The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents that describe parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to today's classification, date back to the 6th century BC.They come from the century.
The now ubiquitous term "helminth" was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about the parasites has been collected.
There are currently more than 100,000 species.
This diversity of worms is classified as lower worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They can be divided into four classes:
- flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (worms);
- roundworms, which include a broad class of nematodes;
- spiny-headed worms;
- annelids.
In the human body, the first two types of helminths (more than 250 species in total) are parasites.Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the bodies of humans or animals, which are called hosts.
All parasites can be divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the "host";
- biohelminths,their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the development process such worms can change several "hosts".
There is also a group of so-called infectious helminths.These parasites can be spread in the human body through close contact with an infected person;this type includes bollworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematode helminthic infections are:
- ascariasis caused by human roundworm;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, caused by whipworm infection;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by hookworm and necator parasitism;
- strongyloidiasis, the cause of intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinellosis caused by one of the four types of trichinella;
- filariasis, caused by filariae, also known as filament.
The following diseases can be distinguished from cestodiases:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- for teniarin caused by cattle tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pig tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcus tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
Among trematodes, the following helminthiasis are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, caused by cat fluke parasitism;
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese fluke;
- metagonimiasis, pathogen - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (urogenital, intestinal, Japanese) caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoan diseases, which are caused by the presence of single-celled protozoa: amoebas, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in soil, sandpits, railings, common household items, toys, swimming pool, bath and sauna towels, ponds, pet fur, paws and saliva.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always happen.In the vast majority of cases, the parasites in the body of a healthy person die and are excreted from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immune deficiency, digestive system and endocrine system diseases, the worm larvae further transform into adult males and females.
Their life activity is accompanied by the following:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- lack of minerals and proteins;
- the development of an allergic reaction, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- the negative effect of the toxic waste products of helminths.
Moreover, almost all parasites mechanically damage different tissues at every stage of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) damage the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes when they enter the body.The dwarf tapeworm causes changes in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine down to the deepest layers.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, the worms get into the main blood vessels, and from there into almost every organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the leading symptoms of the disease.The penetration of helminths in some way affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion, the clinical symptoms, and the method of treatment depend on the type of parasite.In most cases, relatively "harmless" roundworms and roundworms cause disturbances in the digestive system.And getting into the body of protozoa (for example, amoebas) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansya and other herbs).However, for severe and massive infections, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements should not be used.Long-term medication is required to kill the worms and help restore the basic functions of the digestive system.
The development of helminthiasis can only be prevented by following certain preventive measures.
However, in order to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Through hand-to-mouth, unwashed food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, on which parasite eggs and larvae are present along with soil particles.This way you can get infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic if consumed from thermally unprocessed meat, milk, fish and seafood.This transmission route is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- For example, schistosomes enter the body through the pores of the skin (they live in warm climates).
- It is spread through the blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Toxoplasmosis is transmitted transplacentally from mother to fetus.
Taking into account the reality of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone the visit to the doctor until the last moment, especially because the drugs for getting rid of helminthiasis are available in all pharmacies without a prescription.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.The means of combating parasites are not the same in terms of their therapeutic effect;in addition, different types of worms "require" an individual choice of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you should contact a specialist.The algorithm of its operations is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, recent return from exotic countries requires special tests to identify the pest);
- appointment of general blood test, stool, co-program;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis accurately determines the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the state of the internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identification of possible accompanying diseases, which may be contraindications to the prescription of certain drugs.
This is important!
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, self-treatment of helminthic infections is contraindicated.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the place of localization
Tissue damage caused by helminths is accompanied by numerous pinpoint bleedings.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.The condition of the skin, nails and hair deteriorates due to the disruption of metabolic processes and the absorption of vitamins and minerals.A person loses weight quickly and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
In addition, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs through the release of toxins.The immune system reacts accordingly to their appearance, so if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly appear.Clinical symptoms of general poisoning also develop, which appear in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders, and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion in the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscle.
Patients complain of:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of the inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by increased body temperature and severe pain in the area of the heart.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.They usually develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body, when some worms penetrate the skin, can look like this:
- ulcers in areas in contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths;
- the formation of swellings that resemble wen in appearance;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
The symptoms of parasites in the eye depend on many factors.If the worm "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movement can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms penetrate deeper into the optic nerve, there is a risk of strabismus, significant vision loss, and limited vision.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis can lead to irreversible blindness in the eye.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, when parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear primarily in the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- pain and discomfort in the abdominal area of varying intensity;
- diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this is especially characteristic in the initial stages of infection;
- mixing of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the occurrence of painful spasms at the same time as the urge to defecate;
- decreased or loss of appetite;
- flatulence, flatulence.
As a result of the disturbance of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a roundworm ball can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is associated with disorders occurring throughout the body.In addition, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, there are frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, constant weakness and intolerance of physical activity despite following the daily routine.
In addition, signs of parasites in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen increases, and the body temperature often rises.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern drugs make it possible to quickly and without side effects clean all the organs of helminths and completely restore their function.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics have announced that they have created a new safe method of combating worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of the method, every cell in our body does not move in one place, but is in constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is unique for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception to this, but the resonance of their movement is different from the tissues of our body.During bioresonance therapy, metal electrodes are placed on certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of the person's own cells, but destroy the body of the parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves does not cause harm or cause complications.
In fact, not many drugs are used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage, regimen and duration of the drugs are selected by the doctor depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the invasion and the presence of concomitant pathologies.
In the case of relatively mild helminthic infections, it is recommended to use the recipes of traditional medicine.These products are easy to make at home and the ingredients are sold at any pharmacy.
To remove intestinal worms from the intestine, healers recommend the following:
- Eat as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves that are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second day - 1 g, from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle root into a glass of boiling water and steam in a water bath for 15 minutes.Let it cool completely and take 3 tbsp.l.three times a day before meals.
- Mix equal amounts of aloe and onion juice, add honey and take one tablespoon three times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l.flaxseed and 1 tbsp.l.cloves, grind and take 2.5 g of powder per 1 kilogram of body weight.
- Mix the shredded coconut and coconut milk.Use this mixture with 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only way to prevent the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is the strict observance of hygiene rules, which everyone knows from early childhood.This is hand washing before eating, after visiting the toilet and after returning from a walk.It is also necessary to carefully heat treat drinking water, milk, meat, and fish, as well as clean fresh vegetables and fruits from contamination.
But human parasites appear at every turn, so it is almost impossible to avoid an encounter.In order to prevent serious complications of the invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the state of the digestive system.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, you should consult a doctor, perform the prescribed tests, and complete the entire course with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.