Worms Tapeworms in Human Tapeworms are flat segmented worms that live in the intestines of some animals.

Animals can become infected with these parasites when grazing in pastures or drinking contaminated water. Eating undercooked meat from infected animals is the main cause of tapeworm infection in humans. Although tapeworms in humans usually cause few symptoms and are easily treated, they can sometimes cause serious, life-threatening problems. That's why it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of tapeworms and know how to protect yourself and your family. Recommended Related to Digestive Disorders What Is a Pancreatic Pseudocyst? The pancreas -- a spongy, tadpole-shaped organ located behind the stomach -- produces enzymes our bodies need to digest food and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels. If the pancreas is injured, its ducts, which carry enzyme-containing juices, can become blocked. This can lead to the development of a fluidfilled sac called a pancreatic pseudocyst. A pseudocyst isn't a true cyst because the wall of the sac is not composed of a specific lining of cells characteristic of a true cyst. The most... Read the What Is a Pancreatic Pseudocyst? article > > Tapeworm Causes Six types of tapeworms are known to infect people. They are usually identified by the animals they come from -- for example Taenia saginata from beef, Taenia solium from pork, and Diphyllobothrium latum from fish. Tapeworms have a three-stage lifecycle: egg; an immature stage called a larva; and an adult stage at which the worm can produce more eggs. Because larvae can get into the muscles of their hosts, infection can occur when you eat raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. It is also possible to contract pork tapeworms from foods prepared by an infected person. Because tapeworm eggs are passed with bowel movements, a person who doesn't wash hands well after wiping and then prepares food can contaminate the food. Tapeworms Symptoms Sometimes tapeworms cause signs and symptoms such as: nausea weakness diarrhea abdominal pain hunger or loss of appetite fatigue weight loss vitamin and mineral deficiencies However, often having tapeworms does not cause symptoms. The only sign of tapeworm infection may be segments of the worms, possibly moving, in a bowel movement. In rare cases, tapeworms can lead to serious complications, including blocking the intestine. If pork tapeworm larvae move out of the intestine, they can migrate to other

parts of the body and cause damage to the liver, eyes, heart, and brain. These infections can be life-threatening. Treatment for Tapeworms If you suspect you have tapeworms, you should see your doctor. Because there are different types of worms and tapeworms that can infect people, diagnosing a tapeworm infection may require a stool sample to identify the type of worm. If worms are not detected in the stool, your doctor may order a blood test to check for antibodies produced to fight tapeworm infection. For serious cases, your doctor may use imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for damage outside the digestive tract. The type and length of treatment may depend on the type of tapeworm you have. Tapeworms are usually treated with a single dose of medicine taken by mouth. Commonly used medicines for tapeworms are praziquantel (Biltricide) andalbendazole (Albenza). These medications kill the tapeworms. The dead tapeworms then dissolve or pass from your body with bowel movements. If worms are large, you may have cramping when they pass. Your doctor will recheck stool samples at one and three months after you finish treatment. When tapeworms are confined to the intestines, appropriate treatment gets rid of them in more than 95% of people. More serious complications of tapeworm infection are also treated with medications. To complete go to http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tapeworms-in-humans for next page Threadworms Introduction The threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) is the most common worm parasite that infects children in the UK My child has threadworms should they be allowed to go to school? A threadworm infection should be treated as soon as it's identified, but the Health Protection Agency (HPA) advises that it is not necessary to stay off work or school. However, it's important to inform the school or nursery so that they can follow good hygiene practices to limit the spread of infection. These will include:

cleaning toys and equipment encouraging children to wash their hands regularly using dedicated laundry facilities

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that hatch eggs in and infect the large intestine of humans. Threadworms are the most common type of worm infection in the UK, and they are particularly common in young children, infecting up to half of all children under the age of 10. Threadworms are white and look like a small piece of thread. You may notice them around your child's bottom or in your or your child's stools (poo). They don't always cause symptoms. Some people notice itchiness around their anus (back passage) or vagina, which can be worse at night and can sometimes disturb sleep. Read more about the symptoms of threadworms. You can treat threadworms yourself with medication available at pharmacies. However, treatment does not kill the eggs hatched by threadworms. Good hygiene is the only way to prevent the eggs from spreading and causing further infection.

See your GP if you think that you have threadworms and:

You're pregnant or breastfeeding. Your child has threadworms and they are under the age of two.

