Parasitesis a very common phenomenon that can be easily recognized in most people when they undergo a standard medical examination.
Specialists have many methods and techniques for identifying and diagnosing worms in the body of a child and an adult. At the current stage of medical development, it is completely uncomplicated. In addition, many helminths can be detected independently, leaving the body and entering the external environment. This process usually occurs when the female breeds and lays eggs.
Further determination of the type, quantity and duration of the life cycle of worms in humans must be carried out in special clinics during a complete examination.
Types of worms in humans
Representatives of helminths are identified on the basis of general characteristics and way of life, life cycle and developmental characteristics. It also takes into account how worms manifest in humans, how long they live in the body and what diseases they cause.
Doctors can detect the presence of the following types of worms in the body:
- nematode, roundworm.The life cycle does not exceed 40 years; they parasitize in the intestines. It can affect the respiratory system and the stomach. Representatives: pinworms, roundworms, whipworms;
- tape parasites.They can live in the intestines and migrate throughout the body for about 20 years. Large sizes reach 8-10 meters. Individuals of beef and pork tapeworms, tapeworms;
- flukes, trematodes.They appear in internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. It moves through all organs and can become life-threatening.
Each of the mentioned groups has representatives that are most often found in humans.
And each of them poses a serious threat to health and normal functioning of the body:
- round wormIt can cause: appendicitis, jaundice, inflammation of the bile ducts;
- pinworm.It leads to complications: gastritis, allergic reactions, nervous disorders;
- whipMay cause dysentery, rectal prolapse;
- Toxocara.It is manifested by a decrease in vision, bronchitis, necrosis of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, brain function disorder;
- echinococcus.It presents a danger in the form of anaphylactic shock, urticaria, liver enlargement, cyst formation and death;
- Trichinella.May cause infiltration, heart and brain damage;
- Giardia.Consequences: anemia, gastritis, Quincke's edema, pancreatitis;
- hookworms.May cause intestinal dysfunction;
- wide band.Promotes the development of anemia, hypovitaminosis, intestinal tissue necrosis, spinal cord damage;
- filariae.It can cause diseases: conjunctivitis, lymphadenitis, asthma, abscesses; lung flukes. They provoke enteritis, bronchitis, fever, meningitis, tachycardia.
These are just some of the parasites that are often mentioned. There are worms that are less dangerous, but still harmful. Therefore, it is important to study them in laboratory conditions.
Worm infection
It is not difficult for parasites to penetrate the human body. They are impossible to detect or identify in the environment, as they are often in the stage of small larvae or microscopic eggs.
There are certain methods and routes of infection:
- water surfaces In most parasites, the larvae spend intermediate stages of their life cycle in fresh and salt water. They are sometimes found in intermediate hosts such as fish and shellfish;
- wet sand or soil. Together with the feces, mostly eggs, they are released for further development or searching for a temporary carrier;
- dirty unprocessed vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs. Future parasites penetrate the surface of the product from the soil;
- animals: homeless and domestic. Temporary media.
Even a simple walk with a child or going to the store, calling the elevator or dirty handrails can cause the appearance of parasites. To prevent this, it is necessary to follow simple rules of personal hygiene, regularly carry out wet cleaning of the house and ventilate the room where the workplace is located.
Worms in adults, their signs and symptoms
The characteristics alone cannot unequivocally determine whether a person has a helminthic infestation.
How can you check if you really have worms?
To do this, there are general characteristic signs of the presence of worms in a person and methods for determining them:
- changes in appetite, including its increase and decrease;
- nervousness, fear, excitement. Fatigue and weakness may also occur;
- snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep;
- bowel problems, including diarrhea and constipation;
- flatulence;
- headache, dizziness;
- swelling of limbs;
- itching in the anus;
- increased body temperature;
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- skin rash, redness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- stomach pain;
- fragility of hair and nails.
These are just a few signs that may indicate the presence of worms in an adult. However, these symptoms can also be characteristic of other diseases. Therefore, only a proper examination will allow you to get an accurate result.
Signs of worms in children
Having still insufficient immunity and protective protein cells, children are often susceptible to more serious consequences of the presence of parasites in the body:
- intestinal dysfunction, dysbacteriosis;
- flatulence, flatulence;
- skin inflammation, urticaria;
- involuntary urination or urinary incontinence;
- diseases of the respiratory tract. Bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma;
- In girls, inflammation of the genital organs is possible;
- vomiting, nausea;
- itching and burning in the anus;
- severe abdominal pain and colic;
- sleep disorder;
- nervousness,
- Newborns can have serious complications or developmental delays.
It is quite difficult to recognize worms yourself, and many parents do not think about their presence. By trying to treat their children without the help of a specialist, they can worsen the spread of parasites in the child's body. The consequences in such cases are unpredictable.
Tests for various worms
How to understand that a person develops helminthiasis?
Accurate determination of the presence of worms in adults and children is possible only with the help of specially developed research methods.
The doctor prescribes appropriate research methods depending on the symptoms and signs of the parasite:
- scrapingThis is a traditional and simple method, which involves taking a swab from the anus to determine the presence of worm eggs;
- stool analysis.This method has been tested, but it is not always effective, because not all helminths are found in the discharge;
- chemical general blood test.It allows you to determine only the inflammatory process by indicators of a low level of hemoglobin, and also takes into account leukocytes;
- CPR diagnostics.This method consists of studying the parasitic DNA material found in the blood compared to available samples. It enables precise determination of the class of helminths and their quantity;
- bound immunosorbent assay.This method is also based on the patient's blood analysis. The detected samples of IgM and IgG antibodies indicate a protective reaction of the immune system against worms.
In addition, ultrasound, radiography and tomography may be prescribed. The need for them is related to the migration of parasites through the organs and their frequent change of location. The method of taking a biopsy or probing is also used to obtain material from the affected organs. The choice of diagnostic method depends on the class of helminths and the impact on the organs.
Worms: treatment of adults and children
It is important to understand that in most cases the process of treating diseases caused by helminth infection is complex. It is not always possible to completely remove the larvae and eggs of all parasites in one treatment. Patients often have to be under constant medical supervision and undergo regular examinations.
What to do in this case?
It is important to follow the doctor's advice and recommendations.
Broad-spectrum drugs are usually prescribed.
It is especially necessary to be careful when taking medicines for small children and newborns. Strong components of medical anthelmintics are not always suitable for an organism with low immunity.
Only an experienced doctor can prescribe drugs that match the age of the patient and the degree of complications of the disease.
FAQ
What symptoms can indicate the presence of worms in a person?
Symptoms of worms can include constant fatigue, weight loss, insomnia, itching in the anus, worms in the stool and abdominal pain.
What diagnostic methods are used to determine the presence of worms in a person?
To diagnose worms, stool tests for worm eggs, a blood test for antibodies to worms, as well as research methods such as ultrasound and X-rays can be used.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Pay attention to symptoms that may indicate the presence of worms, such as constant fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, sleep disturbances and allergic reactions.
Tip #2
See your doctor for special stool or blood tests to check for worm eggs or antibodies to them.