How to treat worms at home

Children's bodies are quite susceptible to parasitic attacks because they have weaker immunity. In addition, the child's body cannot produce a special digestive enzyme that can destroy worm larvae, children acquire this ability with age.

Worm eggs cannot be seen with the naked eye, their size is very small but they are present almost everywhere. The risk of infection arises during the period when the child begins to understand the world by feeling different objects. In addition, the baby not only tries to touch objects, but sometimes also tries to taste them. Sandboxes in yards are often used as toilets by street animals, posing a great danger. If we take into account the weak natural defenses of the child's body against the invasion of helminths, it is not difficult to realize how high the risk of parasites affecting the child's intestines is. Below are the main ways through which worms enter the child's body:

• through unwashed hands;
• after contact with animals;
• through undercooked meat and fish;
• Insects are also often a source of helminth infections because they carry worm eggs on their feet;
• unwashed vegetables and fruits;
• through dirty water and accidentally swallowed while swimming in open water.

An important factor is the possibility of worms becoming a source of reinfection for the child, despite all the efforts of the parents. The fact is that helminths periodically crawl through the child's anus, laying eggs nearby, causing severe itching in the child. Children itch and small worm eggs in turn crawl under the nails, from there they easily enter the mouth, then move down the digestive tract and finally enter the intestines again. After two weeks, the larvae develop into adults and are capable of laying eggs.

Worm infection in children, symptoms

There are about 300 types of parasites that can infect the human body, but pinworms and roundworms are more commonly diagnosed in children. Both types of worms affect the small intestine; The symptoms of damage in both types of parasites are quite similar:

1. Loss of appetite, pale facial skin, dark circles under the eyes.
2. Restless sleep, sometimes children may grind their teeth while sleeping.
3. Headache, dizziness, lethargy and weakness appear.
4. Sometimes worms are present in a child's stool and can be seen with the naked eye.
5. The baby has itching in the genital and anal areas.
6. There are disorders in the digestive system, constipation can be replaced by diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea.
7. General blood count indicators may change, specifically a decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in the level of eosinophils and ESR.
8. The vital activity of worms becomes the cause of general poisoning of the body, manifested in the appearance of allergic reactions, hives and atopic dermatitis.
9. Body temperature increases for no good reason.
10. Continuous itching can cause inflammation in the genital mucosa.
11. Worms not only poison the child's body with the products of their vital activity, but also actively consume vitamins and minerals, nutrients that the child's body very much needs, which often leads to vitamin deficiency and decreased concentration. hemoglobin level in the blood.

Folk remedies against worms

Admittedly, folk remedies are the most suitable method of treating helminths in children, and the symptoms subside quite quickly. However, before use, you must definitely consult a doctor, because the child's body is very vulnerable not only to the effects of parasites, but also to improper use of drugs, including drugs. folk. Below are the most popular folk remedies for helminths:

1. Garlic enema. Garlic is an antiseptic given to humans by nature; It also has anthelmintic effects. A glass of cow's milk mixed with a head of chopped garlic, boil the mixture, then cool and filter through two layers of gauze. At night, the child is given an enema from the milk received, drinking one third of the amount of medicine received, and the child is treated in this way for at least a week.
2. Chamomile decoction. Another natural antiseptic used to treat a variety of diseases. To prepare the decoction, take a spoonful of dried chamomile grass, pour boiling water into it, let it cool and then give it to your child to drink throughout the day instead of water or tea. Treatment duration is 5 days.
3. Remedy with onions. Chop an onion, add milk and boil the resulting mixture, then cool and filter. The resulting product is given to the child for three consecutive days, 100 ml.

Simple folk recipes will help cure worms in children, see video:

Cause of helminth disease

Nearly 400 species of helminths can parasitize the human body, including 70 of the most common species in our country. As a rule, these are roundworms and tapeworms. Diseases caused by invasive flukes (cat flukes or liver flukes) are often detected.

The disease develops when parasite eggs or larvae enter the stomach. During the period of development from egg to sexually mature individual, tapeworms can change many hosts. You can also get infected by eating meat (beef, pork, wild game), unfiltered water, dirty vegetables and fruits.

Helminths parasitize the bodies of mammals, fish, molluscs and amphibians. To avoid infection, you need to avoid eating them raw and do not buy smoked or salted fish of unknown origin.

