There are many parasitic helminths in the human body, among which are harmful roundworms. They can affect almost all internal organs - the respiratory system, liver, heart, brain and eyes. However, the small intestine is considered the favorite location for roundworms. Roundworms produce a toxic substance that belongs to the most powerful allergens of parasitic origin. In order to prevent serious complications, treatment of this disease should be carried out at the first symptoms. How to get rid of roundworms at home ? You will learn about this by reading our article.
What do roundworms look like?
Roundworms are a type of round worms. The length of male roundworms is 25 cm, females - 45 cm. The spindle-shaped body of parasites resembles the shape of an earthworm, only yellowish in color. On their head is a mouth opening, framed by suction cups with edges in the form of teeth. Ascaris females are incredibly fertile. So, in one day they are able to lay more than 200 thousand eggs, which causes massive human invasion. A dense multilayer shell protects the larva from external factors.
The cycle of development of helminths involves the stage of stay in the external environment. The female lays eggs in the intestinal lumen. Further they with feces fall into the soil. The larva is formed in the ground with a sufficient amount of oxygen and at a temperature of +24 degrees. After 12 days, the larva enters the molting phase, after which it passes into an invasive form. Under favorable conditions and moderate temperature, the parasite can live up to 6 months. The final link in the development of roundworms is the human body.
Causes of infection
Before you learn how to get rid of roundworms on your own, you should find out how they enter the human body. Helminth infection occurs in the following cases:
- eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, not fried meat and fish that have not undergone heat treatment;
- neglect of personal hygiene (dirty hands);
- contact with a sick person infected with roundworms.
Since the body of Ascaris is covered with a sticky substance that helps parasites attach to different surfaces, they can get into the house on the feet of pets. A person becomes infected with worms when swallowing mature eggs that contain an invasive larva. The risk group includes summer residents, hunters, sewage treatment workers and children.
Disease development
When the eggs are in the intestine, larvae βhatchβ from them, which, penetrating the portal vein, begin to move in different directions. At the very beginning of migration, the length of the larvae does not exceed 0.5 mm; therefore, hemorrhages in the small intestine are insignificant. By the end of the movement, parasite larvae grow to 2 mm and cause significant damage to human health. They cause hemorrhages in the lungs, which can cause inflammation. Also, the larvae disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, which leads to allergic reactions, spasmodic cough and subfebrile temperature, which is practically not interrupted by drugs. Sucking to the walls of the intestines, worms begin to absorb nutrients, which leads to anemia, dysbiosis and other diseases.
Toxins are especially dangerous for children in fetal development. Larvae are able to overcome the protection of the placenta and penetrate the fetus, where they are localized in different organs. If they affect the brain, the babyβs head will be enlarged, which will complicate the natural birth. Having settled in the fetal lungs, worms will serve as an impetus for the development of severe bronchitis and pneumonia in infancy. These diseases are almost incurable. They are not affected even by modern antibiotics. Therefore, doctors recommend antiparasitic therapy before conception.
The full cycle of the existence of helminths is 1 year. After that they die. However, during this time they can produce millions of eggs, having a toxic effect on the body, and in some cases leading to death.
Who is more likely to have ascariasis?
In the vast majority of cases, infection is detected in preschool children. Kids often walk in the fresh air, play in the sandbox, in the playgrounds, that is, where cats and dogs leave their excrement. During the game, children put dirty fingers in their mouths, causing roundworms to enter the body. Adults are much less likely to have ascariasis. This disease is typical for people who do not wash vegetables and fruits, do not follow basic hygiene products.
Symptoms of the disease
How to get rid of roundworms at home? Before you begin to act, you need to be sure that this is ascariasis. Clinical signs depend on the phase of the disease. During an active migration of worms, the following symptoms may be present in an infected person:
- low-grade fever for a long time;
- shortness of breath and cough of incomprehensible etiology;
- bloating;
- weakness, dizziness and lethargy;
- heavy sweating;
- chest pain;
- rash on the body;
- nervous irritability, irritability;
- general malaise;
- anemia;
- allergic reactions.
The patient has no appetite, he is tormented by constant nausea and periodic vomiting. A characteristic sign of a parasitic disease is itching near the anus. Intoxication of the body causes drowsiness and lethargy. Extraintestinal localization leads to visual pathologies, cholecystitis, hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, which makes the skin become yellow.