How are threadworms spread? Threadworms are spread from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene. If one member of a household is infected, there is a high risk that other members will also be infected. It is therefore necessary to treat the entire household and to practise particularly thorough hygiene for six weeks (this is how long the worms live) to prevent re-infection. Read more about treating threadworm infections. Preventing threadworms Threadworms can be prevented from occurring by always maintaining good hygiene. Children should wash their hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet and before mealtimes. Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be kept clean. Encouraging your children not to scratch the affected area around their anus or vagina (in girls) will help prevent re-infection and help to avoid a skin infection. As itching is worse at night, wearing cotton gloves while sleeping may help. Threadworm life cycle Threadworms lay their eggs around an infected person's anus (back passage), usually at night. Along with the eggs, the worm also secretes a mucus that causes itching. If the eggs get stuck on the persons fingertips when they scratch, they can be transferred to their mouth or onto surfaces and clothes. Other people who touch an infected surface can then transfer the eggs to their mouth. Threadworm eggs can survive for up to three weeks before hatching. If the eggs hatch around the anus, the newly born worms can re-enter the bowel. Eggs that have been swallowed will hatch inside the intestine. After two weeks, the worms reach adult size and begin to reproduce, starting the cycle again. Humans are thought to be the only host for threadworms. Animals can't catch or pass on threadworms, unless the eggs are transported on the animals fur after contact from an infected person. Read more about what causes threadworms. Pinworms Pinworms Overview Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infections are extremely common. Occurring worldwide, it is estimated that there are more than 40 million cases in the United States each year, making it the most common worm infection in America. Although any individual may develop a case of pinworms, the infection occurs most frequently in school children between 5 to 10 years of age. Pinworm infections occur in all socioeconomic groups; however, human-to-human spread is favoured by close, crowded living conditions. Spread among family members is common. Animals do not harbour pinworms - humans are the only natural host for this parasite. The most common symptom of pinworms is an itchy rectal area. Symptoms are worse at night when the female worms are most active and crawl out of the anus to deposit their eggs. Although pinworm infections can be annoying, they rarely cause serious health problems and are usually not dangerous. Therapy with routine prescription medications provides an effective cure in almost all cases.

Next Page: Pinworms Causes How to Get Rid of Worms How you get rid of worms depends greatly upon what kind of worms you think you or your pet may have. Now is when the questions arises, can I get worms from my cat or dog? The answer is yes, but in most cases, it would take a bit of work to actually contract the same worm. For instance, in order to get tapeworm you would have to somehow digest a flea that had eaten tapeworm eggs that had come out of your dog or cat's faeces. Similarly, in order to get roundworm, you have to come into contact with and digest some of your pet's faecal matter in order to get the eggs into your system. Hookworm infections are rare in the States because we wear shoes, and a great number of human infections by hookworm are caused by walking on the faeces of an infected individual; this is quite common in developing countries. Anyway, you've come here hoping to learn how to get rid of worms, otherwise known as intestinal parasites or intestinal worms. Below, I've described 5 of the most common "worms" that people and pets can get here in the United States, along with the most effective cure for worms, and a link to a more in depth article we've written about each worm--where you'll find more information about the worm's lifecycle and more detailed information about avoiding worm infection and getting rid of worms. Type of Worms and Treatments Pinworms are found only in humans and account for the largest percentage of intestinal worm infections in the U.S. Getting rid of pinworm isn't easy, but it can be done. To get rid of pinworms, you should wash your hands regularly to avoid ingesting pinworm eggs. If pinworm infection is detected by your doctor, or noticed in the stool, you should seek an over-the-counter treatment like Reese's Pinworm Medicine or get a prescription from your doctor for Vermox, the most common prescription given for pinworm infections. Roundworms are large worms about as thick as a spaghetti noodle and roughly 4-13 inches long at maturity. Roundworm is an intestinal worm found in both dogs and cats. The life cycle is complicated, and in order to get rid of roundworm completely, one must interrupt this life cycle. Usually this is done with three to four treatments of a pyrantel pamoate based medicine over a month long period. It is repeated once every week to ensure that both mature and migrating adolescent roundworms are destroyed. Hookworms are yet another worm that is most commonly found in pets in the U.S., but account for almost 800 million intestinal worm infections in the human population worldwide. To get rid of hookworms, mebendazole or albendazole are used the most often and require a prescription by a doctor to obtain. Hookworm medication in humans is usually taken twice a day for three days. In dogs and cats, hookworm anthelmintic is taken once every week for 2-3 weeks to ensure that the hookworm life cycle is disrupted.

While tapeworms are found in both humans and animals, it is rare for humans to get tapeworm. A tapeworm problem is synonymous with a flea problem, since ingestion of the tapeworm eggs by fleas and then ingestion of the fleas is required to become infected. To get rid of tapeworms, you must get rid of fleas. Usually treatment for both fleas and tapeworms are administered together. The tapeworm infested individual (be they human or pet) is given a dewormer, and their environment is treated with either Nylar or Methoprene tocontrol fleas. Ringworm isn't actually a worm at all. Ringworm is caused by a fungus and is given its name because of the ring-shaped rash it causes when a person is infected. Ringworm is similar toathlete's foot with regard to the family of fungus that causes it. To get rid of ringworm, many people suggest dabbing bleach on the skin and then wiping it clean to ensure you don't give yourself a chemical burn. Essentially, an astringent or topical antiseptic like those used to treat athletes foot may also be used to treat ringworms. Antifungal medications and topical treatments are similarly used to treat pets, but spores may persist and cause recurring infections. Preventing Intestinal Worm Infections Most intestinal worm infections (also known as helminthes) can be avoided by practicing good hygiene. The most effective way to avoid a pinworm infection is by washing your hands regularly throughout the day, especially if you are visiting, live with, or work with children, who are the most prone to becoming infected and spreading a pinworm infection to their family and friends. Washing your hands will also prevent ringworm infections, but the best way to avoid a ringworm infection is to avoid contact with other people's "personal" belongings, like towels, wash clothes, underwear, etc. Since roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms require an intervention in the life cycle of these worms to get rid of them, it should be obvious that preventing a life cycle from being possible is the best way to prevent an intestinal worm infection. Preventing a flea infestation will help you control tapeworm infections. Avoiding other litter boxes and stopping your pet from eating other animals' faeces will prevent roundworm and hookworm infections. If you have recently adopted a pet or are bringing a new pet into a home where pets are already present, it would be wise to enforce a quarantine period to ensure that the new pet doesn't introduce worms to the others until its deworming regiment is completed and stamped by your veterinarian. More Worms Hookworms Pinworms Roundworm Tapeworms Common Intestinal Worms Human Worms: Ascariasis Enterobius

