A person can carry four hundred types of parasites.Every year, helminths (commonly known as worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called "helminthiasis" and is considered very common.How to identify the first signs in time, what are the consequences of ignoring symptoms, why is it important to consult a doctor before going to the pharmacy and what should pet owners know?Specialist parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions for us.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of verses should you know first?
— I think many have heard of what is calledenterobiosisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms of the genuspinworms(a medium-sized cavity worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, out of the majority of known cases, up to 37% of people suffer damage from these worms.Although I am personally sure that this figure is underestimated, because it is mainly groups of children who are studied, but adults are also infected.
In second positionascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the class Nematodes, familyroundworms(a roundworm of reddish color (after death, the body color 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, around 20 species of helminths are found in countries.In addition, the infection can be combined when different groups of helminths are detected in the body.
Symptoms of infection rarely appear immediately
— Where exactly do these parasites live in the human body?
“Their location is complex, there are many classifications, and depending on the species, as well as the migration of the larvae, the 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 infestation, that is to say the number of larvae entering the body and the degree of their development.Immunity plays a major role, since most parasites die upon arrival due to saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.Helminths that still managed to survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
Symptomschildren and adults can have very different situations:
- lack of appetite;
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- persistent runny nose and cough;
- skin rashes;
- nighttime itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
As a rule, the body emits the above signals at later stages of the development of helminthic infestation.At first it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms don't like onions and garlic
— Why do we think that children are more likely to be infected than adults?
—First of all, in adults, the body is stronger.Immunity is usually higher and it resists uninvited guests better.
Secondly, the pH level in the stomachs of babies and their parents is different.In children, it is neutral.In adults, acidity is higher and helminths really do not like an acidic environment.
Thirdly, adults have a different diet.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (like wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and... alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes particularly caustic, which gives no chance of life to the numerous parasites that enter it.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may actually contain helminths.It's a certain risk.
With the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices have appeared on the tables of many people.It's good, they contain phytoncides that suppress the development of parasites and even kill them.I would recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beetroot juices.
The nutrition of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who are more likely to agree to give their youngest sweets than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wishes, he may well 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 has appeared, which children really like.But these foods are fast and easily digestible carbohydrates, which do not change the acidity of the stomach upwards, but simply prepare a comfortable and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatment is prescribed?
— You shouldn't make decisions yourself, especially about your children.If you have any suspicions, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine whether there is an infection and how widespread it is.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the stool for the presence of helminths (feces for worm eggs).A general blood test is also helpful.A possible problem is indicated by: low hemoglobin, increased ESR, increased number of eosinophils.A modern method of laboratory diagnosis is also effective: blood tests by ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your or the child's body, the specialist will select the appropriate medication and (which is very important) its dose.
Why can't you just go to the pharmacy and ask for "something for worms"?We must not forget: drugs intended to combat helminths are very toxic.To make sure, just check the list of possible side effects.Believe me, what you see can leave you in shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the correct treatment and, while curing one thing, we do not cripple another.
Important!Since enterobiosis is characterized by fairly high contagiousness (the ability of infectious diseases to transmit 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 required not only for the person suffering from helminthiasis, but also for all family members (adults, children and even pets).
Worms live quite a long time in an open environment and are transmitted by contact and objects from an infested person to a healthy person.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women should be especially careful
— Are these medications prescribed to pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be nice to try to check everything and sort out the problem already at the planning stage of pregnancy.
Of course, if an infection is discovered, the process cannot be started.The problem must be resolved.There are no special anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, having carefully examined 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 gentle on the body in each specific case.
— Are worms transmitted from mother to child through milk?
- No.On the contrary, milk contains immunoglobulins which protect the child.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so through touch, bottles, clothing, etc., she can still transmit parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if an anthelmintic drug is prescribed to a nursing mother, she should be warned that during this period it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial feeding, since toxic substances from the drug taken are also excreted 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 get tested for worms?
— Expert opinions vary here.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to offer preventive drug courses to entire groups (in kindergartens, schools, work establishments).But if at least one person refused these actions, there is no point.Even if the only infected one remains, as I already said, the chances of helminths spreading are very high.
But this does not mean that you should not examine your body from time to time and help it if suddenly something goes wrong.An outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During these periods, it would be good to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, get tested and check if everything is okay, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if a problem is identified, it would be a good idea to notify the teacher of the kindergarten group or the school teacher, so that they inform all other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, by the way, cats generally transmit more of their species than dogs, but the latter's helminths are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocariasisin 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 ensure that there are more separate areas for walking animals and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside, like in all civilized countries.After all, it is mainly thanks to dog feces that helminths spread throughout the region.In addition, it must be admitted that "mines" are often found near children's play areas.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;
- have your animal examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible;
- 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 to the fact that before purchasing an exotic animal, study in detail the information about its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and find out about possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc.can bring parasites into your home that our bodies are completely unfamiliar with.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties both in diagnosis and treatment.