Parasites in the body are a common problem that the patient himself may not even be aware of.Methods used to diagnose helminthiasis and how to get rid of "unwelcome guests" will be discussed in today's article.
Diagnosis of the disease: analysis of parasites
The presence of parasites, their larvae and eggs in the human body is determined by examining the patient's urine or feces, duodenal contents, bile, rectal and perianal mucus, sputum, blood and muscle cells.It should be noted that there are situations in which a patient is diagnosed with the presence of parasites of several types, and sometimes several stages of development of helminthiasis - from larvae to mature individuals that lay eggs in the intestines.
Trichinella and Strongyloides larvae can be detected in the blood if you perform an analysis for parasites using coagulants, run the blood through a centrifuge, and examine the composition of the supernatant part of the plasma using a microscope.
It is possible to determine the presence of antibodies against nematodes through a blood test no later than two months after infection, while these parasites remain in the body in the form of larvae.It is for this reason that parasite analysis is relevant during this period.After the end of the so-called larval period, the antibodies are eliminated from the systemic circulation.The most accurate examination result can be obtained using the serological diagnostic method.However, it has one significant drawback - it is a rather expensive examination, which, moreover, can only be carried out in a special laboratory.Topical diagnosis is carried out by ultrasound of internal organs, computed tomography and endoscopy with biopsy.
Parasites in the body: treatment methods
Experts recommend taking measures to prevent helminthiasis in preschool children in spring and autumn.As a rule, this is quite enough.However, 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.
As a rule, the basis of treatment for the acute phase of the disease is desensitization and detoxification.The use of glucocorticoids in the treatment process makes sense only in the case of severe forms of certain forms of helminthiasis.The fact is that due to 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.
For a long time, to destroy parasites in the body and to prevent infections, supporters of alternative medicine 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, do not rush to the pharmacy for “medicinal herb” if you suspect the presence of parasites in the body.All medications, including herbal remedies, must be prescribed exclusively by a doctor.They are prescribed with extreme caution to patients allergic to herbs.Additionally, you should be extremely careful when determining the dosage.
Some housewives use certain herbs that can fight parasites in the body as spices in the cooking process.By the way, a special tendency to consume large quantities of spices is observed among the peoples of southern countries, where the risk of developing parasitic diseases is especially high.
The main method of drug control of helminths is specific therapy, during which special anthelmintic drugs are used.
During the deworming process, the patient may experience unpleasant symptoms, which some people mistake for a side effect of medications.However, the cause of these manifestations is very often changes in the body associated with the destruction of parasites.As a rule, these are short-term phenomena, the unpleasant effects of which are neutralized with the help of absorbents.However, parasites present in the body are a serious disease, the treatment of which must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Pest prevention
As we have already said, it is recommended to carry out anthelmintic courses twice a year - in the spring, preferably in March or April (after the snow has melted) and in the fall, after the first frosts (in October or November).In addition, effective preventive measures include following basic hygiene rules, namely washing hands with soap after going out, going to the toilet and busy places, treating the child's toys with soapy water, and washing plant products thoroughly in several waters before consumption.In addition, it is advisable to avoid eating meat and fish products that have not undergone heat treatment.If alarming symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor who will conduct a test for parasites and, if necessary, prescribe the appropriate treatment.