Human worms - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

When worms enter the human body, they begin parasitic activities that can cause discomfort to the person. Worm infections often cause severe allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, and other conditions not related to the gastrointestinal tract. However, traditional treatments for these diseases do not lead to recovery. Based on certain symptoms, it is possible to suspect the presence of helminths in humans, but helminthiasis clinically manifests itself only when worms multiply in large numbers. In asymptomatic cases, laboratory tests will help to reliably diagnose helminthiasis. Symptoms of worms in humans can vary, but begin with abdominal pain, discomfort near the anus, nausea, and general malaise. To restore health, it is necessary to use anthelmintics or folk remedies to get rid of worms.

what is worm

Worms are parasites of humans and animals that belong to the class Flatworms or Ascaris. Worms have a fairly common structure.
During their development, worms traditionally pass through several stages: egg - larva - adult. Most worm infections occur when worm eggs are ingested.Eggs ingested in the human intestine quickly hatch into larvae, which begin to migrate to a permanent place of life, where they transform into adult worms. In the process of movement, almost all worms actually "journey" through the human body.Only a few parasites, such as pinworms, hatch from eggs in the intestines and remain there. Typically, it is larvae and other developing forms of helminths that cause the most significant damage to tissues and organs during movement and the symptoms they cause compared to parasites in the intestines. Symptoms caused by mature parasites

As we said above, adult worms traditionally have stable positioning within the body, their developmental forms often migrate to different organs and tissues, and their movement paths are often quite complex. For example, with ascariasis, a person becomes infected by eating food contaminated with roundworm eggs (the roundworm eggs mature underground).

Within the intestinal lumen, roundworm eggs hatch into larvae, which pass through the intestinal wall into blood vessels and travel through the bloodstream into the lungs within a few hours. In the lungs, roundworm larvae grow and mature. The growing larvae slowly gnaw at adjacent bronchi and crawl along them, first into the trachea and then into the mouth, where they are swallowed again and pass into the intestines.Roundworm larvae that re-enter the intestine transform into adult worms. Migration of roundworm larvae to the lungs causes a host of symptoms (cough, asthma attacks, increased body temperature, allergic rash), whereas the presence of small numbers of adult worms in the intestines may not manifest itself in any way.What are worms? Worms are scientifically known as helminths. Helmins are any worms that live in humans, animals, and plants. Therefore, worms are not one specific type of parasite, but a whole group of different worms, three of which are the most common. Some scientists claim that nearly the entire human population on Earth is infected with one type of parasite or another. However, in this case, helminth infection must be the most common type of disease in the world, and many serious studies prove that it is not actually that bad after all. But the thought of a person still suffering from worms immediately leads him to look for an answer to the question of how to get rid of them.It should also be understood that worm infection is not a rare and trivial occurrence. There are more than 300 species. The larvae in the human body extend far beyond the intestines and continue to develop there, gradually poisoning the human body. Let's find out what the symptoms of worms are in humans, because we know that everything is premeditated. We'll then look at how to effectively get rid of worms and what steps you need to take to ensure they don't come back.In fact, it's easy to determine whether worms are present in anyone's body - just take a stool test. The problem, however, is that most people never even think about running such a test. The problem is, worms in adults and children can masquerade as a host of diseases without ever revealing their presence in the first place.A person can spend years treating the intestines, liver, kidneys, stomach, gallbladder, and the source of the evil will be worms and parasites, and it would feel good not to fight them.Often, helminth infections lead to the development of diseases unrelated to the worms themselves. And in this case, if you don't understand what's going on in time, you may be treated to no end.All this proves that worms are more than just an unpleasant phenomenon. Given the many modes of infection, knowing the signs of human helminths is crucial.

How did worms (parasites) appear?

Symptoms of helminthiasis depend on the developmental stage of the parasite. The development of helminthiasis is usually divided into acute and acquired phases.

• The acute stage of parasitic development begins from the moment the patient is infected with worms and lasts 2-3 weeks (in cases of severe disease - up to 2 months).This stage is characterized by the predominance of allergic manifestations (rash, dry cough, increased levels of eosinophils in the blood), which are a reaction to the appearance of migrating larval antigens (fragments) in the blood. When early forms of the parasite (larvae) are present in an infected person, the immune response is evident;
• The acquired developmental phase of helminths occurs after the acute phase and lasts for weeks, months, or years (up to 10 years for some helminth diseases). For us, symptoms at this stage depend on the location, number and feeding habits of the worms.
  Where they spread, parasites destroy tissue with their anchoring organs (hooks, spines, cutting boards, horny spines). Injury causes tissue irritation and the development of an inflammatory response.

