Symptoms of human worms

Worm infections often cause severe discomfort and health problems in people. Symptoms of worms can vary: fever, weakness, upset stomach, headache, etc.

Worms - what are they?

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 again swallowed 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 (coughing, asthma attacks, increased body temperature, allergic rashes), whereas the presence of small numbers of adult worms in the intestines may not manifest itself in any way.

What is helminthiasis (helminthiasis) - symptoms of helminths

The term "helminthiasis" generally refers to a variety of human diseases predicated on various parasites - helminths (another collective name for these parasites - helminths).Unlike diseases caused by bacteria, protozoa, or fungi, the number of adult worms in a person infected with helminthiasis does not increase at any one time (except in the case of reinfection). This is because worms can only reproduce outside the human body.

what are these?

There are over a hundred species of worms known to medicine. The following are the most common types of worms:

• Pinworms are small worms found in the human body that can grow up to 12 mm in length. This type of worm is diagnosed in the intestinal mucosa. Parasites enter the body through the respiratory tract along with dust and are easily spread from person to person.
• Roundworms are large roundworms most commonly found in the small intestine. Infections in the body occur through unwashed hands and food. More commonly, roundworms are found in children.
• Trichinella spiralis - These parasites have round bodies, no more than 5 mm in length, and can cause trichinellosis in the body. Larvae and eggs prefer poorly fried meat (boar, pork, bear). In the human body, Trichinella spiralis takes up to 4 days to become an adult and has a life cycle of 40 days. The main goal of this worm is to enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall and settle in the muscles. In addition, muscles of the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems are often affected.
• Pork/cattle tapeworm. The parasite is 5-6 meters long and its larvae are hidden in the meat of large animals (pork, cattle). The diseases caused by these worms are called taeniasis and taeniasis. The larvae of both tapeworm species are white vesicles that attach to the walls of the small intestine. It takes 3 months for the parasite to reach and form an adult, and the worms are developing every day. There are 2, 000 segments in total, with the last segment free to "furrow" in the large intestine. The worms then leave the body through the anus along with the feces. The most common and obvious symptoms of helminthiasis are damage to the digestive tract and heavy eating, without significant weight gain.
• Nematodes/hookworms. The link between these parasites is direct due to the diseases they cause and their biological properties. They live in the duodenum and due to their small size (10-15 mm) they can move freely in the environment. The larvae can only enter the body through the skin if a person has come into contact with contaminated soil. Further targets of the worms are the lungs and digestive tract. They feed only on the blood flowing from the blood vessels that have been bitten. Due to the vigorous activity of these parasites, blood coagulation is disrupted. Adults consume blood in the range of 0. 1-0. 35 ml per day.
• Echinococcus tapeworm. In this case, humans serve as intermediate hosts, as the final hosts are wolves, cats, and dogs. Animals may become infected through direct contact with contaminated objects or people. As soon as the parasite eggs enter the intestine, they immediately develop into larvae with six hooks, which are medically called "oncospheres. "
• Whipworm is diagnosed in a person's stomach. These are thin and large worms.

You can determine the type of worms by looking at the color of your stool when the worms appear. Infection occurs through vegetables and meat that have not been adequately heat treated. You can avoid infection by following food preparation rules.

How common and dangerous are worms?

Symptoms of worms. Modern epidemiological research data show that every 4 people in the world are infected with worms. The incidence of helminth infections is significantly higher in children than in adults. In children and adults, helminths may be a prerequisite for various acquired diseases of internal organs (gastritis, pancreatitis, enterocolitis, cholecystitis) and sometimes lead to unsafe complications and death.According to data from global health organizations and the Global Disease Bank, helminthiasis ranks fourth among all other diseases and injuries in terms of economic harm.In our area, there are more than 15 species of helminths, the most common of which are pinwormiasis (accounting for about 90% of helminthiasis patients), ascariasis (70%), opidiasis, dilofilariasis, trichocephalosisdisease (60%), toxocariasis (60%) and membranous dermatosis. It is clear from the statistics that almost all patients, especially children, are infected with multiple forms of helminths at the same time.

Where do worms spread in humans?

