Symptoms and treatment of intestinal worms

There are two main types of intestinal parasites: worms and protozoa. Worms are multicellular organisms, such as tapeworms and pinworms. Worms cannot reproduce in the human body. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can reproduce inside the human body, which can cause serious infections. Intestinal parasites are usually transmitted when they come into contact with the feces of an infected person (for example, through contaminated soil, food, or water). The most common types of protozoa are Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Signs and symptoms of intestinal worms:

Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing any symptoms, but some symptoms may appear, including the following:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• gas or bloating
• Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)

• Rash or itching around the anus or vulva
• stomach ache
• feeling tired and exhausted
• weight loss
• Worm passage in stool

Causes of infection with worms and parasites:

There are some things that increase your risk of contracting intestinal parasites and worms:

• Living in an area known for parasites
• International travel to many different regions
• poor sanitation
• Poor hygiene
• They are more susceptible to infection, such as children and the elderly.
• Child exposure to institutional care centers
• Weak immune system
• HIV or AIDS

What to expect at the doctor’s office:
Your doctor will ask you if you have traveled abroad recently and if you have lost weight recently. If your doctor thinks you have intestinal worms or parasites, he or she may order one or more of the following tests:

1. Stool test (stool examination): Through this examination, both worms and parasites can be identified. Stool samples must be collected before taking any anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics, or before X-rays with barium are performed. Several stool samples may be needed to search for parasites.

2. Pinworm test: By wiping a strip on the anus several times, and examining this strip under a microscope to check for the presence of eggs of this type of worm.

3. Barium X-ray: Your doctor may order this scan to diagnose more serious problems caused by parasites, although this test is usually not required.

Methods of treating intestinal worms:

Your doctor will prescribe an antiparasitic medication for you. You may need a single dose, or you may have to take the medication for several weeks. You must be careful to take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Complementary and alternative treatments:
Conventional medical treatments help get rid of parasites quickly and with fewer side effects than most medical treatments. However, the doctor must know the type of worms or parasites that are causing the problems you suffer from before starting treatment. He will give you some of the following dietary guidelines that may help you prevent parasites from growing.

Dietary advice:
Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those found in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products, and all sugars, except honey.

• Eat more raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, beets, and carrots, which are traditionally used to kill parasites. In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds killed 23 out of 30 parasites or worms in the intestines. You should drink plenty of water to help flush dead worms from the body.
• Eat more fiber, which may help get rid of worms. Probiotics help keep the digestive system healthy, but probiotics may not be suitable for some patients with immune compromise, so you should talk to your doctor first before taking them.
• Digestive enzymes help restore the intestines to their normal state, making them inhospitable to parasites. Papaya contains gum, which helps kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after meals. However, gum may increase bleeding in people with blood clotting disorders or who take blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and others.
• Vitamin C supports the immune system, but you should reduce the dose if it causes diarrhea.
  Zinc (20-30 mg daily) supports the immune system, but zinc may interact with some medications, especially some antibiotics, so you should consult your doctor before taking it.

Herbs useful in treating intestinal worms

Herbs are a way to boost your body’s ability to get rid of parasites and worms, but as with any treatment, you should consult a doctor first to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You can use dried herbs and extracts (capsules, powders, and teas), and glycerin. Many herbs used to treat intestinal parasites have toxic side effects or interact with other medications, so they should be used under the supervision of a doctor, and health care should be provided when dealing with herbs.

There are a number of herbs that can be used to get rid of worms and parasites, which are as follows:

• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Barberry
• Anise
• wormwood
• Mint
• Black walnut

Follow-up treatment:
Your doctor will ask you to repeat the stool test to make sure the parasite is gone, and will give you advice to help you avoid getting infected again. You must follow the instructions carefully to avoid getting infected with the parasite again, which causes more serious health problems.

comments :

• The length of the illness varies depending on the type of intestinal parasite, and complications occur more often in the elderly and people who already suffer from serious diseases such as AIDS.
• Intestinal parasites or worms can be more dangerous if you are pregnant, and your doctor will prescribe some medications that are safe during pregnancy, and your doctor must follow the treatment during pregnancy very carefully.