At early stages of human infection with worms, as a rule, there are no signs of their appearance. In order to show the first symptoms of helminthic invasion, the clinical picture of the disease must develop to a certain stage. And this is possible only in the case when parasites begin to develop actively. The larvae themselves do not have the ability to parasitize in the human body and give rise to the emergence of specific characteristics for infection.
It should be noted that itching in the anus and allergic rashes on the surface of the human skin, which occur periodically, can be quite difficult to "connect" with the appearance of worms. In this regard, many doctors are often mistaken and on the basis of such manifestations diagnose a different disease, and treatment is not from worms.
Only after a certain time, when pathology fails to cure, doctors may suspect that there are parasites in the organs of the digestive tract, lung tissue, liver or even in the human brain. To determine the exact infection, a variety of diagnostic methods are used.
How to detect the presence of worms at home?
Different types of worms provoke a number of signs in a person. Proper recognition of them often allows you to determine whether you have an infestation, even at the initial stage. And this, in turn, minimizes the risks of making a diagnostic error and allows timely treatment.
How to detect the presence of worms in an adult at home on signs of infection:
- appearance on the skin of allergic rashes - hives, eczema, papillomas, acne, etc.;
- attacks of cough, the treatment of which with traditional medicines has no effect;
- diseases related to the upper respiratory tract: runny nose, pneumonia and bronchitis( they are also present in strongyloidosis and ascariasis);
- constipation may be the cause of the formation of clots of helminths in the intestinal cavity;
- diarrhea, bloating and constipation can occur due to blocking the release of pancreatic juice and bile by long worms;
- because of lower immunity, colds become more frequent;
- increased nervousness, caused by constant difficulties with the digestive system;
- gnashes his teeth while he sleeps;
- depression over a long period, which is caused by human poisoning by the products of the vital activity of parasites;
- joint pain caused by tissue damage during the movement of worms in them.
How to determine if the child has worms at home?
As for children, the symptoms of infection with parasites( opisthorchiasis, ascariasis and diphyllobothriasis) are rather specific. But an experienced doctor can more reliably determine whether the child, including the baby, has parasites or not, based on the following:
- the child shows increased activity;
- in the anus area marked by itching;
- in the morning and during sleep there is salivation;
- in the mouth of saliva in large quantities;
- increased cravings for sweets;
- skin on the eyelids begins to peel off;
- there is brittle nails and hair is characterized by a high level of dryness;
- baby pulls into sleep;
- the inhibition in action;
- frequent colds.
If a child meets three or more signs from this list, then a sufficiently high probability that his body is infected with parasites.
Among the most common signs of determining that there is a helminthic infestation, the pathology associated with the work of the gastrointestinal tract is in the first place. This is due to the fact that in the overwhelming majority of cases parasites live in one of the parts of the intestine of the person, while damaging its walls and, by isolating the products of its vital activity, which are highly toxic, harm the entire human body. It should be noted that, depending on their species, helminths lay eggs, both in the gastrointestinal and liver cavities, and in the brain and lungs.
How to determine if there are eggs of worms at home?
When parasites are in the active breeding phase, it is not difficult to detect their presence in the human body. It is necessary to make an analysis for eggs of worms. Children with opisthorchiasis can do it themselves at home. It is enough in the area of the anus on the skin to stick an adhesive tape or sticky tape. It should be done early in the morning. If the child's body is infected with opisthorchiasis, eggs can be found on the side with an adhesive surface.
In the conditions of a medical institution or specialized laboratory, feces are analyzed for the presence of worms, their larvae and cysts. In order for the result to be as accurate as possible, the analysis should be submitted at least three times throughout the week.
How to determine which worms a person has?
Very often, worms provoke vomiting and a strong feeling of nausea as a result of the release of toxic products of their vital activity. Also, some types of worms produce hormones that affect the intestinal microflora and cause frequent diarrhea. But in many cases, these signs are not associated with helminthic invasion, as in its clinical manifestations it is more like food poisoning, and there is no treatment for helminthiasis:
- Diphyllobothriasis and ascariasis are manifested by neurologic symptoms. This is especially evident in children. Irritant and aggressive behavior is a consequence of the effect on the nervous system of toxins released in the course of vital activity of these worms. Also, due to contamination with blood toxins, patients experience headache and dizziness.
- Trichinosis is the most common cause of muscle and joint pain. This is due to the peculiarities of parasitizing trichinella, in which the habitat is skeletal musculature. The causes of human infection are mainly meat of wild animals, as well as insufficient heat treatment of pork.
- Giardiasis causes various allergic reactions and affects the functioning of the kidneys and liver. It can also cause arthritis. This is due to the fact that this parasite secrete a large number of toxins. Weakening of the immune system contributes to the emergence of diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, stomatitis, sinusitis and others.
- In enterobiosis( pinworms), parasites are mostly detected in children, but in case of infection, the whole family should be checked. The presence of helminths is indicated by itching in the anus and disturbance of the digestive tract.
Depending on the symptoms, it is determined which tests to pass to determine the worms are necessary. This is due to the fact that there is no single research methodology on the basis of which it is possible to determine the most known and widespread types of helminths. Therefore, the initial analysis of feces for eggs of worms and the study of blood for antibodies( ELISA) are prescribed.
Currently, the most accurate and effective method for determining the presence of parasites in the human body is VRT( vegetative resonance test).With its help, not only diagnose, infected a person or not, but also determine the type of parasitic worms on it.