Verminoses are diseases caused by the presence of parasites in the body, both in children and adults, which can cause constant abdominal pain, a feeling of a swollen belly and a change in appetite, and may be very or very hungry. See what are the 9 symptoms of worms.
Giardiasis, enterobiosis, and hookworms are some of the more common verminoses, and to avoid them, it is important to always wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom, in addition to drinking filtered water and avoid walking barefoot. In this way it is possible not only to prevent verminoses, but also diseases caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria, for example.
How to prevent
Parasites can enter the body in several ways: by eating contaminated food or water, raw or undercooked foods, skin and mosquito bites, for example. Thus, to prevent the entry of parasites in the body is important:
- Wash your hands after using the toilet and keep it in proper hygiene conditions, since the eggs of the parasites are usually found in the faeces - see how to wash your hands properly;
- Avoid walking barefoot, because some parasites, such as the hookworm, for example, that causes yellowing, enter the body through the skin;
- Cut and keep nails clean, to avoid the accumulation of dirt and possible parasite eggs;
- Drink filtered water, boiled or disinfected with Sodium Hypochlorite, to eliminate possible contaminants - understand what sodium hypochlorite is and how it is used;
- Wash and cook food well, as they may be contaminated;
- Wash hands before meals to eliminate any micro-organisms that may cause disease;
- Wash household utensils with drinking water as this water is treated and free of contaminants.
Any prophylactic and treatment measure for worms should be repeated by all family members. In addition, it is important to check the sanitary conditions of the place inhabited, as poor sanitary conditions can increase the chances of having verminoses.
Main verminoses
The most frequent verminoses are:
- Ancylostomiasis, popularly known as yellowing, is caused by the penetration of the parasites Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, causing symptoms such as redness and concealment in the region of entry, weight loss and anemia. Learn more about hookworm and how to treat;
- Oxyuriasis or enterobiosis is caused by the parasite Enterobius vermicularis, whose transmission occurs mainly by contact with feces or consumption of food contaminated with the eggs of the parasite, causing extreme itching in the anus. See what are the main symptoms of enterobiosis and how the transmission is made;
- Teniasis, also known as solitary, is a verminose normally caused by the consumption of beef or porcine contaminated with eggs of Taenia sp . Know what the symptoms of teniasis are and how to confirm it;
- Trichuriasis, which is caused by infection by the parasite Trichuris trichiura by means of water or contaminated food. Understand what trichuriasis is and how to treat it;
- Ascaridiasis or roundworm, which is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and which has as main symptoms abdominal discomfort, difficulty to defecate and nausea. Here's how to identify and treat ascariasis;
- Giardiasis, which is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by cysts of the Giardia lamblia parasite. Learn about the main symptoms of giardiasis;
- Filariosis, popularly known as elephantiasis, is caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti whose transmission occurs through the bite of the mosquito Culex sp. Understand elephantiasis and how to prevent it.
The treatment of the verminoses is done according to the parasite and must be done according to the medical recommendation. In addition, it is important to adopt preventive measures to minimize the chances of acquiring verminoses.