Many people believe that worms must live in the intestines, and for some types of worms this is certainly true. Generally speaking, worms are found in a variety of organs and systems in the human body:

• All types of tapeworms, whipworms, and nematodes "settle" in the large intestine;
• Flukes attack the liver and gallbladder;
• Pork tapeworm larvae can spread through the bloodstream to all organs - subcutaneous fat tissue, eye chambers and blood vessels in the muscles may all be affected.

How do you get infected with worms?

How do worms enter the human body? There are four main sources of parasite eggs entering the body:geohelminths- through soil (and then water) containing many mature eggs of worms, which pass into the ground with human or animal feces, and through direct contact with animals and through flies transferring eggs to food - from human pinworms, etc. which are well known andThe most common worms are transmitted to humans; this is the highest risk of infection.Biological helminthiasis- When eating raw, medium-rare or slightly heat-treated meat (pork, beef) or fish infected with worms (sushi, kebabs, dried fish, lard with strips of meat, etc. ). Some parasites enter the body through insect bitesThe primary mechanism of any infection is usually oral feces, that is, the person simply swallows the eggs with food, water, and rarely, some helminth infections are caused by the bite of an infected insect. Undercooked meat and raw fish are understandable, but how about contracting worms through contact and household contact and through soil?

through soil

After contact with dirt or sand, not only wash your hands, but also clean your nails thoroughly; it is best to keep your nails short, especially for children. Food that grows underground - vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries, mushrooms, everything connected to the ground needs to be thoroughly washed under running water and scalded in boiling water. Pets, mainly dogs and cats, walking on the streets bring large amounts of sewage indoors, and children who play with them are at greatest risk; animals can easily become infected with any type of worm. Flies are also major carriers of the parasite. In public toilets and in areas where agricultural livestock live, flies will calmly land on food and spread the eggs on their wings and claws.

from one person to another

Pinworms can easily infect other people. When female pinworms crawl out of the intestines at night, they will lay about 5, 000 eggs near the anus, causing severe itching; when children scratch the itchy places, they will be infected with pinworms on their hands, nails, underwear and sheets. Insect eggs. If he doesn't wash his hands immediately, hundreds of eggs will remain on everything he touches - doorknobs, clothes, food, toys. Furthermore, the infection process is clear; eggs can also be deposited on the hands of another child or adult using these items, and the eggs can eventually enter the mouth of a healthy person without washing hands before eating.

through water

Large numbers of eggs end up in open water bodies and well water. Therefore, people living in rural or rural areas should use sterilizing filters and be sure to boil water; there is also a danger of swallowing water while swimming in open water.Everyone knows that worms are mainly a problem for children. First, children are most susceptible to helminth disease because the protective barrier in their bodies has not yet formed and their stomachs are less acidic than adults. Second, preschoolers take charge of the world, trying out all the objects around them not only with their hands, but also with their sense of taste. Parents, on the other hand, can hopefully teach their children to adhere to strict personal hygiene rules without reminders when their children are 3-6 years old, putting not only the child but all family members at risk. Infection (pinworm).It should be remembered that no worm can reproduce and reproduce in the human body, and each species has its own time of death, for example only a few weeks for pinworms and about a year for roundworms. The eggs laid by the adult worms must leave the body in the feces or (in the case of pinworms) on the skin near the anus, enter the external environment, enter the soil, mature outside the body and enter the body again, where they begin to become active and parasitic.

