A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Every 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 Zeononovna answered these questions.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what kinds of worms do you need to know about first?
— I think that many have heard of the so-calledenterobiasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms from the genuspinworms(cavity worm of medium size, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, of the majority of known cases, as many as 37% of people suffer from damage from these worms.Although I am personally sure that this number is underestimated, because mainly groups of children are studied, but adults are also infected.
In another placeascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the nematode class, fa.round worms(reddish-colored roundworm (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, there are about 20 types of helminths in the 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 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 that have entered the body and the degree of their development.Immunity plays a big role, because most parasites die on arrival due to saliva, gastric juice, enzymes and so on.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 rash;
- night itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Typically, the body gives the above signals in the later stages of the development of a helminthic infestation.In the early stages, it is quite difficult to suspect something.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
— Why is it believed that children are more susceptible to infections than adults?
—First of all, in adults the body is stronger.Immunity is generally higher and it copes better with uninvited guests.
Second, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.It is neutral in children.Adults are more acidic, and helminths really don't like an acidic environment.
Third, 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 caustic, which does not give a chance for life to many parasites that get there.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which can indeed contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
With the fashion of a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices have appeared on many people's tables.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 nutrition of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who will more often agree to give their youngest sweets 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, 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 should not make decisions on your own, especially in relation to your children.If in doubt, consult your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine whether there is an infection and how extensive it is.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the stool for the presence of helminths (worm egg feces).A general blood test also helps.A possible problem is indicated by: low hemoglobin content, increased ESR, increased number of eosinophils.A modern method of laboratory diagnostics is also effective - blood testing using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your specific body or the body of the child, the specialist will select the appropriate drug and (which is very important) its dose.
Why not just go to the pharmacy and ask for "something for worms"?We must remember: drugs aimed at fighting helminths are very toxic.To see for yourself, 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 very important that the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment and that, while treating one thing, we do not cripple something else.
Important!Since enterobia is characterized by a rather high contagiousness (the ability to transmit infectious diseases 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 suffering from helminthiasis, but also for all family members (and even adult 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.
Breastfeeding 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 pregnancy planning stage.
If an infection is detected, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem needs to be solved.There are no specific anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, after carefully examining the woman's condition, will take the path of least resistance.He must choose an individual treatment regimen that will be effective, but at the same time gentle for 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 and so on, she can transfer parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if a nursing mother is prescribed an anthelmintic, she should be warned that during that period the child needs to be transferred to artificial nutrition, because the toxic substances of the drug are also excreted together with the 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 tested for worms?
— Expert opinions differ here.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide preventive medicine courses to entire groups (in kindergartens, schools, work institutions).But if at least one person refused these actions, there is not much sense from them.Even if he remains the only one infected, as I said before, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check your body from time to time and help it if suddenly something isn't right.Disease outbreaks are usually recorded in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).In those periods, it would be good to contact a pediatrician or therapist on your own, get tested and check if everything is okay, and at the same time (if it's children), if you notice a problem, it would be good to warn the teacher of the kindergarten group or the teacher at school, so that they can inform all the other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to their owners?
- Yes, in addition, as a rule, cats transmit their species more than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocarosisin humans.This is a helminthosis from 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 pets and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside, like in all civilized countries.After all, it is primarily thanks to dog excrement that helminths spread throughout the area.Moreover, you have to admit that "mines" can often be found near children's 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;
- don't forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- to have your animal examined by a veterinarian in a timely manner;
- 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 buying an exotic animal, carefully study the data on its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and learn about possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs and so on can introduce parasites into your home that our body is completely unaware of.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.