Helminthiasis is a group of parasitic diseases that progress as a result of the penetration of various types of parasitic worms into the body. These diseases are not limited in terms of sex and age. It is important to note that helminthiasis is most often diagnosed in children. This is due to the fact that children are less hygienic, eat unwashed foods and often play outdoors (sandbox, garden, etc. ).
Helminths are a group of representatives of the lower worms capable of penetrating the human body and developing freely in it, causing the progression of parasitic diseases. All representatives of this group can be conditionally divided into 3 groups:
- roundworms;
- tape;
- chance.
Depending on the mode of transmission, all human helminthiasis is subdivided into:
- biohelminthiasis.In this case, the parasite is transported by animals;
- contagious.The infection occurs from a sick person;
- geohelminthiasis.This type of helminthiasis is transmitted by the soil. This is due to the fact that a certain part of the parasite's life cycle occurs precisely in the soil.
The larval and developing forms of parasites are the most dangerous for the human body, as they can circulate freely throughout the body and infect vital organs. Adults cannot move as freely and therefore have a more stable position.
Most types of helminths "prefer" to parasitize in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to note that different species are located in different parts of the digestive tract: pinworms - in the lower part of the small intestine, roundworms - in the upper part and so on. In addition, based on location, helminths are divided into tissue and luminal.
It should be noted that parasites can infect not only the digestive tract, but also the lungs, bile ducts and the gallbladder itself. In the course of life, they release various toxic substances that poison the human body. It is important, if you suspect the presence of parasites in the body, consult a doctor immediately and start treating the disease to prevent the development of dangerous complications.
Signs
The characteristic signs of helminthiasis appear, first, in peripheral blood. If you perform a clinical analysis, you may find a significant increase in the number of eosinophils (especially in the acute phase of the disease). It should be noted that eosinophilia is usually associated with severe leukocytosis.
Other signs of helminths include:
- itching in the anus;
- unstable stools are possible - alternating constipation and diarrhea;
- teeth grinding while sleeping;
- morning sickness. Most often it occurs in a person when brushing their teeth;
- weight loss while the diet has not changed;
- hyperthermia, accompanied by joint and muscle pain;
- drooling in the morning;
- a person is constantly hungry;
- the appearance of rash elements on the skin (sometimes on the eyelids);
- The skin on your fingers may peel off.
Symptoms
The helminthiasis clinic is divided into acute and chronic stages. The first symptoms of helminthiasis appear one month after the parasites have entered the body. The acute phase of the pathological process begins. A person has the following symptoms:
- diarrhea; hyperthermia;
- the upper airways become inflamed;
- elements of a rash appear on the skin; conjunctivitis;
- face swells. This symptom is especially pronounced in children;
- small children sometimes have tonsillitis and lymphadenitis.
The pathological process can be complicated:
- hepatitis; bronchospasm;
- the appearance of infiltrates in the lungs; pneumonia; meningoencephalitis;
- myocarditis.
The above symptoms do not all appear at the same time with any particular type of helminthiasis. Usually, in the clinic of the disease, only two or three symptoms predominate. This clinical picture in a patient is observed for 7 days, after which the disease becomes chronic. The signs of pathology vary depending on the type of pathogen that parasites in the human body:
- echinococcosis. The allergic reaction comes up. Allergy symptoms are at their peak. In the most serious clinical situations, even anaphylactic shock can develop;
- filariasis and strongyloidiasis. The rash worsens and the face becomes swollen.
The manifestation of helminthiasis also depends a lot on the location of the parasites. Most species parasitize in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to indigestion, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and intoxication syndrome.
The experts refer to the most serious helminthiasis:
- echinococcosis;
- paragonimiasis;
- cysticercosis.
The indicated helminthiasis affects almost all vital organs and systems, therefore, even with timely treatment, the prognosis is usually unfavorable.
Diagnosis
Due to the fact that there is a very large number of helminthiasis, the diagnosis includes many research methods. The most informative and frequently used are the following:
- stool analysis. In it, doctors have the opportunity to detect helminth eggs, as well as remains of undigested food, which indicates a disturbance in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- blood in microfilariae;
- to detect roundworms and pinworms in the human body, resort to macroscopic examination;
- microscopic examination;
- bile research; coproovoscopy
- . The diagnosis of helminthiasis using this method allows to determine the intensity of the helminthic invasion;
- examination of the duodenum content;
- if doctors suspect that a person is experiencing trichinosis, a biopsy of muscle tissue is prescribed; ultrasound
- ; x-ray
- ; fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies for some helminthiasis.
Treatment
The main objective of the treatment of the disease is to expel parasites from the patient's body, as well as to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment plan is prescribed only by a qualified specialist after a complete diagnosis, evaluation of the test results. Treatment can be carried out both in a hospital environment and at home.
The basis for the treatment of helminthiasis is the use of specific anthelmintic drugs.
They should be taken only as prescribed by the attending physician and in the dosage that he prescribes. In the acute phase of the disease, a single dose of the drug is sufficient to eliminate helminths. But often treatment is carried out according to a certain scheme.
During treatment, it is important to comply with these principles:
- strict adherence to personal hygiene rules; diet therapy;
- all products consumed must be processed;
- at the place where the patient is being treated, it is necessary to disinfect regularly.
The treatment of helminthiasis in children is carried out only under stationary conditions, so that the doctor can constantly monitor the patient's condition and, if necessary, adjust the therapy. It is important to note that the disease in children is more serious, so the course of treatment can be long.
Prevention
The prevention of helminthiasis in children and adults must be carried out throughout life. Since helminths live on the ground and can also be transmitted by contact, hygiene should be observed as much as possible - washing hands, using personal hygiene items, etc. It is also important to process fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
For prophylactic purposes, it is important to identify people infected with helminths in a timely manner. To this end, surveys are regularly carried out on certain categories of adults (especially workers in the food sector, the medical sector, etc. ).