Some fast-growing parasites, such as cysticerci or hydatid cysts, are present in the brain, eyeballs, liver and other parts of the body, compressing surrounding tissues, often causing dysfunction of important organs and causing serious consequences.In the acquired stage of helminthiasis, metabolism is disrupted as the parasites continuously absorb valuable nutrients such as proteins, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins. Additionally, the absorption process of digested food in the intestines is disrupted. The acquired stage of most gastrointestinal helminth infections is usually asymptomatic, especially if the parasite is a single individual.Any symptoms of the disease will only appear if the parasite is large, such as roundworms or tapeworms.
With other helminthiasis, such as pinworms, nocturnal itching in the anal area may occur; intense attack of whipworms can lead to the development of hemorrhagic colitis; in children, symptoms of rectal prolapse may occur.How do you get infected with worms?You can get parasites in a variety of ways. In this case, the worms are carried by larvae that are barely visible to the naked eye.Main routes of infection:

• Lack of hygiene skills – dirty hands, working on the ground;
• Consumption of food contaminated with parasites - unwashed fruits and food eaten by the husband, as well as meat and fish without adequate heat treatment (kebabs, raw steaks, smoked foods, sushi, etc. );
• Drinking unboiled water contaminated with insect eggs;
• Contact with natural host animals for worms - cats and dogs, wild animals (hunting, fishing, working on fur farms);
• Contact with someone with helminthiasis - shaking hands, walking through bed sheets, doorknobs, etc.

What organs can worms live in?

Helminth parasites are divided into two categories, corresponding to their location in the donor's body:

• empty– Worms that live in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. There are approximately 100 species of intestinal parasites, with dozens found in every part of the intestines. The small intestine is primed to receive roundworms, slugs, tapeworms, and other less common "brothers. "The small intestine will "share living space" with pinworms, dwarf tapeworms, etc. The medical literature describes cases in which a person was infected with multiple parasites at the same time;
• fabric- Worms are found in organs, tissues and even blood. Modern medicine successfully treats paragonimiasis (lungs), cysticercosis (brain), hydatidosis (liver) and filariasis (lymphatic vessels). Some worm larvae move throughout the body through the circulatory system and attach themselves to any organ at random. If large numbers of eggs are introduced, the entire body can become infected.

How do you get infected with worms?

To protect yourself, you need to know 4 ways eggs are spread and infection is spread:

• Through soil and water - Geoworms. They develop in sand, soil and water, then enter the human body and begin laying eggs. Next, the eggs enter the external environment along with the excrement, waiting for the opportunity to infect new people. Eating unwashed vegetables and fruits, dirty hands, and food dust can all lead to soil worm infection. Some parasite eggs enter the body through the skin of the feet and ankles;
• through direct contact.Worms in domestic animals and humans are spread through hand contact, play, and joint activities.
• By eating contaminated food of animal origin - biological helminthiasis. Eating raw and lightly processed meat (kebabs, lard, cured meats, homemade game) and fish (sushi, dried fish, pickled fish) is potentially dangerous. Possibility of contracting intestinal infections and biological worms;
• for insect bites. This type of infection is very rare. These include intestinal myiasis, cantasia, and ascariasis. Not to be confused with the eggs of parasites and insect larvae, which are also deposited under the skin of animals and people (e. g. gadfly larvae).

Symptoms of worms

To understand how to get rid of worms in your body, you should know the symptoms of each type of tapeworm. Depending on the location of the dislocation, helminth infection may be:

• luminescent.Coeloid worms inhabit areas of the small and large intestines. For example, the area that roundworms and tapeworms inhabit is the small intestine. Pinworms live in the lower part of the small intestine, and whipworms live in the large intestine;
• Muscle (cell).They live in muscle cells, lung tissue, brain cells, liver, lymph nodes and eyes. Some worms are luminal and cellular because in their early stages they migrate with the blood circulation and reside in the organs mentioned above.

Symptoms of worms in adults can vary. As mentioned above, they are often easily confused with symptoms of other illnesses. In some cases, everything plays out according to the classic scenario of a mass infection. In this case, the signs of worms are likely to be similar in adults and children, with them being more noticeable in children. Significant symptoms of worm infection: itching of the anus, especially at night; sudden weight loss or, conversely, weight gain; anemia, externally manifested by pale skin; tired, haggard appearance.If you or your child starts to experience these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor and have your stool checked for the presence of parasite eggs. Of course, it's probably not their fault. Symptoms of worm infection are not always the cause of poor health, but in any case communication with a doctor is useful because the disease in the body is obvious.

