A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Every year, helminths (known as worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called "helminthiasis" and is considered very common.How to spot the first signs in time, what are the consequences of ignoring the symptoms, why is it important to consult a doctor before going to the pharmacy and what should pet owners know?Specialist parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answered these questions for us.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms should you know first?
— I think many have heard of the so-calledenterobiasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms of the genuspinworms(a medium-sized cavity worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, from the majority of known cases, up to 37% of people suffer from damage from these worms.Although I am personally sure that the number is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are studied, but adults are also infected.
In second placeascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the nematode class, familyround worms(a round worm of a reddish color (after death the color of the body changes to yellowish-white). Its prevalence in the population is several times lower, but the course of ascariasis is more severe and is characterized by a number of serious complications.
On average, about 20 species of helminths are found in countries.In addition, the infection can be combined, when different groups of helminths are detected in the body.
Symptoms of infection rarely appear immediately
— Where exactly do these parasites live in the human body?
"Locating them is complicated, there are many classifications and depending on the species, as well as the migration of the larvae, the worms can settle anywhere: in the liver, intestines, lungs and even the brain.
— Why are helminths dangerous?
— The danger will be determined by the degree of infestation, that is, by the number of larvae which have entered the body and their degree of development.Immunity plays an important role as most parasites are killed on arrival due to saliva, gastric fluid, enzymes and so on.Those helminths that still managed to survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
Symptomsboth children and adults can have very different:
- lack of appetite;
- indigestion?
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- persistent runny nose and cough.
- skin rashes;
- nocturnal itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Typically, the body gives the above signals in the later stages of the development of a helminthic infestation.In the initial stages, it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms do not like onions and garlic
— Why is it believed that children are more susceptible to infection than adults?
—First of all, in adults the body is stronger.Immunity is generally higher and deals better with uninvited guests.
Secondly, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.In children it is neutral.In adults, the acidity is higher, and helminths really do not like an acidic environment.
Thirdly, adults have a different diet.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (such as wormwood, tripoli, hypericum) and...alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes particularly caustic, which does not give a chance for life to many parasites that get there.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may indeed contain helminths.This is a definite risk.
With the vogue for a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices have appeared on many people's tables.This is good, they contain pesticides that suppress the growth of pests and even kill them.I would recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beet juices.
The nutrition of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who are more likely to agree to give their youngest sweet than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, he may well be allowed to try this vegetable, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby's health).
Unfortunately, today a beautiful and tasty fast food has appeared, which children love very much.But such food is fast, easily digestible carbohydrates, which do not change the acidity of the stomach upwards, but simply prepare a comfortable and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatment is prescribed?
— You should not make decisions alone, especially in relation to your children.If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine if there is an infection and what its extent is.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the feces for the presence of helminths (feces for worm eggs).A general blood test also helps.A possible problem is indicated by: low hemoglobin content, increased ESR, increased number of eosinophils.A modern method of laboratory diagnosis is also effective - the blood test using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of the specific body or the child's body, the specialist will choose the appropriate drug and (which is very important) its dose.
Why can't you just go to the drugstore and ask for "something for worms"?We must remember: drugs aimed at combating helminths are very toxic.To make sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Trust me, what you see may leave you in a state of shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the right treatment and while treating one thing, we do not cripple something else.
Great!Since enterobiosis is characterized by a fairly high transmissibility (the ability of infectious diseases to be transmitted from sick people or animals to healthy susceptible people (animals), it is necessary to examine the relatives of the infected person. Therefore, treatment may be necessary not only for the person who has helminthiasis, but also for all family members (even adults).
Worms live long enough in an open environment and are transmitted through contact and through objects from an infected person to a healthy person.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Lactating and pregnant women should be especially careful
— Are such drugs prescribed to pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable condition for pregnant women.It would be good to try to check everything and settle the matter at the stage of pregnancy planning.
If contamination is discovered, of course, the process cannot start.The problem must be solved.There are no specific anthelmintic drugs for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, having carefully examined the woman's condition, will follow the path of least resistance.He must choose an individual treatment regimen that will be effective, but at the same time gentle on the body in each specific case.
— Are worms transmitted from mother to child through milk?
- No.In contrast, milk contains immunoglobulins that protect the child.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so through touch, bottles, clothes and so on, she can still transmit the parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if a nursing mother is prescribed an anthelmintic drug, it should be warned that during this period it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial nutrition, since the toxic substances of the drug taken are also excreted with milk.The baby's body is not ready for such serious stress.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should I be checked for worms?
— Expert opinions here vary.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide courses of preventive medication in whole groups (in kindergartens, schools, work institutions).But if at least one person refused these actions, there is not much point in them.Even if the only one remains infected, as I already said, the chances of further spread of helminths are very high.
But this does not mean that you should not examine your body from time to time and help it if suddenly something is not right.An outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).During these periods, it would be good to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, do tests and check if everything is fine and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if a problem is detected, it would be good to warn the teacher of the kindergarten group or the teacher at school about it, so that they inform all other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, besides, cats, as a rule, transmit more of their kind than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocariasisto people.It is a helminthiasis from the nematode group, characterized by fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly and eosinophilia.
I still don't understand why we don't strictly ensure that there are more separate areas for walking pets and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside like in all civilized countries.Besides, it is mainly thanks to the excrement of the dogs that helminths spread throughout the area.In addition, you must admit that "mines" can often be found near playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog in the house, but the child has a whole bunch of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- Don't kiss pets.
- Don't leave them in your bed.
- Don't forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- ask your animal to be examined by a veterinarian in time.
- If your dog has worms, consult a doctor.most likely, the whole family will need to take the medicine.
- try to walk your pets to the right place.
I would like to draw the attention of lovers of all the unusual to the fact that before buying an exotic animal, study in detail the information about its physiology, make sure that it is healthy and learn about the possible dangers.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs and so on can bring pests into your home that our bodies are completely unaware of.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment.