Gastroenterologist
Vinogradov
Dmitry Alekseevich
6 years experience
Gastroenterologist
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Ascariasis is damage to the small intestine of the body by helminthic infestations. The causative agent is roundworms - roundworms (hence the name), which parasitize the human intestinal tissue.
Intestinal nematodosis (another name for the disease) occurs everywhere in people of different ages and genders, regardless of climatic conditions.
Main symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of ascariasis depend largely on the extent of damage to the small intestine, as well as the age of the patient and the stage of development of the disease.
The primary phase can occur without clinical manifestations, especially during the period of larval migration. A person may experience one or more characteristic symptoms:
- an allergic reaction is manifested by numerous rashes on the limbs or torso. They itch intensely, causing serious discomfort;
- infectious syndrome is expressed by elevated body temperature, excessive sweating, loss of strength;
- a liver factor may be observed - ascariasis is manifested by an increase in the size of the spleen and liver and causes pain under the ribs on the right side.
In most cases, the patient suffers from a wet or dry cough and severe shortness of breath, and experiences pain in the chest area. All this can lead to pleurisy.
If ascariasis in children or adults is advanced, a sharp decrease in appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, pain in the intestinal area, cramps, and weight loss may occur.
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Consequences, complications of roundworms in children
Since roundworm larvae can cause mechanical damage during migration, this poses a danger, especially for a fragile child’s body. Both blood vessels and various organs can be damaged, accompanied by minor or severe hemorrhages, leading to ulcerations, necrosis, perforation of the lungs, liver, and intestines.
Moreover, as larvae and adults grow, they deplete the body by sucking out nutrients, and their waste products have a powerful allergic and toxic effect on the body.
If roundworm in children is not treated in time, such helminthic infestation leads to general sensitization of the body, and severe local allergic reactions (urticaria) or general ones (asthmatic suffocation, obstructive bronchitis) develop. Roundworms in children, as well as in adults, lead to the development of intestinal dysbiosis, the immune system is suppressed, and the immune response to various infections is weakened.
With massive infection, complications can be significant, leading to spastic or mechanical obstruction of the intestinal lumen and bile ducts; intestinal obstruction, cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice may develop.
Main causes of infection
The main cause of ascariasis is infection with helminth eggs, which occurs as a result of their entry into a person’s mouth after personal contact with an infected person, as well as with unwashed vegetables, fruits, berries, and household items.
Once inside the human body, the larvae hatch from the eggs and penetrate the circulatory system, spreading to the capillaries of the lungs. From there they reach the bronchi, trachea and pharyngeal area. There they are mixed with saliva, swallowed by a person and again enter the small intestine, growing there into full-fledged adults.
Ascaris reproduction and penetration into the body
This parasite, like many other worms, reproduces by laying a huge number of eggs (24,000 at a time) and it is these that a laboratory technician identifies by examining stool analysis under a microscope. (helminth larvae cannot be seen without special equipment). On average, the size of a worm larva is 70.0 microns.
Most often, roundworms in feces are detected in children of school and preschool age because they spend most of their time in crowded places and do not realize how important personal hygiene is. They can touch the excrement of infected animals in the sandbox, come into contact with the ground, or take the hand of other infected children, in whom helminth eggs accumulate under the nail plate. As a result, they do not wash their hands before eating or put them in their mouths, allowing the larvae to penetrate the esophagus and digestive tract.
As a rule, adults become infected from their children because in their sleep, children's anus begins to itch. As a result of scratching, helminths get under the nails, and then gradually throughout the day they are localized on things, furniture, door handles, cutlery, etc.
What to do in such a situation? To get started, we recommend reading this article. This article describes in detail methods of controlling parasites. We also recommend that you consult a specialist. Read the article >>>
Preventive measures
Prevention of ascariasis is based on timely detection of the disease and adequate treatment under medical supervision.
Of particular importance in this process is compliance with all hygiene rules: it is necessary not only to keep your hands and the hands of children clean, but also to instill in them proper hygiene habits.
Regular hand washing after a walk, visiting the toilet, before eating, as well as proper sanitary treatment of food that comes on the table can significantly protect the body from infection with roundworms.
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Read further:
Ways of infection with human roundworm and the main methods of combating worms
Where does the roundworm larva develop: stages of development of the human roundworm
Ascaris larva: development cycle, migration, what they look like and how to destroy
Life cycle of development of the human roundworm, stages of development of the parasite in the body
Worms in the human body: in the intestines, liver, head, eyes and under the skin
Whether the roundworm is a closed circulatory system or not, description and structure of the human roundworm
Diagnostic features
If you notice one or more symptoms of this disease in yourself or your child, you should seek help from an infectious disease specialist (in the case of a child, a pediatrician or pediatric infectious disease specialist).
Diagnosis of ascariasis involves a general blood test: the presence of the disease will be indicated by an increase in ESR and eosinophils, a slight increase in the number of leukocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin.
In addition, an X-ray of the lungs may be prescribed, which, in the presence of helminths, reveals foci of infiltration.
The presence of roundworms can be confirmed by microscopic examination of sputum.
It is important to seek help from a center with a truly competent specialist and high-quality equipment, since helminths tend to demonstrate themselves not in all tests. Only an experienced doctor is able to see their presence in the patient’s body.
Under the skin
Another localization of roundworms is the skin. Not everyone can believe this, but cases of ascaris migrating under the skin are increasingly being observed. This is a rather unpleasant location, because a person can observe the vital activity of the parasite. Typically, penetration into this area occurs when roundworms are distributed throughout the body, so they are looking for new places of existence.
