A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Each 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 Zeonovna answered these questions.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms should you know first?
— I think that many have heard of the so-calledenterobiosisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms of the genussedges(a medium-sized cavity worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, of the most known cases, up to 37% of people suffer from damage from these worms.Although I am personally sure that the figure is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are studied, but adults also get infected.
In second placeascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the class of nematodes, familyroundworms(a round worm with a reddish color (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, about 20 types 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 complex, there are many classifications, and depending on the species, as well as the migration of the larvae, 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 infection, that is, the number of larvae which have entered the body, and the degree of their development.Immunity plays an important role as most parasites die on arrival due to saliva, gastric juice, enzymes etc.Those 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;
- night itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Usually, the body gives the above signals at the later stages of the development of the helminth invasion.In the early stages, it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
— Why are children thought to be more susceptible to infection than adults?
—First of all, in adults the body is stronger.In general, immunity is higher and copes better with uninvited guests.
Second, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.It is neutral in children.In adults, the acidity is higher, and helminths really do not like an acidic environment.
in third place, 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 particularly corrosive, which does not give a chance for life to many parasites that get there.Although adults also consume unprocessed fish, meat and seafood, which may indeed contain helminths.This is a known risk.
With the fashion of a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices appeared on the tables of many people.This is good, they contain phytoncides that suppress the development of parasites and even kill them.I would recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beet juices.
The feeding of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who are more likely to agree to give their youngest candy than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, 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 appeared, which children love very much.But such food is fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not change the acidity of the stomach upwards, but simply prepare a cozy and pleasant habitat for the parasites.
- What treatment is prescribed?
"You shouldn't make decisions alone, especially regarding your children."If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine whether there is an infection and what its extent 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 indicates: low hemoglobin, increased ESR, increased eosinophil count.A modern method of laboratory diagnosis is also effective - a blood test using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your particular body or the body of the child, the specialist will choose 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"?We must remember: drugs aimed at combating helminths are very toxic.To be sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Trust me, what you see may leave you in a state of shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the right treatment and while treating one thing, we do not cripple something else.
important!Since enterobiosis 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 the 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).
Worms live long enough in an open environment and are transmitted by contact and through objects from an infected person to a healthy person.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should be especially careful
— Are such drugs prescribed to pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be good to try to check everything and solve the problem at the stage of pregnancy planning.
If an infection is found, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem must be solved.There are no specific anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, after carefully examining the woman's condition, will follow the path of least resistance.He must choose an individual treatment regimen that will be effective, but at the same time sparing 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, clothes, etc., she can still transmit 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 taken drug are also excreted along with milk.The baby's body is not ready for such serious stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should I be examined for worms?
— The opinions of the experts here are different.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide courses of preventive drugs for whole groups (in kindergartens, schools, work institutions).But if at least one person refuses these actions, there is not much point in them.Even if he remains the only one infected, as I have already said, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check in with your body every now and then and help it if suddenly something isn't right.An outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).In these periods, it would be good to contact a pediatrician or a therapist on your own, examine yourself and check if everything is fine, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if a problem is detected, it would be good to warn about it the teacher of the kindergarten group or the teacher at school, so that all other parents can be informed and take measures.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, besides, cats, as a rule, carry more of their kind than dogs, but helminths in the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocarosisin 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 enforce more designated pet walking areas and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside like in all civilized countries.After all, helminths spread throughout the area primarily thanks to dog feces.Also, you should recognize that "mines" can often be found near playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog at home, 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 into your bed;
- remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- timely examine your animal by a veterinarian;
- if your dog has worms, consult a doctor;most likely the whole family will have to take the medicine;
- try to walk your pets in the right place.
I would like to draw the attention of lovers of everything unusual that before buying an exotic animal, study in detail the information about its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and find out about the possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc.can bring parasites into your home that our body is completely unfamiliar with.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment.