Can helminths cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a fairly common occurrence among everyone on the planet. There are many causes for this condition. If diarrhea is mild and infrequent, there's no need to worry. However, when diarrhea occurs suddenly and frequently, it may indicate a serious underlying medical condition, specifically a worm infestation.

What can cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea often is a consequence of a wide variety of abnormalities in the functioning of the bodyThe main causes of diarrhea can be the following pathologies:

1. The presence of intestinal infections and parasites in the body (dysentery, salmonellosis, ascariasis, rotavirus).
2. Incorrect approach to nutrition (consumption of incompatible products).
3. The presence of food allergies (intolerance to certain foods).
4. Insufficient levels of vitamins K, F, B2 and riboflavin in the human body.
5. Use of laxatives.
6. The presence of chronic diseases of the digestive organs (gastritis, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis).
7. Possible poisoning with toxins and salts of heavy metals.
8. The presence of metabolic disorders in the body.
9. An acute state of nervousness, anxiety, or fear.
10. The onset of diarrhea on the road.

Diarrhea may also be accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as: heaviness in the stomach or intestines, bloating and flatulence, sharp pain in the pelvic areaIn any case, if diarrhea persists (more than 3 days), it is best to seek help from a gastroenterologist and undergo the necessary tests.

Particularly alarming is the spontaneous, frequent occurrence of diarrhea (several times a week). Moreover, the diarrhea resolves on its own and can alternate with constipation and vice versa. This may indicate a parasitic infestation, such as helminths.

Methods of infection with helminths

Helminth infestation is a fairly common problem among the populationAnd the most dangerous thing is the lack of obvious symptoms of parasite presence. The disease can lurk for years, not manifesting itself in any form. And it often disguises itself as liver pathologies or gastrointestinal diseases.

There are several sources through which worms enter the human body. These include:

1. Infection with parasites through raw water and soil.
2. Contact method of transmission.
3. When eating foods that have not been fully cooked.
4. Infection from bites of flies and other insects.

The most common route of infection is the fecal-oral route. This is when parasite eggs enter the body through food or water. Food isn't always cooked.

Sometimes you can get the parasite through contact with soil or sand. After working on the ground, it is essential to wash your hands and clean your nails.Vegetables and fruits simply need to be washed under running water and then scalded with boiling water.

Pets that roam outdoors can also carry parasites, as they can bring the infection into the house on their paws and fur. Prevention of worms should be carried out for both animals and their owners At least once every six months. Flies are also a concern, as these insects frequent the dirtiest places: public toilets, garbage dumps, and pastures. They easily use their legs and wings to transport parasites to food, flying into homes.

A parasite such as pinworms can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy one. The female worm lays eggs and emerges from the intestine. A person infected with this parasite begins to scratch his anus due to severe itching.The eggs then spread through hands to other household items, which contributes to the infection of healthy people.

Water can also be a habitat for parasites. Especially this applies to reservoirs and wellsWell water should be filtered with a special antimicrobial filter or thoroughly boiled. Infection with worms can also occur when swimming in contaminated waters through accidental ingestion.

How does helminthiasis manifest itself in humans?

There are several stages of worm infestation. The acute form is usually accompanied by fever, skin swelling, slight enlargement of the lymph nodes and acute diarrhea. Blood tests may reveal low protein levels or changes in protein composition, as well as high immunoglobulin levels.

The chronic form may not have any visible manifestations., as parasites can disguise themselves, especially if there's only one in the body. Over time, as they multiply, the worms can lead to exhaustion and anal obstruction.

A body infested with worms is susceptible to disruption of all organs, as these parasites cause tissue destruction, which facilitates the entry of various infections. Furthermore, parasites secrete toxins that poison the body. Intoxication can manifest as loss of appetite, nausea, and weakness.

Worms are so insidious that they have adapted to their environment in such a way that they are very difficult to diagnose. Intoxication can be observed when the body is already heavily infected with worms.A person begins to notice alternating diarrhea and constipation. Intestinal discomfort, bloating, and flatulence are common.

Worms not only affect the intestines, but also various tissues and musclesJoints are considered the parasites' favorite habitat. This is why people often experience joint pain.

The immune system enters into a fierce battle with foreign microorganisms, as evidenced by an increase in immunoglobulin F in the blood, which causes an allergic reaction.

Very often Worms can be the cause of atopic dermatitis, rashes, eczema, and hives. Even skin conditions such as acne, age spots, and boils can be caused by gastrointestinal toxicity.

The most A severe form of parasitic intoxication can cause anemia.This condition can be caused by worms that feed on blood. In this case, the infected host experiences a loss of appetite and a sharp decline in health, leading to weight loss.

Toxins can not only irritate the gastrointestinal tract, but also affect the functioning of the central nervous systemThis can lead to anxiety, depression, and various nervous disorders. Anxiety is particularly intense at night, and teeth grinding is observed in children.

How to get rid of helminths?

Several years ago, medications containing only natural ingredients were used to get rid of parasites. But, The exceptional resistance of some worms has forced pharmacologists to develop new, highly effective drugs. made from synthetic raw materials that effectively combat all known parasites.

All drugs are divided into certain groups:

1. Antinematoid medications. This type of medication is effective against roundworms and extraintestinal helminthiasis parasites.
2. Anticestodal medications. These medications kill flatworms and other extraintestinal pathogens.
3. Antitrematode medications. These drugs are effective against all types of fluke parasites.

It is worth remembering that Before you start getting rid of worms, you need to take the necessary tests and consult a specialist regarding the choice of an effective remedy for the treatment of helminthiasis.