Symptoms of worms

Many types of worms can parasitize the digestive tract, respiratory organs, lymph nodes, bone tissue and muscles. Their vital activities affect the host body in different ways. They can produce toxins, stimulate the development of inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, anemia, metabolic disorders and have a traumatic effect on organs and tissues.

You should contact the clinic to confirm or rule out helminthiasis if you have the following symptoms in adults:

• Increased temperature. The temperature can increase sharply to 38°C and decrease rapidly after taking anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. Sometimes the temperature remains high for 2-3 months.
• Dull or sharp pain in the stomach, frequent bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), nausea.
• Itching in the anal area, worse in the evening.
• Frequent colds or respiratory diseases - when infected with helminths, immunity decreases.
• Loss or increased appetite, sudden weight loss.
• Bronchospasm, cough, difficulty breathing, other respiratory disorders, pale skin and mucous membranes.
• Itchy rash.
• Insomnia, frequent headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression.
• Pain in joints and muscles.
• Inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes.
• Edema.

In the absence of adequate treatment, helminths can provoke the development of chronic pancreatitis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, cause irreversible changes in tissues and even lead to death. dead.

Diagnose

Infection with certain types of helminths yields a characteristic clinical picture. When patients first come into contact with a doctor, they can expect a diagnosis. Eggs and other traces of vital activity of roundworms, pinworms and other nematodes parasitic in the intestines are detected when examining the stool. Sometimes worms can be seen on ultrasound. But some small parasites are difficult to identify. Diagnosis is made based on a combination of symptoms and results of instrumental and laboratory tests.

If helminth infection is suspected in adults and children, the following should be done:

• Stool analysis. Allows you to accurately detect the presence of common parasites in the body. However, some species only lay eggs at certain stages in their life cycle, so it is recommended to survey multiple times, 3-4 days apart.
• General clinical blood test. It does not indicate the presence of larvae, eggs, or adults, but provides a lot of information about the intensity of the inflammatory process, the number of white blood cells, etc. v.
• Biochemical analysis. Provides detailed information about protein metabolism, identifies abnormal loss or increased protein synthesis, and allows one to rule out or suspect certain helminth infections.
• Analyze liver function indicators (bilirubin, pancreatic alpha-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT). Diagnosis of the liver and pancreas suggests helminth infection.
• Urine test, blood test with glomerular filtration. They provide doctors with information about the condition of the kidneys and the possibility of kidney damage from parasites.

Studies of bile, sputum and duodenal contents may also be indicated.

To clarify the location of the parasite and assess the extent of damage, ultrasound diagnosis may be prescribed. If helminths are suspected in the brain or eyes, a computed tomography scan will be performed. To diagnose helminths in the lungs, X-rays and endoscopy of the stomach and intestines are taken.

A comprehensive examination helps to quickly and accurately determine the cause of the disease and prescribe adequate treatment. Don't refuse the test. The more accurately a doctor can determine the cause of poor health, the faster he or she can help.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you suspect a helminth infection, you should contact a therapist who will conduct an initial examination and prescribe laboratory and instrumental tests. After the examination, the therapist will prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist.

Treatment

With timely diagnosis, helminthiasis can be easily eliminated with anthelmintics. The doctor determines the dosage depending on the patient's age, weight, degree of parasitic damage, type and location. To get rid of most types of worms, 1-3 times of medication is enough. Along with anthelmintics, vitamin and mineral complexes are often prescribed to strengthen the immune system.

In cases of severe intoxication, allergic reactions, infections due to serious chronic diseases, hospitalization may be required. Doctors will not only remove parasites from the human body, but will also carry out detoxification and vitamin therapy.

Surgical treatment is necessary for damage caused by helminths to organs and tissues. A large number of roundworms sometimes leads to intestinal and bile duct obstruction. Their accumulation is removed surgically. The decision on the need for surgical treatment is made by the doctor after a comprehensive examination. The complexity and duration of the operation depends on the location of the parasites, their size and number.

symptoms

Heartworm infections caused by common parasites can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor. But if you do not pay attention to worrying symptoms, deterioration of health, weakness, causeless fatigue, decreased immunity, the disease can lead to serious complications.

If the parasite enters the lungs and the patient does not see a doctor, he or she may complain of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, shortness of breath, pneumonia or even bronchial asthma.

