Parasites in the body are a common problem, the presence of which the patient himself may not even notice.What methods are used to diagnose helminthiasis and how to get rid of “uninvited guests” will be discussed in today's article.
Diagnosis of the disease: analysis for parasites
The presence of parasites, their larvae and eggs in the human body is determined by examining the patient's urine or feces, the contents of the duodenum, bile, rectal and perianal mucus, sputum, blood and muscle cells.It is worth noting that there are situations when a patient is diagnosed with the presence of parasites of various types and sometimes several stages of development of helminthiasis - from larvae to adult individuals that lay eggs in the intestines.
Trichinella and strongyloid larvae can be detected in the blood by conducting an analysis for parasites with coagulants, passing the blood through a centrifuge and examining the composition of the supernatant part of the plasma with a microscope.
The presence of antibodies to nematodes can be detected by a blood test no later than two months after infection, while these parasites remain in the body in the form of larvae.For this reason, analysis for parasites is relevant during this period.After the so-called larval period is completed, antibodies are removed from the systemic circulation.The most accurate examination result can be achieved using the serological diagnostic method.However, it has one major disadvantage: it is a very expensive test that can only be carried out in a special laboratory.Topical diagnostics are carried out using ultrasound of internal organs, computed tomography and endoscopy with biopsy.
Parasites in the body: treatment methods
Experts recommend carrying out measures to prevent helminthiasis in preschool children in spring and autumn.As a rule, this is completely sufficient.Nevertheless, if necessary (dangerous epidemiological situation or the presence of obvious manifestations of helminthiasis in the baby), it makes sense to carry out additional deworming measures.
The basis of therapy for the acute phase of the disease is usually desensitization and detoxification.The use of glucocorticoids in the treatment process makes sense only in severe forms of some forms of helminthiasis.The fact is that as a result of improper use of these drugs, a complication such as generalization of invasion or transformation of the acute phase into a sluggish subacute phase is possible.
To destroy parasites in the body and prevent infections, advocates 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 production of herbal preparations and dietary supplements.However, do not rush to the pharmacy to buy “medicinal grass” if you suspect the presence of parasites in the body.All medications, including herbal remedies, should only be prescribed by a doctor.They are prescribed with extreme caution to patients with an allergy to herbs.In addition, you need to be extremely careful when determining the dosage.
Some housewives use certain herbs that can fight parasites in the body as spices in cooking.By the way, a particular tendency to consume large quantities of spices can be observed among the peoples of southern countries, where the likelihood of contracting parasitic diseases is particularly high.
The most important method of combating helminths with medication is specific therapy, in which special anthelmintics are used.
During deworming, the patient may experience unpleasant symptoms, which some people consider to be a side effect of the medication.However, the cause of these phenomena is very often changes in the body that are accompanied by the destruction of parasites.These are usually short-lived phenomena, the unpleasant effects of which are neutralized with the help of sorbents.However, parasites in the body are a serious disease and treatment should be carried out under medical supervision.
Prevention of parasites
As already mentioned, it is recommended to conduct anthelmintic courses twice a year - in spring, preferably in March or April (after the snow melts) and in autumn, after the first frost (in October or November).In addition, effective preventive measures include compliance with basic hygiene rules, i.e.h.washing hands with soap after going outside, using the toilet and in places with large crowds, treating children's toys with soapy water and thoroughly washing herbal products in several waters before consumption.In addition, it is advisable to avoid eating meat and fish products that have not undergone heat treatment.If worrying symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor who will carry out a parasite test and, if necessary, prescribe the correct treatment.