in the organs, which can be eliminated only with the help of surgical intervention.
- Flatworms (flukes) are small (7-30 mm) and usually affect the hepatic and bile ducts. Trematosis can lead to the development of hepatitis, cholelithiasis. The main feature of flatworms is the presence of suckers on the surface of the body, which serve to absorb nutrients and blood. Infection with flukes occurs due to the consumption of undercooked or cooked fish and seafood. The main representatives of the flukes are liver flukes and schistosomes; the first causes opisthorchiasis, the second - schistosomiasis.
A separate niche among parasitic invasions is occupied by protozoal infections caused by the simpler single-celled microorganisms. Reproduction of these parasites occurs by division, so their number increases rapidly. The most common type of unicellular parasite in our region is lamblia, it exists in two forms: vegetation and cysts (spores). According to statistics, one in three children suffer from giardiasis, as infection occurs when only 2-10 lamblia cysts enter the intestine.
causes
Infection with helminthic and protozoal invasions is carried out by the oral-fecal route: mature eggs or spores enter the host's mouth and intestines from the feces of infected animals. Science knows four main routes of infection:
- Contact - carried out when a person comes into contact with an infected carrier (animals, birds, another person), leads to the development of contact helminthiasis.
- Infection through soil and water, which contain disease-causing eggs or cysts, causes geohelminthiasis.
- The infection that occurs when eating raw or insufficiently thermally processed meat and fish leads to the development of biohelminthiasis.
- A small percentage of infestations are due to insect bites.
How to treat human worms?
Symptoms of injuries from different helminths are usually similar. The most obvious and common signs are sudden weight loss, malaise, pale skin, itchy anus. At the same time, some symptoms can still help make a diagnosis - for example, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system signals the presence of bovine tapeworm in the body, allergic reactions and rashes - whipworm, etc. How to remove worms from a person, what methods and drugs exist for this - these problems are dealt with by an infectious doctor.
Determining the correct diagnosis is based on the exact determination of the type of pathogenic helminth. This may require laboratory tests (urine, blood, feces, bile) and other diagnostic measures (ultrasound, fluorography). It is necessary to immediately begin to remove parasites - the longer the helminths are in the body, the more difficult it is to get rid of the consequences of defeat later. The doctor prescribes treatment based on the weight, sex and age of the patient, taking into account the individual characteristics and general condition of the patient.
Successful elimination of worms in humans is ensured not only by treatment with anthelmintic drugs, but also by adhering to a health-enhancing diet and prevention of new infections. Previously, only folk methods were used to remove parasites, while now they are used as additional measures to combat helminths, since many synthetic anthelmintic drugs appeared on the pharmaceutical market.
The modern drug industry has around 20 drugs for the removal of worms in humans. Among them are medicines of a narrow and broad spectrum of action:
| Type of drug | indications |
| Anti-nematodes (aimed at removing nematodes | Enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichocephalosis, trichinosis, strongyloidosis, hookworm |
| Anti-fluke (aimed at removing flat worms) | Schistosomiasis, fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis |
| Protivocestodnoy (aimed at removing tapeworms) | Echinococcosis, diphyllobothriasis, teniasis, teniarinchiasis, diphyllobothriasis |
How to remove worms from a person
Most anthelmintic drugs are effective against adults: eggs and larvae are not significantly destructive. For this reason, doctors recommend repeating the course after 2-3 weeks to exclude reinfection. In addition, experts advise, when treating certain types of helminthiasis, to have an enema in the evening or to drink a laxative after taking the pills in the morning.
Among the traditional medicines, the most effective are raw pumpkin seeds, garlic, tansy. The mechanism of action of most drugs and non-traditional drugs for the removal of worms consists in disrupting the work of the neuromuscular system of helminths, suppression of metabolism (due to inhibition of fumarate reductase) and destruction of integumental tissues of worms.
During treatment, the patient may develop signs of intoxication: intestinal disorders, headache, vomiting, allergic reactions, abdominal pain. Treatment of worms in humans with antiparasitic drugs should only take place as prescribed by a doctor and according to the manufacturer's instructions, in order to avoid complications and side effects.
