Helminth infections belong to a group of diseases that are common in humans and animals. It is caused by the infiltration of various worms into the body, of which there are more than three hundred in our time. Parasites are mainly found in the gut and liver, but some species are able to penetrate the lungs, heart, brain and other vital organs, which can lead to very serious consequences. It is important to detect the presence of worms in the body early and take steps to eliminate them to avoid health problems. After all, the disease has many consequences, up to death. But it's hard to tell if there's a worm infestation in the body because the symptoms are similar to other diseases, and it's hard to say exactly which infection is attacking the body. It is important to understand what to look for when contacting a parasitologist.
Types of worms that are harmful to humans
Worms that pose a danger to humans are divided into two groups:
- Cavities - Pinworms, roundworms, whipworms, broad tapeworms, and other parasites that live in the gut.
- Tissue - Echinococcosis, paragonimiasis, cysticercosis and other types of parasites that can spread to and affect all vital internal organs.
In most cases, the following types of helminthic infestations are diagnosed in humans: Ascariasis, Ascariasis, Trichuris, Strongyloidiasis.
Worm infection method
There are many ways in which parasite larvae enter the human body, among which the main ones can be distinguished:
- Contact - The larvae are spread from person to person.
- Via insect bites.
- through the soil
- through the water.
- with dust particles.
- from poorly heat-treated foods.
- fecal mouth.
Initial appearance of worms in the body
Once inside the human body, the worms do not manifest immediately. This is the main problem. The first signs of a worm invasion may appear only two weeks later. These include:
- increased body temperature;
- rash;
- abdominal pain;
- loss of appetite;
- headache;
- Destruction of the gut.
Many problems can be avoided if you consult your doctor promptly after you feel the first signs.
Symptoms of the presence of worms in the human body
Inside the body, parasites eat most of the nutrients and vitamins, which can significantly affect health.
Symptoms of worm infestation in adults:
- the presence of allergies;
- the appearance of acne and boils;
- annoying cough;
- decrease in immunity;
- Depressed and irritable states;
- joint pain;
- Digestive system diseases.
Symptoms of a worm infection in the lungs
A worm infecting the lungs can be asymptomatic for years. After the parasite invades the human body, it will actively multiply, and when it reaches a considerable number, the following symptoms will appear:
- weakness and lack of strength;
- Difficulty breathing;
- wet cough;
- chest pain and discomfort;
- nausea and vomiting;
- Decreased appetite and weight loss.
Where the parasite enters the lungs, adhesions form, which change in shape over time. Parasites can cause diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and pleurisy. In advanced cases, fatal results can occur.
Main symptoms of intestinal worms
Most of the time, the habitat of worms in humans is the gut. When the worms begin to actively reproduce, the first symptoms appear:
- indigestion;
- nausea;
- flatulence;
- lack of strength and fatigue;
- anal itching;
- Dermatitis and eczema on the skin.
The parasite poisons the body with the products of its vital activities, all of which lead to a general state of weakness and apathy.
Symptoms of worms in the stomach
This place is also a favorite of bugs, and the symptoms are as follows:
- Often indigestion, constipation can suddenly turn into diarrhea;
- stomach and navel pain;
- decreased appetite;
- persistent hunger;
- gnashing of teeth;
- Insomnia.
signs of heartworm infection
This type of parasite occurs in humans due to insect bites. There are two forms of heartworm disease - eye and skin:
- The cutaneous form is the most common and can emerge from a mosquito bite, where a small seal forms and gradually migrates under the skin, causing discomfort. If qualified help is not sought in a timely manner, severe redness and pain may occur in the affected area.
- In the ocular form, the parasite lives under the skin of the eyelid and has the potential to penetrate the eyeball. Symptoms are redness, conjunctivitis and itching sensation in the affected area, in addition to this, one often feels a foreign body in the eye. All this is accompanied by insomnia, increased nervousness and general weakness.
Symptoms of Throat Worms
The throat is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. When it is inflamed, we experience immediate pain and discomfort, but sometimes you can feel a strong itching and churning in the throat, usually caused by worms. It is worth noting that the parasites cannot live in the throat as this is not a favorable habitat for them. The parasites that happen to develop in the digestive system grow large enough to pass through the esophagus and into the throat, which is often accompanied by choking and a violent cough.
Symptoms of a worm invading the brain
Brain damage usually occurs through the nasal passages. When entering the brain, the worms infect the cortical center, destroying brain cells and actively multiplying. Dead tissue is not dead cells, but dead tissue that causes an inflammatory process in the brain. If emergency medical care is not provided to the patient, he could die within two weeks.
symptom:
- severe pain in the head;
- Vomit;
- hallucination;
- weakness.