Necator Trichuris Natural Worm Treatments Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade), as I've been telling people for months now, is one of the best ways to control intestinal worms in dogs and cats, naturally. Diatomaceous earth is made of fossilized algae, which is mined and then refined into what we call food grade or medical grade diatomite. These finer grade diatomites are what we use to de-worm pets and people alike. For human worm control, one heaping teaspoon of diatomaceous earth a day is recommended. For cats, 1 teaspoon, and for dogs 1 tablespoon--give or take a half tsp./tbsp. for young or large animals. It has been recommended to me that you take DE for up to 1 or 2 months, as to avoid recurrences caused by the fact that eggs aren't affected by DE, which means they'll emerge many days later. If you aren't taking DE when the eggs mature, you will be reinfected. Para-Gone Worm Treatment is an herbal supplement de-wormer used by people who refuse to give their animals and pets chemical formulas. The ingredients in ParaGONE include: black walnut, undecylenic acid, grapefruit seed extract, quassia, wormwood, bismuth citrate, caprylic acid, cape aloe gel, garlic, pau d'arco, clove, pumpkin seed, pippli, rosemary, thyme, marshmallow and orange peel. Wrm Clear is formulated to control hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm in dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It is FDA approved and 100% natural. It can be found online for about $12. Wormwood Tincture is often the active ingredient in many natural de-worming formulas. If you're going to use wormwood tincture alone, you should promote a month-long treatment regiment so you make certain that no worm reinfestation occurs--this is particularly true when it comes to roundworm. Symptoms of Worms in Humans By Juniper Russo, eHow Contributor Symptoms of Worms in Humans Intestinal parasites, including tape worms, round worms and pin worms, are much more common than most people would like to acknowledge. While the idea of critters in a colon can give anyone the creeps, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of worms in humans and seek prompt treatment. Weight Loss
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Most Americans can stand to lose a little weight, so some people ignore unintentional weight loss instead of promptly addressing the cause. Unexplained weight loss is often the first sign that a person is sharing his food with a colony of worms. Itching

Itching of the anus or vagina can be a sign that intestinal parasites are squirming about and causing local skin irritation. Eczema-like skin rashes elsewhere on the body may appear.

Stomach Pain
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Gassy stomach pain can be a sign of worm infestation, although there are many other causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and food intolerance. Pain from worms can appear anywhere in the abdomen. Diarrhea or Constipation

Intestinal parasites are likely to cause intermittent episodes of constipation or severe diarrhea, and bowel movements may be foul smelling. These symptoms may resemble another condition and be misdiagnosed. Worms or Eggs in Stool

It should go without saying, but many people still fail to recognize symptoms of intestinal parasites even when they pass worms or worm eggs in their feces.

WORMS, Intestinal Worms in Humans - Signs & Symptoms, Adults, Children Allergies, Many allergies in humans are caused by worm infections. Tissue becomes inflamed and reactions to foods are the result when eosinophils (white blood cells) are increased due to them. Extreme skin rashes with blisters and food allergies or sensitivities may result. Anemia, Worms leach nutrients from bodies causing anemia. When they are present in large numbers, they can create enough blood loss to cause anemia or iron deficiency in some people. Constipation, Some worms can obstruct certain organs like the colon, liver and the bile duct, causing constipation and other problems. Diarrhea, Most of the time diarrhea is nature's way of removing toxins. Fatigue, Symptoms include tiredness, flue-like symptoms, apathy, depression and a lack of concentration. Gas and Stomach Bloating, Some parasites live in the upper intestine, which can cause both gas and stomach bloating. Immune Dysfunction, Worms in Humans depress the immune system by decreasing immunoglobulin A. Nervousness, The waste products from parasites irritate the nervous system, resulting in anxiety and restlessness. Other Signs & Symptom of Worms & Parasites in Children Blisters appear on the inside of the lower lip, wiping of the nose, restlessness and grinding of the teeth at night, dark circles under the eyes, hyperactive, bed wetting, headaches, sensitive to light, twitching eyelid, gum, rectum, or nose bleeding are signs they may have worms & parasites. Homeopathic Remedies & Homeopathy Treatment for WORMS, Intestinal Worms in Humans Produces a perfect picture of the wormy child. The patient is cross, irritable, has a sickly pale face with rings about the eyes, grates the teeth at night and has a tendency to convulsions; there is canine hunger or variable appetite; the child picks at its nose and cries out in its sleep; there is jerking of the hands and feet and a milky urine. It does not correspond well to pin-worms and a noticeable symptoms is a bluish color about the mouth. #Santonine. [Sant] The alkaloid of Cina is also a remedy for round worms. It is not a safe remedy as

