Intestinal worms are parasites that take advantage of the human body to feed and reproduce. Almost one-third of the world's population (just over 2 billion people) is affected by intestinal worms. It is important to note that the spread of these worms in the human body can cause serious health problems. Here is an overview of different types of intestinal worms, foods that promote their entry into the body and some tips to avoid them!
Intestinal worms are numerous and come in different forms (Oxyures, Ascaris and Ténia), it is an infestation of parasites that can cause the alteration of the general state. These parasites can be manifested in a variety of symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss. If the problem is not treated in time, this can lead to more serious complications, especially biliary tract disease.
What are the different types of intestinal worms?
There are different types of intestinal worms that can cause complications.
Pinworms: These are the most common in children and their family. These parasites are round worms that are up to 10 mm long and live 7 to 8 weeks in the intestine. At night, the fertilized females migrate to the anus where they lay eggs, which systematically causes itching.
Roundworms: These worms are more common in developing countries where hygiene conditions are more precarious. In fact, contamination with these worms is by ingestion of eggs in water or contaminated food. They are also long round and white worms, but can measure up to 35 cm.
Tapeworm: Also called solitary worm, this parasite can live in the body 30 to 40 years old and measure up to 10 meters long to adult size. This verse touches every year 100,000 French. His rings, which contain the eggs, are found regularly in the stool.
Mode of contamination for intestinal worms?
Parasites can enter your body in many ways depending on their type:
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Pinworms: This type of parasites is present in unwashed fruits and vegetables. Their consumption, especially by the children who are the main victims, causes the contamination. Pinworms infest more often children in preschool and school age.
Roundworms: As mentioned above, contamination by this type of parasite is done by water and contaminated food. These worms also affect cats and dogs, the contamination can then be through contact with an animal or its contaminated environment, for example: to bring to the mouth dirty hands by gardening work, caresses to an animal whose hair is bearer or plays in a sandbox in which a cat or a dog has made his needs.
Tapeworm: Contamination by this worm in humans results from the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from pork or beef. If a person does not wash their hands after using the toilet, they can easily transmit the eggs of the tapeworm to other people through food or surfaces such as doorknobs.
The rules of strict hygiene against intestinal worms!
Intestinal worms lay eggs that are found in the anus and stool. Good hygiene helps to avoid getting contaminated:
- Wash hands before preparing a meal or eating.
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, or after scratching the anal area.
- It is necessary to regularly wash under the nails, where the worms can be lodged.
- Leather must be good, especially meat.
- Wash the laundry at 60 ° C.
- Keep nails short to avoid collecting eggs.
- Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits.
- Wear disposable gloves to clean animal waste.
- Take off shoes when coming home.
- Teach children the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The treatment of these parasites can be done either by antihelminthic or antiparasitic drugs, if not by natural remedies.
But in addition to the treatment it is important to:
- Treat the whole family.
- Redouble hygiene.
- Wash the linen of the affected person separately.