From the side of the central nervous system, astheno-neurotic syndrome occurs. Nightmares, hysterical seizures, insomnia, headache begin to torment a person. Ascaris infestation in children leads to protracted infectious and colds that are not treatable. In some severe cases, worms can creep into the airways, resulting in suffocation.
Diagnostics
How to get rid of roundworm worms quickly? This question should arise only after the diagnosis and consultation of a doctor. Ascaridosis is diagnosed by sputum smear, fecal analysis, general blood count and lung x-ray. X-rays help detect the migratory phases of worms. Pictures are taken with an interval of several days. Thus, an accumulation of helminths is detected, which leave infiltrates in the lungs. Radiography in combination with blood eosinophilia confirms a preliminary diagnosis. Information can also be obtained by examining the patient's feces. In some cases, the doctor may suggest a repeat stool test to make a correct diagnosis. If necessary, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is performed. Ascaris larvae are often found in the study of human sputum.
Home treatment
You can get rid of roundworm larvae at home, only before fighting this parasitic disease, you must pass tests for roundworm eggs. If helminths were detected, treatment should be aimed at destroying worms and restoring the work of all internal organs. At the initial stage, ascariasis can be treated at home. Although, a number of conditions should be observed. First of all, prophylaxis is required, including the processing of personal belongings, bedding, household items, children's toys and bedding for pets.
A drug approach to the treatment of roundworms is required. Anthelmintic drugs contribute to the removal of parasites from the body. However, this may lead to a deterioration in well-being, since the mass death of helminths leads to general intoxication of the body. Therefore, in addition to pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation therapy with folk remedies is necessary. The severe course of ascariasis involves hospitalization.
Drug therapy
You can get rid of roundworms in a child and an adult with the help of medications. It is preferable to take "Mebendazole", "Vermox", "Levamisole", "Mebex". They are suitable for the treatment of children and adults with a migratory phase of ascariasis. The course of treatment should be determined by the doctor. The drugs are available in the form of tablets or suspensions. If the intestinal stage of ascariasis is detected, take "Dekaris", "Pirantel", "Nemocide", "Helminthox". They are effective in ascariasis, hookworm, teniosis, enterobiosis, mixed invasions.
Folk remedies for ascaridosis
You can get rid of roundworm worms with the help of folk remedies. But they will be more effective only in combination with drug treatment. Folk recipes, proven over the centuries, not only contribute to healing, but also help restore the body and cleanse the blood after intoxication.
- Baths with herbs. This option is suitable for children. To prepare a therapeutic bath, you need to take celandine, green beans, thyme. Of them make a decoction, which insist about 1 hour. Then it is added to warm water and the child is allowed to lie in a medicinal infusion for 15 minutes.
- Enema This is a completely harmless way to help remove worms. The solution is prepared using a decoction of wormwood and tansy or milk with garlic. Enema should be done daily at bedtime for a week. At this time, it is not recommended to eat fried, salted and spicy dishes.
- Sauerkraut. Sauerkraut has many useful vitamins and minerals. In addition, half a glass of cabbage brine, which is drunk half an hour before meals 3-4 times a day, helps to restore the body during the treatment of ascariasis.
- Tincture of garlic. A few cloves of garlic are grated until gruel is formed. The resulting mixture is poured with milk, simmer on the fire for 10 minutes, after which the solution is allowed to infuse in a dark place. Tincture is taken four times a day for at least a week. It is worth considering that this method of treatment is quite lengthy, so you should be patient.
- Pumpkin seeds. In addition to vitamins, pumpkin seeds have a lot of piperazine. This is a natural substance that can paralyze the life of roundworm. They can be eaten raw or mix a handful of seeds with 2 tbsp. tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of natural linseed oil. The finished mixture is taken 3 hours after each meal.
Treatment features
It is worth considering that the treatment of ascariasis with herbs and folk recipes will be ineffective without taking medications. Also, in combination with anthelmintic drugs, antihistamines, sorbents and vitamins should be taken.
Most antiparasitic drugs are very toxic, so you can not self-medicate. After all, only the specialist can determine the exact dose of the drug and the duration of administration after all the necessary tests. In addition, drugs act differently. Some paralyze parasites, others act on the suckers, others inhibit the respiratory system of helminths. After treatment, adult roundworms die, but their larvae may remain, continuing to secrete dangerous toxins. That is why it is not recommended to think about the question of how to get rid of roundworms on their own. Do not neglect specialist advice. Be healthy!