Infection with helminths in the modern world is very common. Most people on the planet are carriers of these parasites. The danger of such a disease lies in the fact that not every person is able to recognize helminthiasis. Sometimes its symptoms are very unpredictable. So, coughing with worms is not uncommon, but most of the population does not attribute this symptom to infection with parasites.
Usually parents immediately begin to treat children for all sorts of colds. Such therapy does not bring harm, but it does not eliminate the main problem either. So, let's see if the worms can cause a cough.
Cause of cough when infected with helminths
Despite the surprise of many parents, this theory is officially confirmed. Worms can cause coughing. This is due to the fact that some types of helminths are able to block the child's airways, not completely, but partially. This results in itching and discomfort, followed by coughing.
As the pathology develops, other symptoms may appear, and sometimes they are really dangerous for the he alth of the child. For example, a fever that develops into a fever, delirium, or even breathing problems. If you are unsure of your suspicions,ask your doctor what kind of cough with worms can bother you. It is usually dry and slightly scratchy in the throat, because this is not a cold, sputum does not form.
Cough-causing worms
There are a huge number of helminths that can cause coughing and urge to it. The specific type of parasite can only be determined by a doctor with the help of a laboratory test. Self-medication in these matters is not allowed. Here are the most common cough worms:
- pinworms;
- giardia;
- Trichinella;
- acne;
- schistosomes;
- toxocara;
- lung flukes;
- ascaris.
It is noteworthy that these types of helminths also affect adults, but mostly only in children they cause a cough. Parasites settle in the body and lead their vital activity there, which is accompanied by the release of toxic substances. This, in turn, causes various symptoms in children. Therefore, the presence of worms in the body can be recognized not only by coughing.
Symptoms of the disease
Cough with worms is not the only symptom of pathology. The main signs of infection include the following factors:
- Chronic fatigue, weakness, lethargy.
- Uncaused development of depression.
- Missing or very poor appetite.
- Nausea and gagging.
- Weight loss.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Diarrhea anddiarrhea.
- Irritability and aggressiveness.
- Sleep disorders.
- Pale skin and visible circles under the eyes.
- Sometimes dermatological rashes appear.
- Fever, chills, fever.
Cough with worms in children may not occur, but if it does appear against the background of the above symptoms, do not rush to treat the child for a cold. Better take it to the doctor.
In especially advanced cases, the child completely loses interest in life, joy, excitement, desire to study, walk, spend time with family disappear. In the future, pathologies of various characters begin to disturb. Therefore, helminths must be fought constantly.
Ways of entry of parasites into the body
Worms do not enter the child's body by accident. Moreover, it is in childhood that the risk of infection is extremely high. A baby can catch a pathology in any way:
- When playing outside with other children, a child can become infected with worms in the sandbox or while walking in tall grass, for example.
- When in contact with animals, including pets.
- While visiting public places or using public transport.
- During the consumption of insufficiently processed food or dirty water.
- When personal hygiene rules are not observed.
You can become infected with helminths even when communicating with a sick person. Any direct contact puts the child at risk. And since there are even more sick people today,than he althy ones, coughing with worms in children is far from uncommon.
At the first suspicion of parasite infection, take the child to the doctor.
Diagnosis of disease
It is worth noting that helminths can live in a child's body for years without showing themselves. Therefore, diagnostic measures are often postponed indefinitely. Meanwhile, without these procedures, it is impossible to prescribe adequate treatment.
Therapy should affect the elimination of the source of the pathology, and not the removal of symptoms. Therefore, taking up the treatment of cough, you will achieve success for a very short time. This symptom can be completely eliminated only in the case of an integrated approach.
It is worth mentioning separately that the doctor must prescribe a treatment that includes an effect on the immune system. That is, only a strong organism in the future will be able to independently fight worms. Immunity is a protective force. It ensures no relapse.
It is also important to know how parasites live, which manifest themselves in the form of a cough.
Giardia, pinworms and roundworms
These parasites are dangerous because they are able to migrate. It would seem that the worms live in the intestines. But over time, they are able to move into the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Over time, parasites begin to multiply. When coughing, they are brought out, and those remaining in the oral cavity again enter the intestines and continue their vital activity.
Worms secrete toxic substances that poison the body. The child becomes prone to allergic reactions. This is the main feature of Giardia and Ascaris.
Toxocars and flukes
Surprisingly, these types of helminths are considered the most severe, especially if the patient is a child. Parasites are able to attach to lung tissues, which leads to severe diseases of the respiratory system. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify them at an early stage and start treatment on time.
A feature of this type of helminths is that the cough when they enter the body is not always dry. Sometimes sputum is secreted, in which there are blotches of blood. This is a characteristic symptom of a child being infected with worms.
Trichinella, acne and schistosomes
These parasites are perhaps the most dangerous. They are not the most common, which is why almost no one knows about them. Accordingly, helminths have much more time to settle in the human body and lead a productive life.
These worms get inside through the skin while swimming in public waters. Not a single person is immune from this, so an examination for the presence of parasites in the body must be carried out regularly. Also, some of these helminths successfully enter the stomach when drinking tap water.
Cough and stuffy nose
As we have already found out, worms cause coughs in children. But sometimes this symptom can be supplemented by a runny nose. howas a rule, this combination worries parents who are sure that their child has undergone a cold. But worms can also cause a runny nose.
It is worth noting that nasal congestion with helminths can only be combined with a cough, not otherwise.
A runny nose rarely occurs and only if the parasite has entered an organ that is not intended for its life. This happens from time to time, especially if the helminthiasis is running.
But it also happens that there is only a runny nose with parasites, and it is not accompanied by a cough. The fact is that situations are known when larvae of flies and gadflies settle in the nasal sinuses of a person. This is especially true for children who often play outside. If this phenomenon is ignored, the larvae penetrate the maxillary sinuses, causing a runny nose, tearing, shortness of breath and sometimes the urge to cough.
Prevention measures
We found out if children can have a cough from worms. Now it’s worth saying what to do so that such symptoms never bother. To do this, you must follow the rules of prevention in order to avoid infection in principle. They are in the following points:
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. This includes washing hands after going to the toilet, walking outside, contact with animals, and before eating. Teach your children these rules so they can be safe outside the home.
- Most babies put their fingers in their mouths sometimes. You need to get rid of this habit. Focused on handsmany microorganisms, and after a walk there will probably be several hundred larvae of parasites.
- It is important to wash vegetables and fruits before eating, and very carefully.
- Meat and fish must be fully cooked before they reach the dining table.
- It is strictly forbidden to drink tap water. Use only filtered liquid at room temperature.
- Everyone should have their own personal hygiene items. Shared towels are not allowed.
Helminths can infect the human body again and again, so these rules must always be followed.
And remember, there are so many parasites in our lives that no one is safe from them, especially children. Take your child to the hospital periodically for check-ups so that treatment can be started on time if necessary.