Cina and no more efficacious. The writer has observed convulsions produced by its use in too low potencies. #Caladium. [Calad] Useful when worms travel over the perineum and get into the vagina in little girls, with tendency to excite masturbation. #Teucrium. [Teucr] The remedy for ascarides or pin-worms; there is much irritation caused by them in the rectum. Hughes prefers the tincture or lower dilutions, saying that it rarely fails in this condition. Another remedy for pin-worms is Sinapis nigra. Cina and Cicuta are often indicated in convulsions from worms. #Spigelia. [Spig] Strabismus, jerking with paleness of the face, blue rings around the eyes, faint, nauseated feeling with colic about the navel caused by the presence of worms, will indicate Spigelia. It has stools consisting of mucus, faces and worms. The tincture on a handkerchief and inhaled will frequently arrest convulsions from worms. #Ignatia [Ign] Is useful where the child is much excited and has tickling and creeping at the anus. #Indigo [Indg] Is a remedy for ascarides or thread-worms in melancholy children, with intense pain in the umbilical region, also convulsions from worms. #Sabadilla [Sabad] Has worm symptoms with nausea, vomiting and colic. #Stannum. [Stann] According to Hahnemann, Stannum so stupefies the worms that they are easily dislodged by purgatives. It has many worms symptoms; thus pale sunken face and eyes surrounded by blue rings, Sluggish disposition, general torpor, foetor of breath and passive fever. Patient prefers to lie on stomach. #Calcarea [Calc] Calcarea is a valuable remedy to eradicate the disposition to worms. #Cuprum oxydatum nigrum. [Cupr-o] Zopfy in his sixty years' practice asserts that this remedy will remove all kinds of worms, cure trichinosis, and even tapeworm. He gives it in small doses, about the 1X, in alternation with Nux vomica four or five times a day for four to six weeks, which always suffices to cure tapeworm without causing the patient any in convenience whatever.

Basic Information About Worms What are germs? MOST worms that infect humans reside in the intestinal tract, spreading through poor sanitation, food or drinking water contaminated with worm eggs. PINWORMS - small white worms shorter than 1/2 inch- are the most common. They afflict mostly children. Kids busy at play can pick up pinworm eggs in their fingernails from the ground and from the toys they handle. The eggs can likewise be picked up from toilet seats, beddings, clothing and other objects. They can stay on a child's skin for several hours. They can survive for up to 3 weeks on clothes, beddings and toys. Without their knowing, children carry and swallow some eggs in their mouth, especially thumbsuckers and those with the habit of putting their fingers in their mouth. Lighter eggs become airborne and can be inhaled and swallowed. Pinworm eggs inside the human body reside in the upper part of the intestine until they hatch. After they hatch, the worms which look like tiny straight pins move down the length of the intestine. In the night while the afflicted child sleeps, the female

pinworm comes out from the rectum to lay thousand of eggs around the anus, causing skin irritation and severe anal itching. Itching triggers scratching the anus which results in some of the eggs being transferred to the hands and fingernails, if they are carried to the mouth and swallowed- the cycle of infestation occurs anew. Read more HOOKWORMS - infect about 25% of the world's population. The eggs go with the stool and hatch 2-days later in the soil. The larvae enters the human body through the skin, usually on the soles of children and others who go barefoot. They transfer to the lungs- are coughed up and swallowed. They then take up residence in the small intestine where they attached themselves to its wall and feed on the person's blood. A large infestations of hookworms can cause iron-deficiency anaemia and abdominal pain. Read more THREADWORMS - life cycle is similar to that of hookworms. They can cause coughing, shortness of breath and even pneumonia when lodged in the lungs. In the small intestine, they can produce abdominal pain and severe diarrhea. Read more ROUNDWORMS enter the body as eggs carried in contaminated water, food or soilcontaminated hands. Some may get into the body through the skin. Adult roundworms look like earthworms and are sometimes found in the stool or vomit. They grow in the intestines from one millimeter to one meter long. Roundworm infestation is more common in places with warm and tropical climate. Their most common infection which affects one billion people worldwide is known as ascariases. Signs and symptoms of ascariases infection are: cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, fatigue and presence of worms in vomit or stool. Read more TAPEWORMS are flatworms that affect humans through pork, beef and fish that contain cysts of larvae that are eaten half-cooked or undercooked. These cysts develop into their adult stage in the intestinal tract. They may grow up to 30 feet in length. Their bodies are made up of hundreds of segments called proglottids which contain eggs. Each mature segment which contain both male and female reproductive structures breaks off from the tapeworm posterior and passed in the stool to begin a new life cycle. Tapeworm infections are asymptomatic, others may cause anemia, diarrhea and pain. Read more MEDICAL TREATMENTS Worms are treated primarily with medication called antihelminthics. Pinworms, hookworms and roundworms are usually eradicated with pyrantel pamoate (antiminth) or mebendazole (vermox). A single dose is effective, but a follow-up dose is recommended to eliminate all eggs and larvae. If a child in the family is afflicted with pinworms, he should be dewormed, including his siblings and even adults. Tapeworms can be eliminated with niclosamide (niclocide) or praziquantel (Biltricide). All of these medications should be done in consultation with your family doctor. SELF-TREATMENT: (1) Clean entire house on the same day that medication is taken. (2) Wash towels, face towels, bed linens and clothing in hot water, using a strong detergent and bleach, (3) Clean and disinfect bathroom. (4) Sterilize, disinfect and rinse thoroughly toys and objects. (5) Trim fingernails. (6) Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. (7) Wash hands with soap and water before and after eating. (8) Don't go barefoot outdoors. (9) Cook beef, pork and fish until they are well-done. (Guide to Medical Cares and Treatments) <> <> <> Earn money even without writing a single article

