Parasites in the human gut - types of protozoa, symptoms and treatment

There are several signs that a person has parasites in their gut and there are several ways to treat them. A failure of the system of internal organs or a change in the appearance of feces is already considered an alarm signal to start an investigation for the presence of parasites. Many people don't even know they have helminths in their bodies. They are more common in children than in adults. This is because babies can put toys and dirty hands in their mouths.

What are intestinal parasites

Worms in the stomach can exist on the walls of organs in humans and animals. They cause a disease - helminthiasis. The gut is considered one of the favorite habitats of helminths of various species. In this case, parasites can be found in all departments (small, large and in the rectum).

Parasites in the gut are harmful organisms. Protozoa and helminths (worms) can parasitize on the intestinal walls. In order to prevent the appearance of worms, it is necessary to understand how to avoid infection. There are only four main sources of parasite eggs entering the human body:

  1. insect bites;
  2. Contacts (pinworms are transmitted with a handshake);
  3. through the floor;
  4. the use of raw or undercooked meat, fresh fish dishes.
Insect bites can transmit intestinal parasites

What parasites live in the human intestine

For a long time, a person cannot suspect that he has parasites, and the signs can resemble some diseases. Worms often appear in the digestive organs. Parasites live in the human gut

  • roundworm. They parasitize on the walls of the small intestine, disrupting the digestive system and weakening the human immune system.
  • Necator and intestinal hookworm. These parasites in the stomach provoke hookworms.
  • Ugrit. Causes strongyloidiasis. The hepatobiliary and digestive systems are affected.
  • wide band. This parasite provokes diphyllobothriasis. The worm lives on the walls of the small intestine.
  • bull tapeworm. Helminth causes teniarinhoz.
  • schistosomes. These parasites in the rectum are flukes. They can cause colitis, which leads to appendicitis or sclerosis of the intestinal walls.
  • pork tapeworm. The worm provokes taeniasis. Disrupts the work of digestion, causes neurological disorders. Its larvae can affect the intestines, organs of vision, brain and skin.
  • Vlasoglav. Causes trichuriasis.
  • trichinella. These worms in the intestine contribute to the development of trichinosis in humans. In severe cases of the disease, death is possible.

Protozoan microorganisms, or the main protozoa that can live on the walls of the human gut:

  • Lamblia. They cause indigestion.
  • Histological (dysentery) amoeba. This microorganism causes amebiasis. The main symptom of the disease is diarrhea.
  • Homni blastocyst. It only harms the body with a weakened immune system, provoking diarrhea and vomiting.
Human roundworms in a petri dish - parasitize on the walls of the small intestine

Symptoms of intestinal parasites

If a person has intestinal parasites, then this will definitely manifest itself. At the same time, indirect signs of the presence of helminths are often confused with other symptoms of various diseases. You cannot self-medicate, but you must see a doctor. As a rule, the main symptoms of parasites in the intestine are:

  • gases. Helminths located on the walls of the small intestine provoke an inflammatory process, accompanied by swelling and gas.
  • constipation. The most popular sign of the presence of worms on the walls of the intestine.
  • Diarrhea. Provoke parasites that produce hormones that lead to frequent liquid stools.
  • weight change. A person in the presence of worms may experience a constant feeling of hunger or loss of appetite.
  • Allergic reaction. Worms in the host's intestines secrete substances that provoke the release of a large dose of protective cells - eosinophils. All of this can lead to allergies.
  • joint and muscle pain. Parasites can move around the body to find a comfortable habitat. They can get stuck on the muscles and thereby cause acute pain.
  • fatigue. A person with helminths often suffers from fatigue, apathy, lack of sleep, finds it difficult to concentrate on work.
  • teeth grinding. This symptom manifests itself in children during sleep, it is called bruxism.

diagnosis

At first it is difficult to identify helminths, becausethe symptoms of a helminthic invasion are similar to those of other diseases. Sometimes worms are accidentally found during surgeries treating other diseases. Diagnosis of parasites in the intestine usually includes the following revealing methods:

  • Serological blood test. Determines antigens and antibodies against helminths. This study is carried out only at a late stage of infection.
  • Histological analysis of feces. Microscopic ultra-precise examination for the presence of parasites.
  • scraping of the perianal area. Helps pinworm detection.
  • Hemoscanning of blood. The procedure effectively detects the presence of parasites and fungi.
Blood test to diagnose the presence of parasites in the gut

How to get rid of parasites

A parasitologist should treat a person for worms. More than 10 drugs of modern pharmacology have anthelmintic activity. You can't assign them yourself because. They have a certain activity towards different types of helminths. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a series of laboratory tests. Based on the results obtained, the doctor draws up an effective treatment regimen.