Symptoms of human worms, first signs

The first symptoms of helminths in humans are always absent; for example, symptoms of a parasitic infection appear only when large numbers of worms (pinworms, roundworms) are present or when tapeworms reach a large size. The clinical manifestations of helminthiasis often mimic gastrointestinal pathology.However, in addition to the features of gastrointestinal lesions, there are also signs of other organ dysfunction.Symptoms that indicate the presence of worms in the body:

• Lack of appetite or, conversely, overeating, bitter mouth and excessive salivation;
• Strong cravings for sweets (worms feed on carbohydrates);
• Nausea, vomiting—sometimes worms crawl into the stomach, or their parts (segments) are found in vomit;
• Anal itching and teeth grinding during sleep often indicate pinworm disease;
• Unstable stool - often causes intestinal flora imbalance and helminth disease, accompanied by frequent changes in diarrhea and constipation; when the infection is severe, worms can be excreted in the feces;
• Flatulence - Bloating and rumbling in the stomach caused by toxins produced by worms;
• Periodic abdominal pain - diffuse, usually localized to the navel area, sometimes spasmodic;
• Cutaneous manifestations - sudden allergic rashes and suppurative formations (acne, boils) due to a decrease in local immunity and elimination of toxins through the skin, often in a severe form, together with weakness of the nails and excessive hair loss;
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Impaired nutrient absorption leading to anemia and weight loss, especially with large helminth colonies;
• Cough is a dry symptom of the pulmonary stage of helminthiasis (roundworm larvae enter the lungs with the blood); severe infection can lead to pneumonia;
• Obesity - Oddly enough, intestinal parasites can also cause obesity. When intestinal parasites feed on carbohydrates, it can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar, forcing people to eat more food while the body stores fat as reserves;
• Neurological symptoms - irritability, poor sleep quality or lethargy, persistent depression, decreased concentration, and memory problems are particularly noticeable in children with helminthiasis;
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Parasites often cause persistent weakness, prolonged temperature rise to 37-37. 5°C, flu-like symptoms and muscle aches;
• Pathology of the upper respiratory tract - slow runny nose, untreatable cough, even pneumonia and asthma are often caused by the presence of worms;
• Decreased immunity - accompanied by helminthiasis, intestinal flora dysbiosis and chronic poisoning, leading to frequent colds and pathologies that are indicators of immune deficiency (herpes, warts, etc. ), including tumor pathology.

The effects of helminthiasis on the nervous system deserve special attention. Any type of parasite will, during its life, produce products that the body considers foreign. Their toxic effects first affect the nervous system, causing irritability, depressive states and other disorders of emotional stability.

Flat parasites in humans. symptom

fluke

Flukes are found in the hepatic tubules. Causes cancer of digestive organs. You may become infected by consuming lightly salted raw fish products. Symptoms of worms in adults: Increased body temperature; vomiting; indigestion; soreness in the spleen and liver; allergies. The patient periodically feels dizzy, sleep is disturbed; migraines are observed; he becomes irritable; his mood changes frequently. Treatment of helminthiasis takes place in the hospital.

Schistosoma

Ways of contracting schistosomiasis include swimming in rechargeable batteries and drinking dirty water. Parasitizes small veins in the large intestine, abdominal cavity, small pelvis, uterus, and bladder. Probably located in the brain.Symptoms of worm infection include loss of appetite; disruption of the digestive system; pale skin; abdominal pain; indigestion; intestinal and uterine bleeding, weight loss, and intestinal obstruction. In women, it can cause irregular menstruation; miscarriages have been recorded during pregnancy due to the presence of worms.Impotence in men; decreased sperm quality (infertility). Children suffer from delayed growth and mental development. When brain cells are damaged, consciousness is impaired and paralysis and convulsions may occur. Such situations may result in death

model

Paragonom - Paragonimiasis: Cause of worms in humans: Consumption of freshwater crabs, fish, pork. The worm affects bronchial organs and lungs. Signs of worms in adults: An increase in body temperature; the person begins to cough, which lasts for a long time.When you cough, phlegm is produced. Migraine headaches observed; shortness of breath without exercise; impaired vision; vomiting.

