Parasitesis a very common phenomenon that can be easily identified in most people when undergoing 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 present stage of development of medicine, this 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 reproduces 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 full examination.
Types of worms in humans
Representatives of helminths are identified on the basis of general characteristics and lifestyle, life cycle and developmental characteristics. It also takes into account how worms manifest themselves 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. May affect the respiratory system and 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 bovine and pork tapeworms, tapeworms;
- flukes, trematodes.They appear in the internal organs and subcutaneous tissues. It moves throughout all organs and can become life-threatening.
Each of the above groups has representatives that are most often found in people.
And each of them poses a serious danger to the health and normal functioning of the body:
- roundwormMay cause: appendicitis, jaundice, inflammation of the bile ducts;
- pinworm.Leads to complications: gastritis, allergic reactions, nervous disorders;
- whipwormMay cause dysentery, rectal prolapse;
- Toxocara.Manifests itself in decreased vision, bronchitis, necrosis of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, disruption of brain function;
- echinococcus.It poses a danger in the form of anaphylactic shock, urticaria, liver enlargement, cyst formation, and death;
- Trichinella.May cause the formation of infiltration, damage to the heart and brain;
- Giardia.Consequences: anemia, gastritis, Quincke's edema, pancreatitis;
- hookworms.May cause intestinal dysfunction;
- wide tape.Promotes the development of anemia, hypovitaminosis, necrosis of intestinal tissue, damage to the spinal cord;
- filariae.Can cause diseases: conjunctivitis, lymphadenitis, asthma, abscesses; pulmonary flukes. They provoke enteritis, bronchitis, fever, meningitis, tachycardia.
These are just some of the parasites that are mentioned quite often. There are worms that are less dangerous, but still harmful. Therefore, it is important to study them in laboratory conditions.
Infection with worms
It is not difficult for parasites to penetrate the human body. It is impossible to detect or identify them in the environment, since they are often in the stage of small larvae or microscopic eggs.
There are certain methods and routes of infection:
- bodies of waterIn most parasites, the larvae spend the intermediate stages of their life cycle in both fresh and salt water. Sometimes they are found in intermediate hosts such as fish and shellfish;
- wet sand or soil. Together with feces, mainly eggs, are released for further development or search for a temporary carrier;
- dirty unprocessed vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs. From the soil, future parasites penetrate the surface of the products;
- animals: homeless and domestic. Temporary media.
Even an ordinary walk with a child or a trip to the store, calling the elevator or dirty handrails can cause parasites to appear. 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 an adult, their signs and symptoms
Characteristics alone cannot unambiguously determine whether a person has a helminthic infestation.
How can you check that 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 both its increase and decrease;
- nervousness, fear, excitement. Fatigue and weakness may also occur;
- snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep;
- bowel problems, including both diarrhea and constipation;
- bloating;
- headache, dizziness;
- swelling of the limbs;
- itching in the anus;
- increased body temperature;
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- skin rashes, redness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- pain in the stomach;
- 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;
- bloating, flatulence;
- skin inflammation, urticaria;
- involuntary urination or urinary incontinence;
- respiratory tract diseases. Bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma;
- In girls, inflammation of the genital organs is possible;
- vomiting, nausea;
- itching and burning in the anus;
- severe aching abdominal pain and colic;
- sleep disturbance;
- nervousness,
- Newborns may experience serious complications or developmental delays.
It is quite difficult to identify worms on your own, and many parents do not think about their presence. By trying to treat their children without the help of specialists, they can aggravate the spread of parasites in the children’s body. The consequences in such cases are unpredictable.
Tests for various worms
How to understand that a person is developing helminthiases?
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 parasites:
- scrapingThis is a traditional and simple method, which involves taking a smear from the anus to determine the presence of worm eggs;
- stool analysis.This method has been tested, but is not always effective, since not all helminths are found in the discharge;
- chemical general blood test.It allows you to determine only the inflammatory process by indicators of low hemoglobin levels, and also takes into account leukocytes;
- CPR diagnostics.This method consists of studying the parasite DNA material found in the blood in comparison with available samples. It provides an accurate determination of the helminth class and their quantity;
- linked immunosorbent assay.This method is also based on the analysis of the patient's blood. The detected samples of IgM and IgG antibodies indicate a protective reaction of the immune system to worms.
Additionally, ultrasound, radiography and tomography may be prescribed. The need for them is associated with the migration of parasites throughout 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 helminth and the effect on organs.
Worms: treatment for adults and children
It is important to realize that in most cases the process of treating diseases caused by helminth infections is complex. It is not always possible to completely get rid of the larvae and eggs of all parasites in one course of treatment. Patients often need to be under constant medical supervision and undergo regular tests.
What to do in this case?
It is important to follow your doctor's advice and recommendations.
Typically, drugs with a broad spectrum of action are prescribed.
It is necessary to be especially careful when taking medications for young children and newborns. The powerful components of medicinal anthelmintics are not always suitable for an organism with low immunity.
Only an experienced doctor can prescribe medications that are appropriate for the patient’s age and the degree of complication of the disease.
FAQ
What symptoms may indicate the presence of worms in a person?
Symptoms of worms may 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 survey diagnostic 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, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and allergic reactions.
Tip #2
Contact your doctor for special stool or blood tests to check for worm eggs or antibodies to them.