Worms can quickly appear in the human body and multiply quickly, so it is necessary to get rid of parasites in the intestines as soon as possible. To defeat and spawn helminths, you need to eat more vegetables and fruits. It is worth giving up meat and fish for a while. You can diversify your diet with spinach, green beans, apples and grapes. Experts advise drinking plenty of fluids. So, cleaning of worms occurs much faster. Useful for humans and yogurt containing high levels of lactobacilli.

Medicines against parasites in the intestine

The modern market is full of various synthetic drugs that effectively cleanse the intestines from parasites. Any remedy must be prescribed by a doctor. To choose the right treatment, you must pass a stool test. Depending on the type of worm, the patient may be prescribed anthelmintics against parasites in the intestine.

The effectiveness of therapy against parasites with a properly designed course of treatment reaches an average of 95%. In this case, cases of re-infection are not excluded. After removing the worms from the intestines during the recovery period, the doctor can prescribe to the patient drugs for the adjustment of the microflora, aimed at strengthening the immune system. For these purposes, enzymatic and bacterial agents, enterosorbents, plant adaptogens and immunostimulants are often used.

home remedies

The fight against worms occurs in stages. When the patient's intestines get rid of the parasites, the general condition of the body often worsens while taking the medication. You can remove helminths at home using improvised means or herbs. Healers of traditional medicine advise raising body temperature with foods that have a pungent (burning) taste:

  • Horseradish;
  • Mustard;
  • Clove;
  • Red pepper;
  • Ginger;
  • Garlic;
  • Onion.

Also effective folk remedies against parasites in the intestine are:

  • flaxseed powder;
  • a decoction based on pomegranate peel (2 tablespoons need to be poured with boiling water);
  • Castor oil;
  • enemas from a decoction of wormwood (3 grams of grass should be poured with boiling water, and then filtered);
  • a decoction of onion skins;
  • tincture of lemon and garlic;
  • peeled pumpkin seeds;
  • carrot juice (freshly squeezed is best);
  • a decoction of tansy (to prepare the product you will need dried flowers and boiling water);
  • a handful of uncooked rice for breakfast.

Cleansing the intestines from parasites with soda

The use of sodium bicarbonate (soda ash) is considered effective in eliminating the problem associated with parasites in the body. Such a product helps to remove larvae and adult helminths from the intestines, plus 80% of toxins and harmful products that get into the digestive tract. The alkaline environment is poorly perceived by worms, they feel uncomfortable and leave their habitat. Cleansing the intestines from parasites with soda, as a rule, occurs in several stages:

  • first, a water enema is performed to remove feces;
  • then 25 g of soda must be diluted with a liter of warm filtered or boiled water;
  • the solution should be administered with an enema;
  • it is necessary to withstand the composition of soda in the body for about 30 minutes before defecation;
  • then you need to do another enema with water to get rid of the alkali residues and reduce the negative effects of soda on the body.
  • the procedure should be carried out every day until the helminths are completely eliminated;
  • Treatment with soda is considered complete when there are no worms in the feces for two days.
Baking soda to remove parasites from the intestines

Prevention of parasites in the intestine

The appearance of helminths in humans, like many other diseases, is easier to prevent than to cure. As a rule, the prevention of parasites in the intestines consists in maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness of living quarters. In order not to experience the discomfort caused by worms, you need to follow the elementary rules that will help protect yourself from parasites:

  • do not drink raw unboiled water;
  • Hands should always be treated with antiseptics or washed with soap;
  • it is permissible to use only well-washed vegetables, fruits and herbs;
  • You should not swim in a reservoir prohibited by the Sanitary and Plague Station;
  • Daily wet and dry cleaning of the premises should be carried out;
  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact with animals.
  • Children's toys and other items should be cleaned well after walking on the street.
  • Don't eat raw fish or meat.