Tablets
All worm removal medications should be taken during meals with a glass of liquid (water, milk). Comparative characteristics of some worm pads. All drugs are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation:
| The active ingredient of the drug | Action | indications | Method of application (for adults) | Side effects | Contraindications |
| Pirantel | Nerve endings blocked in the worm muscles | Enterobiasis, ascariasis, noncatorosis, hookworms | Up to 75 kg - 15 ml of syrup once, 75 kg and above - 20 ml | Vertigo, digestive system disorders, skin rashes | Hepatic insufficiency, up to 6 months of age |
| Carbendazim | Paralysis of the musculature of parasites | Ascariasis, strongyloidiasis, trichocephalosis, noncatorosis | It depends on the type of parasite | Nausea, weakness, allergic reactions | Sensitivity of components |
| Pyrvinia boat | Violation of the metabolism of worms | Enterobiasis | 5 mg / kg body weight once in the morning after breakfast | Headache, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions | Hepatic insufficiency, up to 3 months of age |
For an effective fight against parasites, it is important to carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene, strictly adhere to the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor. In addition to the use of anthelmintic drugs, it is recommended to take care of removing toxins from the body and restoring the functioning of organs, strengthening the immune system. For these purposes, folk recipes (infusions, teas), as well as industrial complexes of vitamins and minerals are widely used.
Folk remedies
The use of traditional medicine recipes is very effective in removing parasites. For this purpose, decoctions, tinctures, solutions for enemas from the following natural ingredients are used:
- garlic;
- pumpkin seeds;
- Walnuts;
- onion;
- aromatic herbs: dandelion, tansy, wormwood, burdock, nettle;
- oils: hemp, cedar, linseed, sea buckthorn.
How to remove worms at home
Some types of helminthiasis are successfully treated at home without hospitalization, but if infected with large types of worms, supportive care in a hospital setting may be required. Removing worms at home includes both drug treatment and the use of alternative medicines. Any funds are accepted only as prescribed by a doctor, self-medication is prohibited.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are considered the most popular folk remedy for removing worms due to their negative effect on worms and the absence of side reactions. The antihelminthic properties of this product are due to the presence in them of the substance cucurbit, which is a poison for most worms. Pumpkin seeds should be consumed with the peel no more than 300 g per day for an adult. Several popular recipes:
- Wash and dry the seeds, grind in a blender, add honey. It is necessary to consume the mixture on an empty stomach, after 4 hours, take a laxative.
- During the day, you should eat 100 g of seeds (divided into 4 servings), after each intake, after an hour, drink a teaspoon of castor oil, the course is 3-4 days.
Garlic
Garlic remedies are believed to be effective against roundworms, pinworms, and some types of tapeworms. In addition, garlic has immunostimulating properties and does not cause serious side effects. Different recipes for medicines with garlic:
- Grind 2 lemons and 10 heads of garlic in a meat grinder, mix and refrigerate. Take the product 1 tablespoon three times a day.
- Pour 200 ml of warm water over a few chopped garlic cloves, leave overnight. Garlic water should be taken every day, 200ml in the morning on an empty stomach for a week.
Troichetka
This product contains powders of different plants in different combinations. These drugs not only help in the fight against common helminthic invasions, but also help normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Mix tansy, cloves and wormwood in a ratio of 4: 2: 1. Take a mixture of 1 teaspoon per day before meals with water, on the second day eat 2 tablespoons, in all subsequent days - 3. The course of treatment is 14 days.
- Mix calendula, calamus and caraway seeds in a 2: 1: 1 ratio. Take the mixture in a similar way.
Enemas of worms
Enemas based on poisonous substances for parasites have been widely used in the elimination of worms. Such procedures are effective only in the case of intestinal helminthiasis. Several popular recipes:
- Pour 2-3 minced cloves of garlic with a glass of milk, bring to a boil, cool. Use the enema solution within 2 weeks. Children under 3 years old should not receive a garlic enema.
- Pour ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water, bring to a boil, cool. It is necessary to put a soda enema for 30 minutes. The course of treatment is 7 days.
- 1 tablespoon of chopped tansy flowers pour 500 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, then leave for 4 hours. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.