Helminthiasis.

Helminthiases are a group of parasitic diseases caused by parasitic worms - helminths (worms). In total, there are more than 200 types of helminths. Helminths use the body of an animal or human as a habitat and a way to obtain nutrients to support their own life.

Among the representatives of the world of helminths, there are geohelminths and biohelminths. Geohelminths have a development cycle associated with the external natural environment and enter the human or animal body through the oral cavity, skin, by inhalation. Biohelminths develop with the participation of an intermediate living organism.

Helminths can affect the human or animal body in different ways: some cohabit almost imperceptibly to the health of their owner, others significantly disrupt well-being, and still others cause irreparable damage, up to and including death.

The danger of the coexistence of the helminth and its host lies in the fact that most of the representatives of this group of parasites cause disturbances in protein metabolism in the body and intoxication phenomena, provoke allergic reactions and vitamin deficiencies, disrupt immune reactions, and can initiate a violation of neuropsychic activity.

Reproducing in the body of the host (animal or human), helminths are able to inhabit almost any tissue, disrupt the structure of tissues and interfere with the natural functioning of organs and organ systems.

Signs of helminthiasis:

General impairment of well-being,
Dyspeptic disorders (diarrhea, constipation),
Possible nausea, urge to vomit,
Dizziness,
Pain symptoms are possible in various parts of tissues (organs),
Temperature increase,
Weight loss,
Increased appetite,
Itchy skin or skin rashes,
May be asymptomatic.

Symptoms can be present in various combinations depending on what type of helminth is present in the body.

A more detailed examination reveals that the presence of helminths in the body can cause anemia, allergic reactions (asthma, tissue edema), disrupt endocrine activity, digestion processes, and inhibit brain activity.

Treatment of helminthiasis requires preliminary laboratory tests of feces, duodenal contents, bile, blood, tissues for the presence of eggs, larvae, particles of parasites or the parasites themselves, which independently left the body through the excretory system.

Helminths exist almost everywhere, for this reason, the conditions for infection by helminths are diverse: they get with food and in violation of hygiene rules, when bitten by insects, in close contact with animal carriers, in contact with the natural habitat of helminths (water bodies, soil).

Prevention of helminth infection is based on:

observance of the rules of generally accepted hygiene,
thermal processing of animal products, freshwater fish and seafood,
thorough washing of plant foods,
protection against insect attacks,
veterinary examinations of animals with which humans come into contact,
swimming in reservoirs checked by sanitary and epidemiological supervision,
compliance with safety measures when traveling to exotic places (selection of suitable clothing and shoes).