Symptoms of Worms Invading Human Blood
Blood is the habitat of several types of worms that have very adverse effects on the body. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness;
- fever;
- joint pain;
- numbness of the limbs;
- Swollen lymph nodes.
How to Identify a Worm Invasion by a Rash
One of the main manifestations of the presence of worms is a severe deterioration of the skin condition and the appearance of various rashes. This is due to the toxic substances released by the parasite. The most typical signs are as follows:
- measles;
- severe itching;
- allergic rhinitis;
- dermatitis;
- psoriasis;
- the appearance of papilloma;
- brittle nails;
- increased hair loss;
- Acne and boils.
But you should not attribute all skin manifestations to the presence of worms in the body, the reasons may vary and only a dermatologist can determine them after conducting research.
Symptoms of helminthiasis in the form of metabolic disorders
Failure of the body's metabolic processes should also be a cause for alarm. Parasitic infection should be considered if there is a dramatic weight loss or gain, anemia, or vitamin deficiency in the presence of a normal diet. Rapid weight loss may be due to the worms absorbing all the nutrients a person consumes. The toxins secreted by the worms can cause weight gain, and in response to them, the body needs more food to get rid of the toxins.
symptoms from the immune system
Since parasites eat all the nutrients and vitamins that enter the body, the immune system is strongly suppressed and the person becomes susceptible to all infectious diseases and inflammatory processes of various organs. Chronic diseases are also on the rise.
nervous system
From the nervous system side, worm invasion manifests with the following symptoms:
- Insomnia;
- increased fatigue;
- memory impairment;
- Depressed state;
- Activity and performance drop.
Signs of infection in children
notes! In children, the presence of pinworms and roundworms is most commonly diagnosed.
A worm infection in children has the following symptoms:
- poor appetite;
- pale skin on the face;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- Poor sleep, grinding teeth in dreams;
- headache, dizziness;
- General state of lethargy and weakness;
- worms in the child's stool;
- anal itching;
- indigestion;
- a lot of saliva in the mouth;
- drowsiness and fatigue;
- Elevated body temperature for no apparent reason;
- Allergic reactions, dermatitis, urticaria;
- Inflammatory processes of the genitals;
- bad breath;
- fever;
- annoying cough;
- nausea and vomiting;
- Frequent colds.
Suggest! If the baby shows three or more signs, seek medical attention immediately. Often, even a study of stool does not give accurate results, so a thorough examination will be most effective.
It is important to understand that the few adult worms in the body rarely produce any symptoms of worm invasion in adults and children. Infection can be confirmed or denied only through laboratory tests and research prescribed by a parasitologist on an individual basis.
Diagnosis of Helminthiasis
Since the body can only be treated from parasites after they have been detected, and the symptoms of infection are similar to other diseases, an effective diagnosis is important. Her methods include:
- Serological analysis - to detect helminth antibodies in the blood;
- Fecal analysis - helps identify the presence of larval and adult fragments;
- vaginal examination - a study of scratches, performed near the anus;
- Check for dysbacteriosis;
- CT scan;
- endoscopy;
- Ultrasound.
Worm infections are easy but difficult to treat, especially with chronic worm infestations. The course of treatment includes antiparasitic drugs, immunomodulators, and adsorbents. Treatment options are prescribed only by doctors, and self-medication is not only useless, but dangerous.
Preventive measures for parasitic infections
Preventing worm infestations is extremely important for children and adults, and following certain rules can significantly reduce the chances of contracting parasites. Often, worm infestations in humans are due to a lack of basic hygiene:
- Always wash your hands before using any food, when returning home from the street, and after contact with animals;
- Well, it's better to use specialty products, wash fruits and vegetables or blanch them with boiling water before eating;
- Drink only pure or boiled water;
- try to avoid insect bites;
- fish, meat and other similar products undergo a thorough heat treatment;
- Make sure your child's nails are cut short;
- Regular cleaning of children's toys with special products;
- Always boil items used by the patient for five minutes;
- Check children and adults for worms twice a year;
- When weaning your baby, put your hands and other objects in your mouth, especially those that come into contact with the soil.
The implementation of these measures is not difficult. Following them will be enough to protect you and your child from parasites. If something is missed and symptoms of a worm infestation begin to appear, treatment should be started immediately to prevent complications.