Echinococcus

Echinococcus is a very dangerous tapeworm. May cause death. It lives with people for a long time and cannot express itself. The route of infection is through domestic animals, usually dogs. A person can become infected if he or she does not follow hygiene rules.Echinococcus tapeworms can cause cysts in human organs. Treatment of worms in adults can only be done surgically. Often affects the digestive system, respiratory system, brain, and bone tissue. Symptoms in adults depend on which organ is affected.Liver: Pain in this area, varying in nature, heaviness, fatigue, skin irritation, jaundice. Lungs: Sternal pain, cough, shortness of breath. Brain: Migraine, dizziness, paralysis, mental disorders, epilepsy. Bones: Injury to muscles and joints; frequent fractures observed.

tapeworm

Tapeworm is one of the largest parasites. Lives in the small intestine. The infection is caused by consuming lightly salted caviar that has not been properly heat treated.Symptoms of worms in the human body include frequent vomiting; abdominal pain; indigestion; loss of appetite; fatigue; anemia; low blood pressure; and migraines. Additionally, the pain can sometimes be so severe that it can lead to fainting.

bull tapeworm

Bovine tapeworm: The entry route is contaminated beef. Helminth infection colonizes the small intestine. How do you tell if an infection has occurred? Symptoms of worms in humans: stomach pain; severe nausea; excessive appetite; weight loss; stomach growling; bloating; increased bowel movements.

pork tapeworm

Pork tapeworms live in different organs. The route of infection is poor hygiene and unwashed fruits. You can tell a person has worms by dizziness, long-term and regular migraines. This person has poor sleep quality, often wakes up due to nightmares, is covered in "cold sweat", and will become irritable over time. Appetite is disturbed and belching occurs.

Dwarf tapeworm

Dwarf tapeworms reach humans through the mouth through dirty fruits and vegetables. Lives in the small intestine area. Symptoms: Fever, nausea, salivation, burping, heartburn, rhinitis, dry mucous membranes.

Roundworms in humans. symptom

roundworms

Roundworm: You can become infected after eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Tapeworms live in the small intestine. Signs of worms in a person: itching in the anus, the person feels the movement of worms, which can cause incredible discomfort. Your body temperature may rise, your lymph nodes may swell, and you may have headaches at night. The liver is enlarged, allergic symptoms are evident (urticaria in the areas of the feet and hands, skin diseases). Due to damage to the central nervous system, mental disorders occur - depression, convulsions, aggressive attacks, night nightmares. Digestive function is disturbed.

Pinworm

Pinworms: This parasite starts on dirty hands. Lives in the human large and small intestines. The source of infection is sick people and non-compliance with hygiene standards.First signs of worms: itching in the anal area (worse at night); I have a stomachache; I am sick; my sleep is disturbed. People are restless and irritable; they get tired quickly.Some people experience urinary incontinence against this background; manifestations of allergies. Girls with worms will have heavy vaginal discharge.

Trichinella spiralis

Trichinella spiralis is a dangerous worm infection. Symptoms don't always appear immediately. Route of infection: eating pork, vegetation near pastures. Helminth infection affects all systems and organs without exception.The following symptoms can cause worms in humans: loss of appetite; people feel constantly nauseous and experience periodic gag reflexes. Poor bowel movements and abdominal pain. A distinctive feature is facial swelling. Muscle pain; rash on skin; increased temperature.

hookworm

Hookworms are dangerous worms for adults. Symptoms may be severe or non-existent. The gastrointestinal tract (small intestine, duodenum) is affected. Route of infection: Contact with soil containing larvae; oral ingestion of soil-contaminated vegetables and herbs.Signs of the presence of worms: Itchy, irritated skin; coughing episodes (blood streaks may be seen in the phlegm); increased body temperature, migraines. The person feels dizzy and weak; bone pain (eg, ARVI). I suffered from hunger.After eating, a person will feel nauseous and may vomit. Almost every time after eating, my stomach will feel distended and painful. Diarrhea occurs two hours after eating. Instead, many people develop constipation due to impaired intestinal motility caused by worms. People can feel sleepy and tired even without physical activity.

Is it worth taking anti-helminth pills for prevention?

If one family member has pinworms, always give the entire family preventive treatment.Indications for prophylactic use of helminth drugs:

• Pets present;
• constant contact with the ground (playing with sand, villagers);
• Whether the child lives permanently in a closed group of children;
• Travel regularly to exotic countries;
• Hobbies: fishing, hunting, beach volleyball, football.