<> <> <> PAKIUSAP SA baba ay makikita ang mga sinadyang button at comments capsule. para punan pagkatapos ng pagbabasa. Ito'y di sapilitan mangyari lamang gustong madama ng may-akda ang inyong pagbisita. Salamat po. (Below are ready-made buttons and comments capsule for you to indicate your reactions after reading this hub. You may disregard this portion. The writer just want to feel that moment when you were here reading this hub. Thank you.) MEDICATIONS TO TREAT HUMAN WORMS Helminth, or worm, infections are a major cause of illness worldwide. Even though public sanitation has led to a decreasing rate of helminth infections in the United States, worms can still cause infection when you travel, eat undercooked meats, or fall victim to poor sanitation. There are a variety of medications available to treat helminth infections, and most are very effective with few side effects. ALBENDAZOLE AND MEBENDAZOLE Albendazole and mebendazole work by preventing synthesis of microtubules in the worms, blocking the ability of worms to shuttle proteins through their cells. They carry a very low risk of side effects with short treatment; with longer treatment, patients must be monitored for changes in blood cell counts and liver enzymes. Pregnant women should avoid these drugs. Albendazole is the drug of choice for treating ascariasis and only one dose is required. Both drugs are effective against hookworms, pinworms, and whipworm. Albendazole can also be used to treat strongyloidiasis, trichinella, neurocystercosis, and cutaneous and visceral larva migrans. Ask a Doctor On Line A Doctor Will Answer You Now! Questions Answered Every 9 Seconds. Doctor-On-Line.JustAnswer.com Sponsored Links DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE Diethylcarbamazine interferes with the protective surface of the worms, allowing the patient's immune system a better chance to fight the worms. It has few side effects, but is usually given with an antihistamine to reduce the risk of having an allergic reaction to the dying worms. It is primarily used for filariasis and is a second-line drug for onchocerciasis. IVERMECTIN Ivermectin causes paralysis of worms by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, and should not be used with other drugs that also increase GABA, such as benzodiazepines and valproic acid. Mild side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and headache. It is the drug of choice for onchocerciasis, requiring only one dose, and strongyloidiasis, which may require repeated doses. It is also useful for ascariasis and pinworms, and it can be given with albendazole to shorten the treatment course for trichuriasis. PRAZIQUANTEL Praziquantel affects the metabolism of calcium, causing paralysis and damage to the cell membranes of the worms. Headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness are common and frequent side effects. It is the preferred drug for schistosomiasis and fluke infections, but can also effectively treat tapeworms and neurocystercosis. PYRANTEL PAMOATE This antihelminthic blocks acetylcholine, causing paralysis of the worms. Pyrantel pamoate causes mild side effects such as nausea, headaches, fevers, and rash. If you

have liver disease and need to take pyrantel pamoate, you should have your liver enzymes checked regularly, because it may stress the liver. This drug is very effective in treating ascariasis, curing all but 5 percent of infections, and is also effective against hookworms and pinworms. TETRACYCLINE AND DOXYCYCLINE McLauren and other researchers reported in the 1970s that a bacteria called Wolbachia can live inside of filarial worms, creating an endosymbiotic relationship. In 1993, a study in the "Journal of Parasitology" showed that treatment with tetracycline was effective in filarial infections due to its ability to kill these endosymbiotic bacteria. Because of this, filarial infections are often treated with tetracycline, or the similar drug doxycycline, in addition to an antihelminthic agent. STEROIDS Helminth infections usually trigger an immune response in healthy persons. Sometimes the immune response is out of proportion to the infection, and can lead to more problems than the infection itself. In these situations, it is sometimes useful to dampen the immune response by using steroids in addition an antihelminthic medicine. In particular, they may be useful for trichinella and cerebral fluke infections. Ask a Doctor On Line A Doctor Will Answer You Now! Questions Answered Every 9 Seconds. Doctor-On-Line.JustAnswer.com Treatment Of Male Infertility now offers comprehensive treatment for all Male Infertility problems Bournhall-clinic.com/Azoospermia Keep Your Brain Young Sharpen Your Memory With Brain Games Made By Neuroscientists www.lumosity.com Felopio Can Unblock Tubes Herbal tampons to safely heal and restore your reproductive health. www.felopio.com Sponsored Links REFERENCES "Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases," 7th ed.; Diseases Due to Helminths; James H. Maguire, M.D.; 2010. "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology"; Clinical Pharmacology of the Antihelminthic Drugs; Philip J. Rosenthal, M.D.; 2009. "Journal of Parasitology"; Prophylactic Activity of Tetracycline against Brugia pahangi Infection in Jirds (Meriones unguiculatus). SC Bosshardt, et. al.; 1993. "Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene"; Micro-organisms in Filarial Larvae (Nematoda); D.J. McLaren, et. al.; 1975.

