A person can be a carrier of four hundred types of parasites.Every year, helminths (popularly called worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called “helminthiasis” and is considered very common.How do you recognize the first signs in time, what are the consequences of ignoring symptoms, why is it important to see 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 about first?
— I think many have heard of the so-calledEnterobiasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by worms in this genusPinworms(a medium-sized cave worm, belongs to the group of white or gray-white roundworms).According to the latest data, up to 37% of people suffer damage from these worms in most known cases.Although I am personally convinced that the number is underestimated, since mainly groups of children are examined, but adults also become infected.
SecondAscariasisis a type of helminthiasis caused by roundworms belonging to the nematode class, familyRoundworms(a roundworm of reddish color (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 is characterized by a number of serious complications.
On average, about 20 species of helminths are found in the countries.In addition, 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 localization is complex, there are many classifications and depending on the type and migration of the larvae, worms can settle anywhere: in the liver, in the intestines, in the lungs and even in the brain.”
— Why are helminths dangerous?
— The danger is determined by the degree of infestation, i.e. by the number of larvae that have penetrated the body and the degree of their development.Immunity plays a big role as most parasites die upon arrival through saliva, gastric juice, enzymes, etc.The surviving helminths infect the body and impair its harmonious functioning.
SymptomsBoth children and adults can be very different:
- loss of appetite;
- digestive disorders;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- persistent runny nose and cough;
- rashes;
- nighttime itching around the anus;
- pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
and so forth.
Typically, the body emits the above-mentioned signals in the later stages of development of a helminth infestation.At the initial stage it is quite difficult to suspect anything.
Worms don't like onions and garlic
— Why are children thought to be more susceptible to infections than adults?
—First of all, in adults the body is stronger.Immunity is generally higher and he copes better with uninvited guests.
Second, the pH value in the stomach of babies and their parents is different.In children it is neutral.In adults, acidity is higher and helminths really don't like an acidic environment.
ThirdAdults eat differently.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, hot spices, bitter herbs (like wormwood, tripoli, St. John's wort) and... alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juice becomes particularly caustic, which gives many parasites that get there no chance to live.However, adults also consume unheated fish, meat and seafood, which may actually contain helminths.That is a certain risk.
With the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juices have appeared on many people's tables.That's 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 nutrition of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who are more willing to give their youngest sweets than onions (albeit in small quantities, of course, if the child wants, he can certainly try this vegetable, taking into account the individual health characteristics of the baby).
Unfortunately, today beautiful and tasty fast food appeared that children love very much.However, such foods are quick, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not increase the acidity of the stomach, but simply create a cozy and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatment is prescribed?
— You should not make decisions alone, especially regarding your children.If you have any suspicions, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will order a test, the results of which will determine whether there is an infection and how large it is.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the stool 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 diagnostics is also effective - blood testing using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained, as well as the characteristics of your particular body or the child's body, the specialist selects the appropriate drug and (which is very important) its dose.
Why can't you just go to the pharmacy and ask for “something against worms”?We must remember: medicines used to combat helminths are very toxic.To make sure of this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Believe me, what you see can leave you in a state of shock.That's why it's so important that the doctor prescribes the right treatment and that we cure one thing but not paralyze something else.
Important!Since enterobiasis is characterized by a relatively high risk of infection (the ability to transmit infectious diseases 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 suffering from helminthiasis, but for all family members (adults, children and even pets).
Worms live long enough in an open environment and are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through contact and through objects.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women need to be particularly careful
— Are such medications prescribed to pregnant women?
— Helminthiasis is an extremely undesirable situation for pregnant women.It would be good to try to check everything and clarify the problem already at the pregnancy planning stage.
Of course, if an infection is discovered, the process cannot be started.The problem must be solved.There are no specific anthelmintics for pregnant women.Therefore, after carefully examining the woman's condition, the doctor will take the path of least resistance.He must select an individual treatment regimen that is effective in each individual case but at the same time gentle on the body.
— Are worms passed 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 she can still transmit parasite larvae through touch, bottles, clothing, etc.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if a nursing mother is prescribed an anthelmintic drug, she should be warned that during this period the child must be transferred to artificial feeding, since the toxic substances of the drug taken are also excreted with milk.The baby's body is not ready for such a heavy load.
Dog worms are more dangerous to humans than cat worms
— How often should I get tested for the presence of worms?
— The opinions of the experts differ here.Many epidemiologists believe it is necessary to provide entire groups (in kindergartens, schools, work facilities) with preventive medication.But if at least one person opposes these actions, they don't have much meaning.As I said, even if the only infected person remains, the likelihood of further spread of helminths is very high.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check your body every now and then and help it if something suddenly seems wrong.An outbreak of the disease is usually observed in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).In these times, it would be good to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, get tested and check if everything is fine, and at the same time (if we are talking about children) if a problem is detected, inform the group teacher in kindergarten or the teacher at school so that they can inform all other parents and take action.
— Are helminths transmitted from the animal to the owner?
- Yes, besides, cats usually transmit more of their kind than dogs, but the helminths of the latter are more serious.For example, dogs can causeToxocariosisin humans.This is a helminthiasis from the nematode group, which is 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 pets to go out and why owners don't clean up after their pets outside, as is the case in all civilized countries.After all, it is mainly thanks to dog excrement that helminths spread in the area.In addition, you must admit that “mines” are often found near children's playgrounds.So it turns out that there is no dog at home, but the child has a whole set of characteristic worms.
If you have a pet, remember the following rules:
- do not kiss pets;
- don't let her into your bed;
- Don't forget to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Have your animal examined by a veterinarian in good time;
- If your dog has worms, consult a doctor;most likely the whole family will have 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 buying an exotic animal, you should thoroughly find out about its physiology, be sure of its health and find out about possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, etc. can bring parasites into your home that our body is completely unfamiliar with.All of this sometimes leads to great difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment.