To get rid of parasites, you must first understand which parasites have settled inside the patient and whether they exist.For this there is a simple blood test using a finger prick.If eosinophils do not exceed 5, you can be sure that there are no parasites in the body.If this indicator is more than 5, a stool test is performed for worm eggs and, based on the results of the analysis, treatment will be prescribed.Anti-parasite medications have many unpleasant side effects: hair loss, seizures, kidney failure, drug-induced hepatitis and even liver cirrhosis, so only a doctor should prescribe them.
Popular symptoms usually attributed to the presence of parasites include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, paleness, irregular bowel movements, and constipation.These symptoms are more likely to indicate anemia or a thyroid disorder.If they appear or have been appearing for some time, the most sensible thing to do is to consult a doctor.And as a preventative measure, wash your hands more frequently.
Fear of parasites
Many people are sincerely and greatly afraid of parasites that supposedly strive to appear in their bodies.And therefore, they are willing to shell out a lot of money to scammers who not only search for, but also "find" parasites and then "prescribe" all kinds of dietary supplements and other imaginary helminth remedies to unsuspecting victims.Some try to eliminate parasites on their own using garlic, onion, and horseradish;medicines made from them are at least safe.But it is still unknown what will be in the bottle received from the aspiring doctors.
The problem of parasitosis really exists, it only exists in the countries of Asia, Africa and South America.Thus, in some Asian countries, human infection with opisthorchiasis reaches 80%.There they take special measures to disinfect water and food.But all this is not our case;Tropical parasites do not survive in our climate, although opisthorchiasis is common in cold regions.It is transmitted through fish, as well as through cats and dogs that feed on this fish.But today we will talk about other parasites with which it is very possible to become infected in our middle zone.These parasites are intestinal worms and pinworms.
Intestinal worms and ascariasis
Nematodes parasitize only humans.The parasite is a fairly long roundworm of yellowish-reddish color.The length of an adult male is 15-25 cm, the female is longer - up to 20-40 cm.If nematodes penetrate the human body, the disease ascariasis develops.In this case, the gastrointestinal tract is the most affected, but other organs may also be affected, as well as allergic reactions.Ascariasis is quite widespread, affecting between 60 and 85 people per 100,000.
Life cycle of intestinal worms: through the blood to the intestines.
A sick person does not pose any danger in terms of infection, since infection occurs when the eggs enter the body.And the eggs come out with the feces and first mature in the soil.The eggs have a dense shell, so they can remain in the ground for up to seven years.You can become infected by eating vegetables, fruits, or berries that have been exposed to roundworm eggs.The parasite goes through a long cycle of movements in the body.First, the larvae hatch from ingested eggs and enter the blood through the intestinal walls.With the blood flow they migrate to the liver, the heart, then to the lungs and from these to the pharynx.When the patient ingests them, the larvae in the intestines mature into adult worms that are capable of laying eggs.
Symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss.
As the larvae travel through the body, allergic manifestations come to the fore.Mechanical damage is also possible to the organs through which the larvae pass (the liver, blood vessels, lungs and intestines).The patient may develop high fever, rash and pain in the liver area and, at the end of the migration stage, cough and difficulty breathing.When intestinal worms settle in the intestines, poisoning with their waste products occurs.Additionally, the pointed ends of the worms can damage or even puncture the intestine.Manifestations include abdominal pain, morning sickness, loss of appetite, and changes in stool.In addition, health problems, lack of sleep, headaches, increased fatigue and weight loss occur.The presence of intestinal worms in the intestines causes a lack of vitamins B6, A and C.
Diagnosis of ascariasis
For diagnosis, blood is taken for a general analysis (increased eosinophils, increased ESR, sometimes anemia) and an antibody test.Under a microscope, larvae can be detected in patients' sputum.In the intestinal stage, eggs of intestinal worms and sometimes the worms themselves are detected in the feces.
Medications for ascariasis
The treatment of ascariasis does not require hospitalization, except in complicated cases.Patients are prescribed a diet rich in vitamins, low in fat and carbohydrates.Eat four to five times a day.Medications with antiparasitic effect, antihistamines, probiotics and enzyme preparations are indicated.
Complications of ascariasis
A complication of ascariasis can be intestinal obstruction caused by a ball of worms.When nematodes crawl into the bile ducts, vomiting, jaundice, and severe pain in the right abdomen occur.By the same principle, ascariasis pancreatitis is possible, as well as respiratory failure when the respiratory tract is blocked by parasites.
Pinworms and enterobiasis
Pinworms are translucent white worms only 0.5 to 1 cm long.One end of its body is pointed, which explains the name.They are parasites primarily in the large intestine and can disappear over time without medication if autoinfection does not occur.The fact is that to lay eggs, the females descend to the anus and do so in the perianal folds, after which they die.For the patient, this process causes intense itching.If, after scratching an itchy area, the patient does not wash his hands, the eggs will get on bedding, surrounding objects, food, and may remain under the nails.The patient himself can swallow pinworm eggs.This is how autoinfection occurs.
Symptoms: anal itching.
The main symptom is a strong itch in the anus at night, since it is at this time when the parasite lays eggs.With enterobiasis, symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract are possible: abdominal pain, nausea, increased gas formation, and from the nervous system: fatigue, sleep disturbances or insomnia (severe anal itching interferes with normal sleep).Pinworms can enter the female genital tract and cause irritation, pain, and discharge.And even cause coughing if they enter the lower respiratory tract.
Diagnosis and treatment of enterobiasis.
Basically, the perianal folds are scraped (or duct tape is applied), after which the resulting material is examined under a microscope.This way you can detect helminth eggs.In a blood test, as with ascariasis, there will be an increase in eosinophils;if complications develop, there will be signs of inflammation (increased leukocytes, increased ESR).Antiparasitic medications are used for treatment.Some of them are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.To reduce itching, the anal area is lubricated with anesthetic ointment.The most popular folk remedy is garlic.
Complications: dysbacteriosis, appendicitis.
Complications will depend on the body's reaction and the number of parasitic worms.Dysbacteriosis, appendicitis, vaginitis, salpingitis, endometritis (inflammation of the appendages) are possible.
Prevention of ascariasis and enterobiasis.
Ascariasis:
- identify and treat patients in a timely manner;
- loosen litter boxes (eggs do not tolerate direct sunlight);
- wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating;
- wash vegetables, fruits and berries.
Enterobiasis:
- iron clothes well, especially folds;
- clean the apartment with disinfectants;
- provide the patient with personal bedding and a place to sleep;
- It is important that children cut their nails.