A person can carry four hundred types of parasites.Every year, helminths (popularly known as worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called “helminthiasis” and is considered very common.How to identify the first signs in time, what are the consequences of ignoring symptoms, why is it important to consult a doctor before going to the pharmacy and what should pet owners know?Expert 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 genusworms(a medium-sized cavity worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the most recent data, of the majority of known cases, up to 37% of people suffer damage caused by these worms.Although I personally am sure that the number is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are studied, but adults are also infected.
Secondlyascariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the nematode class, familyroundworms(reddish roundworm (after death the body color changes to yellowish white). Its prevalence in the population is several times lower, but the course of ascariasis is more severe and characterized by a number of serious complications.
On average, around 20 species of helminths are found in countries.Also, 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?
“Their location is complex, 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 that have entered the body and the degree of their development.Immunity plays an important role as most parasites die upon arrival due to saliva, gastric juice, enzymes and so on.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;
- nighttime itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so on.
Normally, the body gives the above signals at later stages of the development of helminth infestation.In the early stages, it is very difficult to suspect anything.
Worms don't like onions and garlic
— Why are children believed to be more susceptible to infection than adults?
-First of all, in adults the body is stronger.Immunity is generally higher and copes better with unwanted guests.
Secondly, the pH level in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.In children it is neutral.In adults, acidity is greater and helminths really don't like an acidic environment.
Thirdly, adults have a different diet.What increases acidity?Onion, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (such as wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and... alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes especially caustic, which does not give many parasites that get there a chance to live.Although adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may in fact contain helminths.This is a certain risk.
With the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, natural juices have appeared on many people's tables.This is good, they contain phytoncides that suppress the development of parasites and even kill them.I would recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beetroot juices.
The diet of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who are more likely to agree to give sweets to the youngest than onions (although in small quantities, if the child wants, he can very well try this vegetable, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby's health).
Unfortunately, today a beautiful and tasty fast food appeared, which children love.But these foods are fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not increase the acidity of the stomach, but simply prepare a cozy and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatment is prescribed?
— You shouldn't make decisions alone, especially regarding your children.If you have any suspicions, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order an examination whose results will determine whether there is an infection and its extent.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine feces for 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 diagnostics is also effective - blood tests using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your particular body or the child's body, the specialist will select the appropriate medicine and (which is very important) its dose.
Why can't you just go to the pharmacy and ask for “something for worms”?We must remember: medicines designed to combat helminths are very toxic.To be sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Believe me, what you see may leave you in shock.That is why it is so important that the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment and, while we cure one thing, we do not mutilate another.
Important!Since enterobiasis is characterized by a fairly high contagiousness (the ability of infectious diseases to be transmitted from sick people or animals to susceptible healthy 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 (adults, children and even pets).
The worms live long enough in an open environment and are transmitted by contact and through objects from an infested person to a healthy person.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women need to be especially careful
— Are these medications prescribed for pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be nice to try to check everything and resolve the issue already at the stage of pregnancy planning.
If an infection is discovered, of course, the process cannot be started.The problem needs to be resolved.There are no special anthelmintic medications for pregnant women.Therefore, the doctor, having carefully examined the woman's condition, will follow the path of least resistance.He must select 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. On the contrary, milk contains immunoglobulins that protect the child.But the mother is in contact with the baby, so through touch, bottles, clothing and so on, she can still transmit parasite larvae.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if an anthelmintic is prescribed to a nursing mother, she should be warned that during this period it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial feeding, since the toxic substances from the ingested medicine are also excreted along with the milk.The baby's body is not prepared for such serious stress.
Canine worms are more dangerous to humans than feline worms
— How often should I test for worms?
— Expert opinions here vary.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide courses on preventive medicines for entire groups (in kindergartens, schools, work institutions).But if at least one person refused these actions, there is not much point in them.Even if you remain the only one infected, as I said, the chances of further dissemination of helminths are very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check your body from time to time and help it if something suddenly goes wrong.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, take the test and check if everything is ok, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if a problem is identified, it would be a good idea to notify the kindergarten class teacher or the school teacher about it, so that they inform all other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, in addition, cats, as a rule, transmit more of their species than dogs, but the latter's helminths are more serious.For example, dogs can causetoxocariasisin humans.It is a helminthiasis of 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 pets outside like in all civilized countries.After all, it is mainly thanks to dog feces that helminths spread throughout the area.In addition, it must be admitted that “mines” can often be found near children's playgrounds.It turns out that there is no dog in the house, but the child has a bunch of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- do not kiss pets;
- do not let them into your bed;
- don't forget to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating;
- have your pet examined by a veterinarian in a timely manner;
- if your dog has worms, see a doctor;most likely, the whole family will need to take the medicine;
- try to walk your pets in the right place.
I would like to draw the attention of lovers of everything unusual to the fact that before purchasing an exotic animal, study the information about its physiology in detail, make sure it is healthy and find out about the possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs and so on can bring parasites into your home that our body is not familiar with.All this sometimes leads to great difficulties both in diagnosis and treatment.