Symptoms of worms

The development of helminthiasis usually occurs in two stages: the acute phase - from two or three weeks to two months, and the chronic phase - from several months to many years.The acute phase coincides with the introduction and development of the parasite and is characterized primarily by immune and allergic reactions to foreign antigens. The symptoms of this stage of helminthiasis are similar when different types of parasites are introduced.The chronic phase is characterized by diversity: depending on the location, number and lifestyle of the worms, the functioning of multiple organs and systems is disrupted. By integrating into the metabolic system and consuming essential substances of their own, parasites can cause disorders manifested by impaired digestion and absorption of vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals. Not only do helminth waste products suppress normal intestinal microbiota, they also reduce immunity, promote the development of chronic bacterial infections, and reduce the effectiveness of preventive vaccinations.The increased risk of malignancy is associated with a negative impact on the immune system and an enhancement of the process of cell division (regeneration) in damaged tissue.The first signs of helminthiasis development may appear within 2-3 days (ascariasis) to 1. 5 years (filariasis). In most cases, this period is 2-3 weeks. Rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, muscle and joint pain occur during the onset. Some helminthiasis have specific symptoms, such as opiates (liver fluke) jaundice or trichinellosis fever, muscle pain, and swelling of the face and eyelids.In the chronic stage, the presence of individual worm specimens causes few symptoms, the exception may be the presence of large specimens such as tapeworms and roundworms. Symptoms of worm infection include digestive disorders (nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, loose stools) and specific signs if the infection is more widespread. For example, with pinworms, anal itching worsens in the evening and at night.

Trichocephaly is hemorrhagic (with bleeding) colitis. Suffering from hookworm disease - iron deficiency anemia. With ascariasis, mechanical obstruction of the intestines and bile ducts may occur. When helminthiasis is accompanied by liver damage, chronic hepatitis and inflammation of the biliary tract (cholecystitis, cholangitis) may occur.

A special place is occupied by helminthiasis accompanied by cysts (the formation of fluid within the membrane): hydatidosis, alveolarosis, cysticercosis. Even large cysts may not manifest themselves in any way, but their suppuration or rupture can lead to serious consequences, such as: anaphylactic shock, peritonitis, purulent pleurisy. Helminthosis may be accompanied by vegetative vascular weakness and neurotic symptoms. Let us consider in more detail the most common special cases of helminthiasis.

Diagnosis of worms. worm treatment

For pinworms, the main conditions for successful treatment are simultaneous deworming of all family members (or a team of children), strict hygiene measures and a repeat dose 10-14 days after the first dose.

Folk Remedies for Treating Worms

Traditional treatments include medicinal plants with anthelmintic and laxative properties. Even in ancient times, healers recommended the use of juices of Elecampane and Celandine to repel insects. Carrots and carrot juice also have insect repellent properties. Often in traditional medicine recipes you can find walnuts, pomegranates, mint, and even more commonly garlic in the form of nutraceuticals or enemas. Mugwort decoction is administered as an enema or orally. Pumpkin seeds are an officially recognized medical treatment for worms. In folk medicine, the use of medicinal plants is often combined with salt water laxatives. Although the effectiveness of medicinal plants is not that high, they are likely to be used as a preventive or supplement to traditional treatments for helminthiasis.

Complications of helminthiasis

Complications of helminthiasis are mainly related to the mechanical action of the parasite on the organs; tissue destruction sometimes leads to fatal dysfunction of the affected organs. Increased bacterial infection at the site of mechanical injury is a common complication that masks the presence of internal parasites. For vulnerable people, seeing the parasite (for example when being evicted) can cause severe psychological trauma, requiring long-term rehabilitation.

Prevent worms

This includes prompt identification and treatment of sick people and animals, compliance with personal hygiene measures (washing hands before meals, washing food thoroughly, strict heat treatment of food, especially meat and fish).

FAQ

What symptoms may indicate the presence of worms in a person's body?

Symptoms of worms may include persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, itching of the anal area, and digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.

How to tell if a person has parasites?

To determine if worms are present in a person's body, you can have your stool tested for worm eggs or a blood test to determine if worm antibodies are present. The doctor may also prescribe an ultrasound or other diagnostic procedure to confirm the diagnosis.

What precautions can be taken to prevent worm infections?

To prevent worm infection, regular hand washing with soap and water is recommended, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You should also avoid contact with contaminated soil or water, drink only clean drinking water, and cook your food correctly to destroy any possible eggs.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Watch for changes in appetite and weight. If you or your child feel constantly hungry or, conversely, have a loss of appetite, this may be a sign of a worm infection.

Tip #2

Pay attention to the condition of your skin and hair. If you or your child develops a rash, itching, or changes in hair texture (such as brittleness or hair loss), it may be due to the presence of worms.

Tip #3

Pay attention to the function of the gastrointestinal tract. If you or your child have frequent abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea, it may be due to a worm infection.