The worm located under the skin looks like a rope, which has a convoluted appearance, while it rises above the skin. In addition, swelling and a bright red color of the affected area are observed. Also, when touched, pain and severe itching occur. Therefore, the location of the lesion is quite easy to notice.
Typically, the treatment of roundworms involves both medication and surgery. Medicines remove parasites from the body, and surgery removes them surgically. If treatment is not started in time, the infected person may experience a fever and deterioration in general condition. Particular attention should be paid to the child’s health in this regard.
Treatment
Drug therapy based on the use of anthelmintics is prescribed. They are selected depending on what stage the disease is currently at. In some cases, a single dose for ascariasis may not be enough, and the drug will need to be taken 3 times with a pause between doses prescribed by the doctor.
If allergic manifestations are present, the doctor will additionally prescribe antihistamines. If a patient has stool upset, bloating and abdominal pain, and other intestinal disorders, then enzymes and probiotics are also selected for him.
At the end of the main treatment, over the next 3 months the patient is registered at the dispensary with periodic blood and stool tests.
Classification
Ascariasis is divided into several types based on different characteristics.
By type of disease there are:
- typical or manifest – occurs with the usual symptoms;
- atypical - asymptomatic form.
Taking into account the severity of the disease, the following forms of ascariasis are distinguished:
- light;
- medium-heavy;
- heavy.
Taking into account the characteristics of complications of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:
- without complications;
- with intestinal complications - possible complications include appendicitis , peritonitis , obstruction , pancreatitis , cholangiohepatitis ;
- with extraintestinal complications - liver abscesses, purulent cholangitis or pleurisy , sinusitis, abdominal abscess, etc.
There are two stages in the development of the disease:
- Migration – during this period the larva moves through the human body.
- Intestinal - during this period the larva finds itself in the intestine and grows rapidly.
Answers to common questions
Is it possible to drive away roundworms with herbs?
Many medications contain herbal ingredients. Herbs also have a certain effect, but we must not forget about the serious adverse reactions that their thoughtless use can lead to.
It is strictly not recommended to treat ascariasis yourself with herbs.
Can I get rid of roundworms myself without seeing a doctor?
No, this is strictly prohibited, as it is fraught with poisoning of the body and the occurrence of serious complications in the functioning of internal organs, in particular the organs of the pulmonary system and intestines.
How is ascariasis transmitted?
The disease can be transmitted by shaking hands, as well as by other types of bodily contact.
The most common infection is through contact with poorly washed fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs. You should also remember about hand hygiene after returning from the street and visiting the toilet.
What foods can serve as a source of disease?
Absolutely any, if they are not processed properly.
Why does a cough develop with ascariasis?
Cough appears due to the penetration of larvae through capillary vessels into the area of the lungs and bronchi.
What is the prognosis after treatment for ascariasis?
The prognosis is generally favorable. After adequate treatment, complications can occur only in people with weak immunity and serious chronic diseases.
In the vagina
Many facts have been revealed indicating that roundworms are able to live and develop in the vagina and other female genital organs.
This phenomenon is observed when entire colonies of roundworms have formed in the body. If there is too little space in the intestines for them, they look for another suitable place. It may also be the female genital organs. Parasites end up there by migrating from the rectum. Sometimes they are located directly in the uterus itself, which leads to negative consequences for the woman.
The vagina is a favorable environment for parasites, because there is a special flora there, which is destroyed by roundworms through their vital processes. At the same time, immunity decreases, which is why infectious diseases develop. The patient may experience symptoms in the form of discomfort, itching, and in some cases, a feeling of movement. This leads to psychological disorders and discomfort for women.
This type of parasitism is especially dangerous for children. After all, the effect of roundworm on incompletely formed genitals is unpredictable. In some cases, the consequences may be irreversible, associated with the development of reproductive function.
The presence of roundworm in the uterus of both an adult woman and a child can cause infertility and hormonal disorders. If these worms are found in an intimate place, treatment should be started immediately, because this fact indicates a large number of parasites in the body and possible damage to other vital organs.
List of sources
- Avdyukhina T.N. Laboratory diagnosis of helminth infections / T.I.Avdyukhina, T.N.Konstantinova, Yu.P.Gorbunova // Part I. Nematodes: Textbook. allowance. -M., 1993. -60 p.
- Astafiev B. A. Achievements of domestic science in the study of helminth pathogenesis // Med. parasitology and parasitic diseases. - 1998. - No. 2. — P. 8.
- Vasiliev Yu.V. Diseases of the digestive system / Yu.V. Vasiliev. M.: “Dubl Freig Publishing House”, 2002. -93 p.
- Sergiev V.P. Parasitic diseases, their prevention and treatment //Epidemiology and infectious diseases. - 1997. - No. 2. — P. 8 — 12.
Diet
Diet 5th table
- Efficacy: therapeutic effect after 14 days
- Duration: from 3 months or more
- Cost of products: 1200 - 1350 rubles per week
During the treatment of ascariasis, you should adhere to diet Table No. 5 . It is necessary to minimize fats, while increasing the consumption of protein foods. It is very important not to drink raw water and wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
The basic nutritional rules during this period are as follows:
- You need to consume a lot of vegetables, fruits, and grains.
- Minimize fatty foods, but still consume normal amounts of protein and carbohydrates.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Eliminate pasteurized foods from your diet.
- Do not eat chocolate and other sweets, and do not drink soda.
The following foods should be excluded from the diet:
- Muffins, pastries, pasta.
- Fatty fish and meat.
- High fat dairy products.
- Marinades, mushrooms.
- Sweets.
- Alcohol.
