Verminases are a set of infectious diseases caused by parasites, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, palpitations and itching.
Parasites, popularly known as worms, can cause diseases and infections such as ascariasis, giardiasis, scabies, malaria and Chagas disease, for example.
The treatment of worms may include the use of antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole and mebendazole, which should be indicated by the doctor. In addition, it is essential to adopt good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands well before eating and after using the bathroom, and properly washing the food.
Symptoms of worms
The symptoms of worms are:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Weight loss and/or appetite;
- Anemia and pallor;
- Weakness and excessive tiredness;
- Very dark, white or yellowish stools;
- Itching in the anus.
In addition, the person with worms may also have fever, rash, palpitations and shortness of breath.
The symptoms of worms may vary depending on the type of parasite, the form of transmission and the affected body region.
Online symptom test
To know the risk of worms, select in the following test the symptoms presented:
This is a tool that should be used only as guidance and thus does not serve as a diagnosis and replaces consultation with the general practitioner.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of worms is made by the general practitioner or pediatrician, through the evaluation of the symptoms presented and the health history of the person.
If you want to evaluate the risk of worms, make an appointment with the doctor closest to your region:
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may request a blood test, stool examination or the tape test, which consists of applying the tape in the anal region to collect the eggs, and then visualize in the microscope.
Also read: Stool examination: what it is for, how to do it and types
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How the transmission happens
The transmission of worms may vary according to the infectious agent, being more frequent to happen through the consumption of water and contaminated foods.
However, some worms can also be transmitted as barefoot in areas with contaminated soil or water, eat raw or undercooked meat containing parasites and have direct contact with infected people or surfaces.
It is also possible to be infected through contact with urine or feces of infected people or animals. In addition, some types of parasites can enter the body through skin wounds.
Causes of worms
Worms are diseases caused by parasites, being the main ones:
- Giardia Lamblia, which causes giardiasis.
- Ascaris lumbricoides, popularly known as Lombriga, which is parasite responsible for ascariasis;
- Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebiasis;
- Sarcoptes Scabiei: Responsible for scabies;
- Plasmodium spp: which causes malaria;
- Trypanosoma cruzi: parasite that causes Chagas disease;
- Toxoplasma gondii, who is the agent responsible for toxoplasmosis.
It is important that the agent responsible for the worms is identified, as this is possible that the most appropriate treatment be indicated by the doctor.
VERMINYSY TYPES
The main types of worms are:
1. Intestinal worms
Intestinal worms is a type of parasitosis that directly affects the digestive tract and symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
This condition is more common in preschool and school children due to bad hygiene habits and greater contact with contaminated surfaces.
Intestinal worms also affects people living in bad health conditions.
The most common parasites causing intestinal worms are Giardia Lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and lumbricoid ascariasis.
Also read: Intestinal worms: what are, symptoms, transmission and treatment
tuasaude.com/vermes-intestinais
2.
Skin worms are infections caused by parasites that are transmitted through direct skin contact and can cause itching, rash and redness.
The most common parasites that cause these worms are sarcoptes scabiei, scabies, Lice headhead louse, and Phthirus pubispubic louse,
3. Systemic parasitosis
Systemic parasitosis is an infection caused by parasites that affect various tissues or organs of the body and may cause a wide variety of symptoms.
These parasites can affect organs such as heart, digestive system, brain and eyes. Some most common systemic parasites are Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii e Plasmodium spp.
4. Respiratory parasitosis
Respiratory parasitosis is more common in people who have traveled to endemic areas. These parasites can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Some of the most common parasites that can affect the respiratory tract are Strongyloides stercoralis e Ascaris lumbricoides.
5. Cardiac parasitosis
Cardiac parasites are caused by parasites that affect the heart and cardiovascular system, which may cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain and palpitations.
However, some parasites may remain in the body for years without causing symptoms. Although they do not cause symptoms, these parasites may be reactivated if the immune system is weakened, as in the case of transplants or diseases that compromise immunity.
The most common parasites in this type of conditions are Trypanosoma cruzi e Toxoplasma gondii.
Also read: Chagas disease: what is, symptoms, transmission and treatment
tuasaude.com/doenca-de-chagas
How treatment is done
The treatment of worms is done according to the intensity of symptoms and the type of parasite responsible.
Depending on the type of parasite, the doctor may indicate the use of antiparasites such as Ivermectin, Albendandazole, Mebendazole, Praziquantel, Metronidazole, Nitazoxanide or Tinidazole. See other remedies indicated for worms.
In the case of severe infections, especially intestinal parasites, the person’s hospitalization may be required to keep it hydrated with serum and to receive intravenous medication.
In the case of skin parasites, the doctor may indicate the use of topical and/or oral medications, and some hygiene measures to avoid transmission to others.
Also read: Treatment for worms: medicines and care
tuasaude.com/tratamento-para-vermes
How to prevent
Some tips for preventing worms are:
- Wash hands after using the bathroom and keep it clean, as parasites are usually found in the feces;
- Avoid walking barefoot as some parasites may enter the body by the feet;
- Cut and keep nails clean to avoid the accumulation of dirt and possible parasite eggs;
- Drink filtered, boiled or disinfected water with sodium hypochlorite to eliminate possible contaminant;
- Clean the kitchen well, and sanitize and cook the food well;
- Wash hands before cooking and before meals;
- Wash household utensils with drinking water to avoid cross -contamination.
These proper hygiene measures are fundamental to prevent parasites transmission.
Source: www.tuasaude.com