Internal parasites are a common problem that patients themselves may not even realize are present.Today's article will discuss what methods are used to diagnose worms and how to get rid of "uninvited guests".
Disease Diagnosis: Parasite Analysis
The presence of parasites, their larvae, and eggs in the body is determined by examining the contents of the patient's urine or feces, duodenum, bile, rectal and perianal mucus, sputum, blood, and muscle cells.It is worth noting that in some cases patients are diagnosed with the presence of multiple types of parasites and sometimes even several developmental stages of helminthiasis - from larvae to mature individuals that lay eggs in the intestines.
If you perform a parasite analysis using a coagulant, pass the blood through a centrifuge and examine the composition of the plasma supernatant fraction using a microscope, you can detect Trichinella spiralis and Strongyloides larvae in the blood.
A blood test can be done within two months of infection to determine the presence of nematode antibodies, while the parasites remain in the body as larvae.Therefore, it makes sense to analyze parasites from this period.After completion of the so-called larval stage, the antibodies are removed from the systemic circulation.The most accurate test results can be obtained using serological diagnostic methods.However, it has a significant disadvantage - it is a rather expensive test, and it can only be performed in special laboratories.Local diagnosis was performed using visceral ultrasound, computed tomography, and endoscopic biopsy.
Internal parasites: treatments
Experts recommend carrying out preventive measures against helminth disease in preschool children in the spring and autumn.Generally speaking, this is enough.However, if necessary (dangerous epidemiological situation or obvious manifestations of helminthiasis in infants), it makes sense to take additional deworming measures.
Usually, the basis of treatment in the acute phase of the disease is desensitization and detoxification.The use of glucocorticoids during treatment makes sense only in the case of certain forms of severe helminthiasis.The fact is that due to improper use of these drugs complications can occur, such as systemic invasion or transformation of the acute phase into a slow subacute phase.
To eliminate parasites from the body and prevent infections, proponents of alternative medicine have long used special plants with antiparasitic properties.Today, these plants are used in the pharmaceutical industry as raw materials for the preparation of herbal preparations and supplements.However, if you suspect you have parasites in your body, don't rush to the pharmacy to buy "herbs."All medications, including herbal medicines, should be specifically prescribed by a doctor.Use extreme caution when prescribing medications to patients allergic to herbal medicines.Also, great care needs to be taken when determining dosage.
Some housewives use certain herbs that can fight internal parasites as spices during cooking.By the way, a special tendency to consume large amounts of spices is observed among people in southern countries, where the possibility of parasitic diseases is particularly high.
The main method of drug control of worms is specific treatment, in which special anthelmintic drugs are used.
During the deworming process, patients may experience unpleasant symptoms that some mistake for side effects of the medication.However, the cause of these manifestations is usually physical changes related to the elimination of the parasite.Generally speaking, these are transient phenomena, the unpleasant effects of which can be neutralized with the help of adsorbents.However, internal parasites are a serious condition and their treatment should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Prevent parasites
As we have already said, it is recommended to carry out deworming courses twice a year - in spring, preferably in March or April (after the snow melts) and in autumn, after the first frost (October or November).In addition, effective preventive measures are to observe basic hygiene rules, namely washing hands with soap after going out, using the toilet and in crowded places, treating children's toys with soapy water, and washing thoroughly with various types of water before consuming plant products.In addition, it is recommended to avoid eating meat and fish products that have not been heat treated.If you have alarming symptoms, you should see your doctor, who will test for parasites and, if necessary, prescribe the right treatment.