Intestinal parasites Introduction: The two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells. Tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms are among the most common helminths in the United States. In their adult form, helminths cannot multiply in the human body. Protozoa have only one cell, and can multiply inside the human body, which can allow serious infections to develop. Intestinal parasites are usually transmitted when someone comes in contact with infected feces (for example, through contaminated soil, food, or water). In the U.S., the most common protozoa are giardia and cryptosporidium.

Signs and Symptoms: Parasites can live within the intestines for years without causing any symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea or vomiting Gas or bloating Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus) Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva Stomach pain or tenderness Feeling tired Weight loss Passing a worm in your stool What Causes It?: These things raise your risk for getting intestinal parasites: Living in or visiting an area known to have parasites International travel Poor sanitation (for both food and water) Poor hygiene Age -- children and the elderly are more likely to get infected Exposure to child and institutional care centers Having a weakened immune system HIV or AIDS What to Expect at Your Provider's Office: Your health care provider will ask if you have traveled out of the country recently and whether you have recently lost weight. If your health care provider thinks you have an intestinal parasite, you will probably have one or more of the following tests: Fecal testing (examination of your stool) can identify both helminths and protozoa. Stool samples must be collected before you take any antidiarrhea drugs or antibiotics, or before x-rays with barium are taken. Several stool samples may be needed to find the parasite. The "Scotch tape" test identifies pinworm by touching tape to the anus several times, then looking at the tape under a microscope for eggs. Your health care provider may use x-rays with barium to diagnose more serious problems caused by parasites, although this test is usually not required. Treatment Options: Drug Therapies Your health care provider will choose the drug that is most effective against your intestinal parasite. You may need one dose, or you may have to take the medication for several weeks. Be careful to take the medicine exactly as it is prescribed, or it may not work. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Conventional medical treatments can get rid parasites more quickly and with fewer side effects than most alternative treatments. Alternative treatments may be helpful along with conventional medications. However, your health care provider must find out what kind of organism is causing your problems before you start treatment. The following nutritional guidelines may help keep parasites from growing. Nutrition and Supplements 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, pomegranates, beets, and carrots, all of which have been used traditionally to kill parasites. In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds cleared stools of parasites in 23 out of 30 subjects. Drink a lot of water to help flush out your system. Eat more fiber, which may help get rid of worms. Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria, one to two times per day between meals) help keep your digestive tract healthy. Digestive enzymes will help restore your intestinal tract to its normal state, which makes it inhospitable to parasites. Papain is an enzyme from the papaya plant that may help kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after meals. Vitamin C (250 - 500 mg two times a day) or, if well-tolerated, much higher doses of up to 6,000 mg per day in otherwise healthy adults -- supports the immune system. Lower vitamin C dose if diarrhea develops. Zinc (20 - 30 mg per day) -- also helps support the immune system.

Herbs Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). People with a history of alcoholism should not take tinctures. Many of the herbs used to treat intestinal parasites have toxic side effects or interfere with other medications. Use them only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Your health care provider should treat you with the most gentle herb that is effective for the type of parasite you have. A few of the herbs that your health care provider might consider include: Garlic (Allium sativum) Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Wormwood (Artemisia annua) Curled mint (Mentha crispa) Black walnuts (Juglans nigra) Homeopathy As with other treatments, your health care provider must first diagnose the kind of parasite you have. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors as well as any current symptoms when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. The following remedies may be used: Cina Cuprum oxidatum nigrum Indigo Teucrium Podophyllum Spigelia Sabadilla Stanum Following Up:

Your health care provider will retest your stool to be sure your parasite is gone, and will give you advice to help you avoid getting infected again. Follow these instructions carefully. Getting a parasite a second time can cause more serious health problems. Special Considerations: The seriousness and length of illness varies with the specific intestinal parasite. Complications happen more often in older people and in people who already have serious illnesses, such as AIDS. Intestinal parasites can be more serious if you are pregnant. Your health care provider will tell you which drugs are safe to take during pregnancy. You doctor should closely monitor any treatment for intestinal parasites during pregnancy. Alternative Names: Parasitic infection - intestinal Reviewed last on: 3/24/2010 Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Supporting Research Betti L, Trebbi G, Majewsky V, Scherr C, Shah-Rossi D, Jger T, Baumgartner S. Use of homeopathic preparations in phytopathological models and in field trials: a critical review. Homeopathy. 2009 Oct;98(4):244-66. Review. Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086-1107. Choudhry VP, Sabir M, Bhide VN. Berberine in giardiasis. Indian Pediatr. 1972;9:143-6. El-On J. Current status and perspectives of the immunotherapy of leishmaniasis. Isr Med Assoc J. 2009 Oct;11(10):623-8. Review. Farthing MJ. Treatment options for the eradication of intestinal protozoa. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006;3(8):436-45. Guarner F. Prebiotics, probiotics and helminths: the 'natural' solution? Dig Dis. 2009;27(3):412-7. Review. Johnston CS. Recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;282(22):21182119. Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 218-220. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, Park JB, Wang Y. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;281(15):1415-1453. Mirelman D, Monheit D, Varon S. Inhibition of growth of Entamoeba histolytica by allicin, the active principle of garlic extract (Allium sativum). J Infect Dis.1987;156:243-4. Okeniyi JA, Ogunlesi TA, Oyelami OA, Adeyemi LA. Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2007;10(1):194-6. Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 75-77. Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 243-245.

