Recognizing the main signs of helminthic infestation in humans is important, because the problem of this disease always remains relevant. It is very important to know how to recognize the main symptoms of worms in order to start fighting them in time and reduce the damage they can cause.
Helminthosis can cause many diseases and is a particular danger for children.
Determining its origin is not an easy task. Many different diseases can be confused with this disease. Doctors are faced with the need to make different diagnoses.
The first signs of the presence of worms do not have clear characteristics and regularity of manifestations. A person suffering from this disease can still look healthy for a long time without being aware of his disease.
The identification of signs of the presence of worms in a person should be done by a doctor who, after appropriate tests, can accurately diagnose, determine which destructive phenomenon he is dealing with and prescribe the necessary treatment. The presence of worms must be confirmed, because their removal takes a long time, and drugs have a toxic effect.
If left untreated, the attack will likely lead to death.
The first signs of parasites are quite difficult to determine precisely. It is easy to confuse one type of pest with another due to their wide variety, and only an experienced doctor can identify a specific parasite. This is extremely important for quick recovery and determining the circumstances that contributed to the problem.
However, the signs of parasites are now well studied and can be detected by experienced professionals. If you have the slightest doubt, consult a doctor immediately.
Methods of penetration of helminths
Infection with parasites occurs easily under certain conditions and at any age. The most common ways of infection are: consumption of raw or undercooked meat, contact with soil, animal hair and excrement, drinking water from an unreliable source and lack of habit of washing hands (especially after using public toilets).
Parasites enter the body through insect bites and insufficiently thorough washing of vegetables and fruits. Flies are the main carriers of parasite eggs. When you buy products in small shops or pavilions, you run the risk of buying a product that has been visited by a fly.
She was exposed to feces before this happened and the presence of the parasite is obvious. The presence of people does not deter these insects, and they are always around. No amount of duct tape or aerosol can get rid of them.
A parasitic worm can enter the human body through another person, who imperceptibly becomes a carrier. The method of spreading pinworms is very simple and dangerous in its directness. It is well researched and emphasizes the importance of good hygiene.
The pinworm leaves the intestines and lays its eggs directly on the laundry. This is accompanied by severe itching, and by scratching the irritated area, the victim easily transfers the eggs to household items, hygiene items and clothing. Other family members can easily become infected and infected with parasites in this way. It is better to iron the bedding with a hot iron and use personal towels.
Open water bodies are dangerous due to the presence of parasite eggs. They get there easily and are stored for a long time. The danger is not only drinking water from them, bathing, but also walking barefoot. This especially applies to tropical reservoirs that are not visited by tourists. One vacation in exotic waters can lead to a serious infection.
Symptoms that occur when infected with worms
People can have parasitic worms that feed and multiply in different organs of the body. They can even be found in the blood. This disease is dangerous because it can go unnoticed for a long time or manifest symptoms similar to many others, most often associated with gastrointestinal problems.
Up to 170 different types of worms can live and parasitize humans. The greatest danger is represented by echinococci and alveococci. Worms generally fall into two categories: roundworms and flatworms. They can live and feed on people for many years, gradually destroying a person's health from the inside.
Children are most often infected with parasites and it is difficult to completely get rid of them because children are constantly in contact with animals, play in the sand and often put their hands in their mouths. It is difficult to explain the importance of hygiene to young family members, especially those under the age of 4, and to ensure that they do not touch their eyes and mouth with dirty hands. It is difficult for them to avoid re-infection.
For parents, trying to isolate a child from worms can be a real headache and cause constant irritation. The child cannot be admitted to kindergarten or school.
What are the possible signs of the presence of worms in humans?
Symptoms of the presence of worms in the human body will vary significantly depending on the type of parasite, its development and location. Also, the same signs of the presence of worms can manifest differently in different people, affecting their complexion, lifestyle and general health. These manifestations can have varying degrees of discomfort.
What are the main signs of worms to look out for?
Signs that a person is infected with worms can remain undetected for a long time and cause chronic diseases or even fatal consequences.
Worms interfere with the treatment process and contribute to the development of complications. In women, they can cause problems with the reproductive system, and in men, in addition to affecting the ability to create offspring, they can disrupt normal potency and urinary function.
While they are in the intestines, the worms are manifested by the appearance of unpleasant pains in the stomach area, frequent stomach complaints and general weakness. Later, vomiting, nausea and a constant feeling of heaviness after eating may occur. Skin rashes and intestinal microflora disturbances are also possible.
What do worms do to us?
Signs of infection usually include: abdominal pain (especially at night), intestinal problems, stomach discomfort after eating, severe weakness and fatigue, difficulty breathing, disturbed sleep, itching in the anus (worse at night).
So, typical signs of the presence of worms in the body:
- skin lesions;
- lethargy, headache;
- feeling heavy after eating;
- abdominal cramps, nausea;
- bad breath;
- changes in body weight (sudden weight loss or weight gain);
- discomfort in the anus;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- frequent colds and viral diseases due to reduced immunity;
- anemia (parasites drink blood in the intestines);
- painful urination;
- frequent miscarriages and menstrual irregularities in women;
- children have a delay in development and growth;
- problems with memory and academic performance.
When the worms settle in the lungs (most often the long ones), then the signs of the appearance of worms will be as follows: fever, difficulty breathing, sputum with blood. Hoarse sounds will be heard when auscultating the lungs if there are worms in them. Any infection transmitted by airborne droplets can easily infect such a patient.
Worms have quite severe symptoms and treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Parasites living in the body of a healthy person usually show clear signs of illness and can be quickly detected by a specialist. It is important to remember the name of the parasite and buy special drugs to destroy it. The consumption of food that may contain worms should be strictly avoided if the presence of worms is suspected.
Treatment of worms
Solving this problem is not so easy and requires several steps. First, activated charcoal should be taken to bind and remove toxic substances released by parasites that accumulate in large quantities from the body. Then you must start taking anthelmintic drugs.
The doctor will tell you which drug to choose after a comprehensive examination of the patient and study of all test results. The treatment must be completed by taking restorative drugs for at least two months.
You will need products to strengthen the immune system (containing echinacea), to restore the work of the liver and intestinal microflora (preparations with beneficial bacteria).
Attention!Treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor, because a wrongly chosen medicine will not only have no effect, but also cause harm. Self-medication is especially unacceptable in children.
General recommendations for avoiding infection
FAQ
What symptoms can indicate the presence of worms in a person?
Symptoms of a worm infestation may include constant fatigue, weight loss, insomnia, itching in the anus, and the presence of worms or worm eggs in the stool.
What signs can indicate that a person is infected with worms?
Signs of a worm infestation may include abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, anemia, eating disorders, nervousness, and irritability.
Useful tips
Recommendation #1
Consult your doctor for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an expert will be able to accurately determine the presence of worms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Recommendation #2
Pay attention to symptoms such as constant fatigue, weight loss, restless sleep, itching in the anus and the presence of worms in the stool. If there are, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Recommendation #3
Follow the rules of hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after going to the toilet, treat vegetables and fruits before eating, do not drink raw water.