verminit is 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 current stage of medical development, 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 should be carried out in special clinics during a complete examination.
Types of worms in humans
Representatives of helminths are identified on the basis of general characteristics and lifestyle, life cycle and development characteristics. It also considers how worms manifest 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; It can affect the respiratory system and the stomach. Representatives: needles, roundworms, whipworms;
- tapeworms.They can live in the intestines and migrate throughout the body for about 20 years. Large sizes reach 8-10 meters. Individuals of cattle and pig worms, tapeworms;
- flukes, trematodes.They appear in internal organs and subcutaneous tissue. It moves through all organs and can become life-threatening.
Each of the above groups has representatives that are most often found in humans.
And each of them poses a serious risk to the health and normal functioning of the body:
- roundwormIt can cause: appendicitis, jaundice, inflammation of the bile ducts;
- pink worm.It leads to complications: gastritis, allergic reactions, nervous disorders;
- the whipwormIt can cause dysentery, rectal prolapse;
- Toxocara.Appears in decreased vision, bronchitis, necrosis of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, impairment of brain function;
- echinococcus.It poses a risk in the form of anaphylactic shock, urticaria, enlargement of the liver, cyst formation and death;
- Trichinella.It can cause the formation of infiltration, damage to the heart and brain;
- Giardia.Consequences: anemia, gastritis, Quincke's edema, pancreatitis;
- strike worms.May cause intestinal dysfunction;
- wide strip.Promotes the development of anemia, hypovitaminosis, intestinal tissue necrosis, spinal cord damage;
- filariae.It can cause diseases: conjunctivitis, lymphadenitis, asthma, abscesses; pulmonary strokes. 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 under laboratory conditions.
Worm infection
It is not difficult for parasites to penetrate the human body. It is impossible to detect or identify them in the environment, as they are often in the stage of small larvae or microscopic eggs.
There are several methods and routes of infection:
- bodies of water In most parasites, the larvae pass 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;
- sand or moist soil. Together with feces, mainly eggs, are released for further development or search for a temporary carrier;
- dirty raw vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs. From the ground, 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 the appearance of parasites. 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 unequivocally determine whether a person has a helminthic infection.
How can you check if you really have worms?
To do this, there are general characteristic signs of the presence of worms in a person and methods for their determination:
- changes in appetite, including its increase and decrease;
- nervousness, fear, excitement. Fatigue and weakness may also appear;
- snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep;
- bowel problems, including diarrhea and constipation;
- bloating;
- headache, dizziness;
- swelling of the limbs;
- itching in the anus;
- increase in body temperature;
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- skin rash, rash;
- nausea, vomiting;
- stomach pain;
- fragility of hair and nails.
These are just a few signs that can 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 the most serious consequences of the presence of parasites in the body:
- intestinal dysfunction, dysbacteriosis;
- swelling, swelling;
- skin inflammation, urticaria;
- involuntary urination or urinary incontinence;
- respiratory diseases. Bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma;
- In girls, inflammation of the genital organs is possible;
- vomiting, nausea;
- itching and burning in the anus;
- severe abdominal pain and colic pain;
- sleep disturbance;
- nervousness,
- Newborns can 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 worsen the spread of parasites in the children's body. The consequences in such cases are unpredictable.
Tests for different worms
How to understand that a person is developing helminthiasis?
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 the appropriate research methods depending on the symptoms and signs of the parasites:
- scratchingThis 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 it is not always effective, since not all helminths are found in the discharge;
- general chemical blood test.This allows you to determine only the inflammatory process from indicators of low hemoglobin levels, and also takes into account leukocytes;
- CPR diagnosis.This method consists in studying the DNA material of the parasite found in the blood in comparison with the available samples. It provides an accurate determination of the class of helminths and their quantity;
- linked immunosorbent assay.This method is also based on the patient's blood analysis. The detected samples of IgM and IgG antibodies indicate a protective reaction of the immune system against the worms.
In addition, ultrasound, radiography and tomography may be prescribed. The need for them is associated with the migration of parasites through the organs and the frequent change of their location. The method of obtaining a biopsy or probing is also used to obtain material from the affected organs. The choice of diagnostic method depends on the class of the helminth and the effect on the organs.
Worms: treatment for adults and children
It is important to understand that in most cases the process of treating diseases caused by helminthic 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 should be done 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 small children and newborns. The powerful components of medical 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 can indicate the presence of worms in a person?
Symptoms of worms can 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, and diagnostic survey 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 disorders and allergic reactions.
Tip #2
Contact your doctor for special stool or blood tests to check for worm eggs or antibodies to them.