A single person can carry four hundred species of parasites.Every year, worms (commonly known as worms) infect millions of people around the world.The problem itself is called "worming" and is thought to be common.How to recognize the first signs promptly, 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?Professional parasitologist Marina Zeononovna answers these questions for us.
The most common types of worms are pinworms and roundworms.
Marina Zenonovna, what types of worms should you first learn about?
——I think many people have heard of the so-calledpinworm diseaseis a helminth disease caused by the genusPinworm(A medium-sized cavity worm belonging to the group of white or off-white roundworms).According to the latest data, up to 37% of people have been harmed by these worms in most known cases.Although I am personally convinced that this number is an underestimate because it was primarily studied in children, adults are also infected.
Ranked secondAscariasisis a helminth disease caused by roundworms belonging to the family Nematodaeroundworms(a reddish roundworm that turns yellowish-white after death). Its prevalence in the human population is several times lower, but the course of ascariasis is more severe and is associated with a variety of serious complications.
On average, about 20 species of worms are found in each country.Additionally, co-infections may occur when different species of worms 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 species and the migration of the larvae, the worms can colonize anywhere: the liver, intestines, lungs and even the brain.
— Why are worms dangerous?
— The degree of risk depends on the degree of infection, i.e. the number of larvae that enter the body and their degree of development.Immunity plays an important role as most parasites die upon arrival due to saliva, gastric juices, enzymes, etc.Those worms that survive infect the body and interfere with its harmonious functioning.
symptomChildren and adults can be very different:
- lack of appetite;
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bad breath;
- Persistent runny nose and cough;
- rash;
- Itching around the anus at night;
- Pain in the navel area;
- increased fatigue
etc.
Typically, the body sends these signals during the later stages of the development of a worm infection.In the early stages, it's hard to doubt something.
Worms don't like onions and garlic
— Why are children thought to be more susceptible to infections than adults?
—first, the adult body is stronger.The immune system is generally high and the ability to deal with uninvited guests is better.
SecondlyThe pH levels in the stomachs of babies and parents are different.It is neutral for children.Adults have higher acidity, and worms really don't like acidic environments.
third, adults have different eating habits.What increases acidity?Onions, garlic, mustard, spicy spices, bitter herbs (such as wormwood, tripolitan, St. John's wort) and...alcohol.When these products are consumed, the gastric juices become particularly corrosive, which gives many parasites that get there no chance of survival.Although adults also eat unheated fish, meat, and seafood, they may indeed contain worms.There are certain risks.
With the popularity of healthy lifestyle, freshly squeezed juice has appeared on many people's dining tables.That's good, they contain phytoncides that inhibit the growth of parasites and even kill them.I recommend paying special attention to carrot, cabbage and beetroot juices.
The nutrition of boys and girls is monitored by parents, who prefer to give their youngest children sweets instead of onions (although in small amounts, the child is most likely allowed to try this vegetable if he wishes, of course, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby's health).
Unfortunately, today there is a beautiful and delicious fast food that children love very much.But such foods are fast, easily digestible carbohydrates that do not change the acidity of the stomach upwards, but simply prepare a comfortable and pleasant habitat for parasites.
— What treatments are prescribed?
— You should not make decisions on your own, especially decisions related to your children.If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pediatrician.The doctor will perform an examination and the results will determine whether an infection is present and its extent.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to check the stool for the presence of worms (the presence of worm eggs in the stool).General blood tests can also help.Possible problems include: low hemoglobin, increased ESR, and increased eosinophil count.Modern laboratory diagnostic methods are also effective - blood tests using ELISA.
Based on the data obtained and the physical characteristics of you or your child, the specialist will choose the appropriate drug and its dosage (this is very important).
Why can’t you just go to the pharmacy and buy “worming stuff”?We must remember: the drugs used to fight worms are very toxic.To determine this, just look at the list of possible side effects.Trust me, what you see may shock you.That’s why it’s so important that doctors prescribe appropriate treatment, and that while curing one thing, we don’t weaken something else.
Important!Because pinworms are highly contagious (the ability of an infectious disease to pass from a sick person or animal to a healthy, susceptible person (animal)), it is necessary to test relatives of infected people.Therefore, treatment may be necessary not only for the person suffering from helminthiasis, but also for all family members (adults, children, and even pets).
Worms survive long enough in the open environment and are spread from infected to healthy people through contacts and objects.This is why personal hygiene is so important.
Nursing mothers and pregnant women need to take special care
— Can pregnant women take this type of medication?
—Hemthiasis is an extremely unwelcome condition for pregnant women.It's best to try to check everything and resolve issues during the pregnancy planning stages.
Of course, if an infection is found, the process cannot start.This problem needs to be solved.There are no deworming medications specifically for pregnant women.Therefore, doctors take the path of least resistance after carefully examining a woman's condition.He must choose an individualized treatment plan that is effective while being gentle on the body in each specific case.
— Are worms passed from mother to child in breast milk?
- No.Instead, milk contains immune globulin that protects your child.But the mother is in contact with her baby, so she can still spread the parasite larvae through touch, bottles, clothing, etc.
By the way, I think everyone understands that if deworming drugs are prescribed to a nursing mother, she should be warned that during this period it will be necessary to transfer the child to artificial nutrition, since the toxic substances of the drugs taken are also excreted with the milk.A baby's body is not ready for such severe stress.
Dog bugs are more dangerous to humans than cat bugs
— How often should I test for worms?
—Experts here are divided.Many epidemiologists believe that it is necessary to provide preventive medicine courses to entire groups (kindergartens, schools, workplaces).But it doesn't mean much if at least one person rejects these actions.As I already said, even if only a single infected person remains, the likelihood of the worm spreading further is very high.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check in with your body from time to time and offer help if something pops up.The disease usually occurs in spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November).During this period, it is better to independently contact a pediatrician or therapist, carry out tests and check that everything is normal, and at the same time (if we are talking about children), if problems are discovered, it is better to alert the group teacher at the kindergarten or the teacher at school so that they inform all other parents and take action.
— Can worms be transmitted from animals to owners?
- Yes, in addition, cats generally spread more conspecifics than dogs, but the parasites are more severe in the latter.For example, dogs may causeToxocariasisin humans.This is a nematode disease characterized by fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly, and eosinophilia.
I still don't understand why we don't strictly ensure there are more separate areas for pets to walk and why owners don't clean up after their pets after they go out like in all civilized countries.After all, the parasite spreads throughout the region primarily due to dog feces.And, you have to admit, "landmines" can often be found near children's playgrounds.It turns out that there is no dog at home, but the child has a lot of characteristic worms.
If you have pets, remember these rules:
- Don’t kiss pets;
- Don’t let them into your bed;
- Don’t forget to wash your hands often, especially before eating;
- Have your animal checked by a veterinarian promptly;
- If your dog has worms, talk to your doctor; most likely, the entire family will need to take medication;
- Try to walk your pet in the right places.
I would like to remind all unusual enthusiasts that before purchasing an exotic animal, please study its physiological information in detail, ensure its health, and find out possible risks.After all, turtles, monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, and more can introduce parasites into your home that are completely unfamiliar to our bodies.This sometimes makes diagnosis and treatment difficult.