Parasites found in organs of the digestive system can cause cirrhosis, liver abscesses, hepatitis, intestinal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (ascites), and inflammation. Peritoneal. They also commonly cause the development of chronic kidney diseases, meningitis and vision loss. Some species of tapeworms (tapeworms) are more than 1 meter long and the small roundworms can form dense balls. This disrupts the body's normal functioning, leading to severe intoxication and severe allergic reactions. Without emergency medical care, death can occur.

Classification of parasites

Different types of worms affect the body differently and have their own characteristics in terms of development cycle, form and level of harm. There are three most common groups of worms: nematodes, cestodes and trematodes.

The first group is the protocavitary worms. They live in soil and water so can easily become infected in sandboxes and on walks in general. This group includes the most common types of pinworms and roundworms, and also includes hookworms, trichinella, and guinea worms. Depending on which parasite is causing the infection, onchocerciasis, whipworm disease, whipworm disease, etc. v. be distinguished.

Cestodoses are tapeworms that can live both in the intestines (the most common variant is tapeworms) and in organs (usually tapeworm larvae, echinococci and alveoli live there). Depending on what type of worm is found in children, echinococcosis, tapeworm disease, hymenococcus disease, etc. v. be distinguished.

And the last of the three common groups is trematodes caused by trematodes. These are some types of flatworms - liver fluke, cat/liver fluke, leukochloridium. They cause opisthorchiasis (transmitted by fish of the carp family) and fasciolosis (liver and biliary system affected, infection through plants or water).

Symptom

There are many symptoms and individual manifestations depend on which helminth eggs have entered the body. Next, we'll talk about the common symptoms of all parasitic infections, then about ringworm, ringworm, and 5 other types of infections.

• increased irritability, restless sleep, decreased perseverance and attention, frequent outbursts and anger;
• increased appetite associated with active weight loss;
• symptoms from the digestive system - diarrhea, constipation, nausea, pain in the right hypochondrium;
• dizziness and headache;
• Food allergies;
• runny nose;
• diseases and infections of the reproductive system;
• brittle nails/hair;

Helminthiasis is a helminth disease in which the body is infected with pinworms. Larvae hatch from eggs within 4-6 hours, after 2-4 weeks they become adults - gray or white roundworms 5-10 mm long. They settle in the cecum and appendix, and lay eggs outside the anus - at night, female pinworms come out into the air for this purpose. This reproductive mechanism leads to intense itching at night - hence restless sleep, restlessness and screaming.

Additional special symptoms:

• nocturnal urination;
• chatter;

Ascariasis is a helminth disease in which the body is invaded by roundworms. These worms are inherently larger - the average length of an adult is 25-30 cm. Larvae and eggs enter the body when fresh fruits and vegetables have not been sufficiently disinfected. The development stage takes place in the intestines, then they enter the lymph and blood vessels, following the blood and lymph flow, they are distributed throughout the body - to the liver, heart, lungs. They then enter the oral cavity and are swallowed again. From this point on, adult roundworms begin to develop. This takes about 3 months.

How to suspect the presence of worms in children:

• enlarged liver, spleen, lymph nodes;
• Temperature increases, sometimes up to 38 degrees;
• malaise and weakness appear;
• Developed respiratory pathologies - pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
• pressure drop;
• Gastrointestinal symptoms appear - constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, pain in the form of spasms;
• fear of light;
• nightmares at night;
• dry cough - phlegm is orange and spotted with blood.

Raising roundworms is more difficult than pinworms because the females lay nearly 250 thousand eggs per day. In no case should you rely on traditional methods or buy the first remedy you come across at the pharmacy - be sure to contact a specialist.

Newborns may experience symptoms after just a few weeks of age if they receive worm eggs and larvae from their mother, such as during childbirth. As a rule, symptoms appear in the form of failure to gain weight, excessive drooling, rash, pallor, blue under the eyes, constipation. Children often worry, scream, sleep and eat poorly. The screaming can be unbearable and the baby will turn blue in the process.

Worms are often responsible for the development of lung diseases and are diagnosed with ultrasound or X-rays. Parasites, especially the Echinococcus tapeworm, can not only damage the respiratory system but also travel further to the brain and heart. In places where helminths develop in the lungs, scars and adhesions appear, the shape of the lungs begins to change. Such changes cause a variety of diseases - asthma, fibrosis, bronchitis, pleurisy, emphysema, etc. v. When tapeworms enter the lungs, tapeworm disease is formed, where the parasite develops in the form of cysts.