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How to Treat Intestinal Parasites in Humans By Mara Shannon, eHow Contributor Intestinal parasites in humans include worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms, and protozoa which can multiply in the body and cause serious infection. They are transmitted through contaminated food and water, or accidental contact with contaminated fecal matter. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for intestinal parasites. Treatment for intestinal parasites include medication, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and dietary changes. Other People Are Reading

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Print this article Things You'll Need Doctor's appointment Medication Herbal remedies Show (1) More Instructions 1. o 1 Note your symptoms. Signs and symptoms of intestinal parasites include weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea (possibly containing blood) and fatigue. However, intestinal parasites can live in the human body for years without causing any symptoms. o 2 Get tested. The physician may examine stool samples, or conduct tests such as the "Scotch tape test" which involves collecting material around the anus with Scotch tape and observing it under a microscope, or the "string test" which involves swallowing a string, pulling it back out, and observing the stomach contents that it picked up. 3 Consider your treatment options. Common drugs to treat intestinal parasites include Thiabendazole (Mintezol), Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Nitazoxanide (Alinia). Make sure to complete the entire course of treatment or the parasites may not be eliminated. o 4 Herbal and homeopathic remedies may be used to treat intestinal parasites; however, they may have serious side effects and take longer than drugs to eliminate the parasites. Do not attempt to use them without supervision from a health care provider. Common herbal remedies for intestinal parasites include garlic, tea tree oil, anise and wormwood. o 5
o o

Dietary changes will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your treatment. Avoid simple carbohydrates, which worms feed upon, and increase your fiber intake. Eat more foods with anti-worm properties such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, honey and raw garlic. Increase your intake of vitamin C and probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. o 6 Avoid reinfection as this can cause more serious problems. Prevent the spread of intestinal parasites by washing and peeling fruits and vegetables, washing hands after using the bathroom and before touching food, and avoiding contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers, and the drinking water in foreign countries. If water is contaminated with intestinal parasites, boil it for one minute to kill the organisms.

Pinworms and Threadworms About threadworms, pinworms, and seatworms. There are a number of types of worm (helminth) infestations that humans are susceptible to. Of these, the most common by far is the Enterobius vermicularis, also known as the threadworm, pinworm or seatworm. Do not confuse it with the Strongyloides stercoralis worm that is sometimes also referred to as "threadworm" but is a very different type of worm. Threadworms derive their name from their appearance, with the adult worms resembling fine pieces of white cotton. The adult female threadworm is larger than its male counterpart and can grow up to 1.5cm in length. The threadworm is a nematode, which are distinguishable from other helminth by their unsegmented cylindrical bodies that taper at both ends. It has been estimated that hundreds of millions of people have experienced a threadworm infection at one time or another. Threadworms are the most commonly encountered human host specific nematode. They are parasitic because they obtain their food from the infected person. Diagnosis and symptoms There may not be many external symptoms to indicate that you have a threadworm infestation so it may go undetected. Common signs include an intense itchy feeling around the anus, usually at night or early in the morning. Such itching could, however, also be caused by haemorrhoids, a reaction to underclothes, perianal eczema, and pruritus ani. Other symptoms of a threadworm infestation include restless sleep, irritability, grinding your teeth in your sleep, or a loss of appetite. In rare cases slight stomach pains associated with gastrointestinal upsets may be experienced. Threadworms do not cause illness but they can cause urinary tract infections. You may notice a child who previously did not have a problem starts wetting the bed. Remember that many people with threadworms do not have any symptoms at all. More definitive proof of a threadworm infection requires some investigation. One method is to look to see if any worms are visible on the surface of faeces after a bowel motion. Any worms will resemble small, moving pieces of fine white cotton thread. This type of investigation may not be that successful and even a proper stool examination only has about a 20% detection rate. Another method entails trying to observe the worms while they are moving around at night. If you suspect that your child has worms then you can use a torch and check for them. This is probably best done in the morning as soon as the child wakes up. The worms themselves will be visible to the naked eye. They will "glow" under the torchlight.

