The presence of parasites in the body leads to serious health consequences. These include the development of allergies, general exhaustion and decreased immune defenses, hypovitaminosis and anemia, as well as nervous system disorders, neurosis, insomnia and poor appetite. Proper treatment directed against parasites, their larvae and eggs, as well as the use of drugs that will restore metabolic processes disrupted by the presence of uninvited guests in the body, can eliminate all these manifestations.
Getting rid of parasites: general principles
First of all, treatment is aimed at completely removing the body from worms and their larvae. If at least one parasite remains in the body, it can lead to re-infection. Only medicines are necessary here, and that is due to the fact that many parasites are transmitted by dirty hands. In this regard, even if the patient has taken the parasite medicine, but at the same time neglects the rules of personal hygiene and is constantly in contact with the source of the parasite (humans or animals), rapid re-infection is possible.
Therefore, the treatment of parasites consists of two mandatory components:
- The use of parasitic drugs to remove them from the body.
- Prevention of re-infection (personal hygiene, disinfection of the house, personal belongings and surfaces, treatment of all family members, pets).
In addition, there is often a need for additional therapy for those disorders that the parasite causes by its presence in the body.
Treatment against parasites
The basis of therapy against parasites found in the body is the use of antiparasitic drugs. These drugs can affect adults and their eggs and larvae. The choice of anti-parasitic drugs should be made exclusively by the physician after obtaining the results of all necessary examinations and assessment of the general condition of the patient. Self-administration of antiparasitic drugs for both treatment and prevention of worms is prohibited, and this is due to several factors. First, all drugs against parasites belong to a special group of chemotherapeutic agents, they have a strong toxic effect on living organisms. And the human body is no exception in this regard. Wrong dosage or choice of medication can damage the liver or kidneys and not harm the helminth at all.
Second, the doctor calculates the dose based on age and weight, using a short-term anti-parasite drug and the maximum allowed and safe dose.
Third, according to the results of the analysis, a drug for parasites was selected, which will be effective in this particular case, because different types of worms (as well as their larvae and eggs) die from different types of drugs.
Drugs for parasites: classification of drugs
Drugs that act on parasites and their larvae, eggs, are divided, depending on the effect on certain groups of worms, into several classes.
The first group is an antiparasitic drug that affects the class of nematodes. They are divided into two subclasses:
- Drugs that act against intestinal nematodes.
- Drugs that act on extraintestinal types of nematodes.
The second group includes drugs that have a detrimental effect on the cestode class. They also fall into two subgroups:
- Drugs that act on intestinal parasites.
- Drugs that lead to the destruction of cestodes outside the intestinal lumen.
The third group includes all those drugs against parasites that act on flukes. They are also divided into subcategories:
- Drugs that act on intestinal parasites.
- Drugs that lead to the destruction of cestodes outside the intestinal lumen.
A special place is occupied by drugs from the fourth group that belong to a wide range of action. This means that such a parasite remedy will be effective against most known helminths.
Complementary therapy: treatment of allergies, improvement of well-being
In addition to antiparasitic treatment, medications are often used to improve the patient’s condition, normalize well-being, and generally strengthen. In addition, due to the strong allergy of the organism when infected with parasites, the treatment of allergies with certain agents is also indicated. Allergy occurs in response to the penetration and reproduction of parasites, foreign bodies, can worsen in the period of mass death of parasites. Therefore, antihistamines are sometimes prescribed as a prevention of worsening allergies in the background of the treatment of helminthiasis.
To alleviate intoxication, remove waste products and antigens of parasites, especially if there is a pronounced allergy, in addition to taking anthelmintic drugs, the simultaneous intake of antihistamines and sorbents is indicated. Moreover, sorption and antiallergic therapy begin approximately three days before taking the main drug and continue for at least 5 days after it.
Helminthiases often lead to disorders of the intestinal microbial flora, so the active use of fermented dairy products, plant foods and a preventive course of probiotics to restore normal biocenosis is recommended. During treatment, it is worth excluding from the diet irritating, heavy foods, dense foods and excess protein. The most useful will be soups and light stews of vegetables, cereals and dairy products. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to actively remove toxins from the body.