Symptoms will largely depend on the type of helminth that has entered the body, but the child's anxiety and the presence of the above general symptoms should alert parents. If signs of worms appear, make an appointment with your pediatrician or gastroenterologist for timely testing.

Diagnose

Diagnosis of worms in children is carried out in different ways - depending on the type of worm the child is infected with, the living environment, the location of the eggs and the toxins found in the body will be different.

For diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• blood tests - shows anemia, hemoglobin and eosinophil levels;
• analysis of parasites - in 99% of cases it helps to detect helminthiasis and in most cases it helps to accurately determine the type (biological material for research - blood from the vein);
• fecal examination - there may be no eggs in the feces, even if there is an infection, to ensure the presence of worms, this diagnosis must be done 3 times, it takes time;
• smear - especially effective in case of pinworm infection, since their eggs are found just outside the anus;
• stool analysis for dysbiosis;
• if there is suspicion of infection of internal organs, not just the gastrointestinal tract - CT, X-ray, ultrasound.

Diagnosis allows you to accurately determine the type of parasite and prescribe specific treatment. The doctor prescribes medications, diet, additional supportive procedures and gives recommendations on care and hygiene.

In some cases, parents are increasingly paying attention to helminths and are constantly worried about infecting their children. This leads to frequent "preventive" use of serious anthelmintic drugs that do not bring any benefit to the baby's body. If your child is not losing weight, feels healthy, eats well, has healthy skin, and is not itchy in the anal area, then he is likely healthy. If you want to be sure about this, it's better to get tested than take an unnecessary course.

Treatment

The treatment process for worms in children includes several stages - preparation, therapy and cleaning. During the entire treatment process, general precautions and careful hygiene must be taken to avoid reinfection or infection to a family member. Some types of worms, such as tapeworms and echinococci, can only be removed surgically.

The preparatory phase includes the use of various absorbents to absorb toxins and cleanse the body. Next come antihistamines, they relieve general itching and prevent the development of allergic reactions to the drug.

Treatment of helminths in children in the main stage is to use direct deworming drugs in the form of tablets, suppositories or suspensions. The drug is selected depending on the type of helminth, individual indications and contraindications. Some deworming medications work in 2 doses:

• The first course kills already developed individuals;
• The second course helps to deal with larvae and eggs (prescribed 2 weeks after the first course).

Cleansing is designed to rid the body of the remains of dead parasites; at this stage, sorbents, enemas and choleretics are used. You can help your baby by adding raw carrots, dairy products, raw bread, fruits, vegetables, fish oil, nuts, especially walnuts and peanuts to the diet.

In addition, to restore the body in case of severe damage, complexes of vitamins, iron, minerals and a special diet can be used that help increase hemoglobin, restore liver function and strengthen the body. all body. The doctor describes the treatment plan in detail, avoiding side effects. Control testing is necessary. Self-medication and deviation from the plan are not allowed.

Consequences of untreated parasitic infection

Helminth disease causes serious danger; If left untreated, it can lead to death or serious health problems. An infected child endangers both the family and the environment because it spreads the disease.

Complications of worm infection in children:

• worsening inflammation of appendicitis;
• epilepsy;
• visual impairment of some types;
• allergic reaction with excessive runny nose;
• lagging behind in development compared to peers;
• sexually transmitted disease, most common in girls is vulvovaginitis;
• variety of pulmonary manifestations, including bronchial asthma;
• in difficult cases - brain and heart damage.

Prevent

To ensure that children do not need to be treated for worms, it is necessary to actively engage in prevention, including daily preventive measures and hygiene procedures as well as medication.

How to protect your baby from parasitic infections:

• Maintain hygiene – regularly wash hands and bathe children;
• regularly care for toys - washing and cleaning (after diagnosis, all toys must be disinfected);
• cut your nails as often as possible, clean them daily;
• iron clothes after washing;
• quit bad habits - sucking fingers, pens, biting nails;
• Give only boiled water and explain the reason;
• Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water;
• Use repellent (insects often carry worm eggs), kill all insects entering the house;
• regularly check pets for parasites;
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, conduct sufficient heat treatment for meat and fish.

Some types of helminths are difficult to cure, so we recommend preventive measures to avoid infection. When contacting the clinic, parents will receive complete advice on how to properly carry out prevention to avoid future problems.