Another possible method of diagnosis is to look for the threadworm's eggs deposited around the anus on the perianal skin. They are best detected at night and look like small white specks. Alternatively, you could try to spot the eggs of the threadworm using the "adhesive tape test". This should take place in the morning before bathing or going to the toilet. Apply a piece of double-sided cellophane tape to a wooden stick. If you use a piece of single-sided tape then ensure that the sticky side of the tape faces out. Your local chemist should be able to provide you with some hypo-allergenic tape if you require it. Press the tape against the anus and remove it. Any threadworm eggs will appear as tiny white marks on the tape. If you are unsure about this sort of test you could make an early morning appointment with your doctor and they can organise a laboratory-based test for you or they may be able to diagnose the infection based on the symptoms alone. Related to these symptoms, scratching the perianal skin to relieve the itching can lead to a secondary bacterial infection of the region which worsens the condition if the skin becomes inflamed or broken. In rare cases girls and women may develop vulvovaginitis as the result of a threadworm infestation that is left untreated. This is where the "abnormal migration" of a threadworm takes it into the vagina causing inflammation of the vagina region, irritation, and vaginal discharge. This is actually a sign of the body's defences attacking the intruder. Other than the discomfort that this causes it is not much of a health risk as the threadworm will only be able to survive in this region for a limited time. Threadworm, pinworms, and seatworm Infestion Although commonly associated with young children because of their close social interaction and inattention to personal hygiene, threadworms are very contagious and adults are just as susceptible to a rapid transfer of the infection. Threadworm infestations can quickly be spread through family groups or any collection of people, including day-care centres, schools and camps. This is why it is a good idea to treat all the members of the family if one member becomes infected with threadworms. Contrary to popular belief, the threadworm only infects humans. Animals are only vulnerable to a distantly related species of this worm, one that does not infect humans. Household pets like cats and dogs are not part of the threadworm life cycle but they can be carriers if the eggs of the threadworm are transferred into their fur and hair. There are two main ways that you can catch threadworm. The first is by direct contact with an infected person. The second is by coming into contact with an object or surface that has become contaminated through contact with an infected person. This could be anywhere, from a toilet seat, bedding, toys, kitchen bench, clothing, door handles, food or furniture. The eggs can even survive in swimming pools. Contracting threadworm is not something that is connected with a lack of personal hygiene but is an everyday hazard of communal living. Once the eggs lose their stickiness, catching threadworm can be as easy as breathing in the airborne eggs contained in household dust. The eggs can survive in external environments for about two to three weeks. Poor hygiene, however, can contribute to the spread of threadworm once you have contracted it. Threadworm eggs become infective within hour of being laid. The small eggs are quite difficult to see with the naked eye and stick to anything that they come into contact with. Invariably, the infected person's hands become contaminated with the eggs and they become widely dispersed. Humans become infected when they ingest the eggs and begin the life cycle of the threadworm. After they have swallowed the eggs they hatch inside the small intestine. The shells of the eggs are dissolved by stomach juices. The juvenile threadworm larvae then move to the large intestine to grow and mate. It takes about a month, the

incubation period taking anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks, for the swallowed egg to turn into a sexually mature adult worm. An adult worm lives for approximately two months, although the male threadworm dies after copulation. When the female is ready to lay eggs she emerges out of the human host's anus while they are asleep and inactive. The female then lays up to 10,000 eggs, depositing them on the perianal skin, before dying. At body temperature the eggs develop quickly and they become infective after about 6 hours. Typically this is associated with itching and discomfort around the anus, which is caused by the mucus, or "glue", that the female threadworm secretes in order to attach the eggs to the skin. These eggs are triangular in cross section and flat along one side. When the host scratches this area they transfer the eggs to their hands or under their fingernails, contaminating them and beginning the cycle once again. If the eggs remain on the perianal skin long enough to hatch then the juveniles will crawl back into the anus to the intestines to mature into adults. This process is known as retroinfection. Treating threadworm, pinworms, and seatworm infestion To treat threadworm you should use a treatment like Vermox or Combantrin-1, which contain mebendazole, or Combantrin, which contains pyrantel embonate as the active ingredient. Mebendazole is an anthelmintic that works by interfering with the proteins in either the worm's intestine or absorptive cells. This inhibits the threadworms' ability to absorb glucose (sugars) which depletes them of the energy that they need to survive. As a result the threadworm dies within several days. Pyrantel embonate, a "neuro-muscular blocking agent", causes paralysis of the threadworm's nervous system. The paralysed worms are then expelled in the faeces by the normal actions of the bowel. These treatments are not intended to be used by pregnant women or children under two years-of-age. If you want to use the worm treatments in these situations then you should consult your doctor or pharmacist first. These worming treatments only work on the adult worms that are present in the intestine at the time the medicine is taken. The whole family or all the people living in the same household should be treated at the same time. You should give your home a thorough clean after treatment in order to kill any remaining eggs and to help prevent reinfestation. It is also a good idea to treat everyone again about two weeks after the initial treatment if you suspect that reinfection has occurred. Here are some general hygiene measures that you can take in order to help you get rid of worms. A morning shower or bath will remove any eggs laid during the night. Make sure that everyone in the household using their own towel and facecloth. During treatment change the nightclothes and underwear of the person with the infection daily. Vacuum carpets as often as possible, especially bedrooms, to remove as much dust as possible. Bed-sheets should be changed frequently, especially in the first 7 to 10 days after starting the treatment. Use hot laundry wash cycles for a while in order to kill the remaining eggs. Keep the nails of the infected people short to reduce the chances of eggs being stored there. This will also discourage nail biting amongst children. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before each meal. Keep the toilet and the bathroom area clean. Eggs can be lifted off toilet seats and door handles with paper dampened with water.

If possible, you could make the children wear cotton gloves at night. It is a good idea to avoid eating food in your bedroom. Avoid food and drinks containing a lot of sugar because treatments containing mebendazole are trying to stave the worms of glucose. If you are using a treatment containing Pyrantel embonate then eating highfibre food will help to prevent constipation and will assist expelling the worms.