All You Need To Know About Intestinal Worms

What are Intestinal Worms?

Also known as Helminths, intestinal worms originate in the soil and get transmitted to human intestine through contact. There are different types of intestinal worms which include tapeworms, ringworms, hookworms, etc.

Causes of Intestinal Worms

This includes

1. Eating overcooked meat from an infected animal

2. Contact with contaminated faeces

3. Poor sanitation and hygiene

4. Consumption of contaminated water

Once you’ve consumed the contaminated substance, the parasite travels into your intestines where they reproduce and grow. And once they reproduce and become larger in amount and size, symptoms may appear.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Common symptoms of intestinal worms include:

1. Itching around the opening of the rectum

2. Abdominal pain

3. Loss of appetite

4. Weight loss

5. Fever

6. Nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting

When to contact a Doctor?

Medication is often effective at getting rid of worms and it’s a good idea to see your doctor if you notice below:

1. Blood or pus in your stool

2. Frequent vomiting

3. Elevated body temperature

4. Extremely fatigued and dehydrated

5. Unexpected weight loss

6. Sick with diarrhoea or stomach pain for more than 2 weeks

7. Red and itching rash on your skin shaped like a worm

Treating Intestinal Worms

Some types of intestinal worms, such as tapeworms, may disappear on their own if you have a strong immune system and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, depending on the type of intestinal worm infection, you may require treatment with an antiparasitic medication.
Your doctor will give a treatment plan based on the type of intestinal worm you have and your symptoms. Medications for intestinal worms are usually taken for 1 to 3 days. Symptoms typically begin to improve within a few weeks. Your doctor will most likely take and analyse another stool sample after treatment is complete to see if the worms have disappeared.

Complications

Intestinal worms increase your risk for anaemia, intestinal blockages and malnutrition and these complications occur more frequently in older adults and in people who have suppressed immune systems.
Intestinal worm infections can pose a higher risk if you’re pregnant, so consult your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms.

Risk factors for Intestinal Worms

Children in particular are more susceptible to intestinal worms as they often involve in outdoor activities and have a higher chance of coming in contact with contaminated soil. Older adults are also at increased risk due to weakened immune systems.
People living in and visiting developing countries are at the highest risk due to drinking water from contaminated sources and decreased sanitation levels.

Prevention of Intestinal Worms

To prevent intestinal worms, wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water before preparing or eating foods. Also practice food safety like avoid raw fish and meat, cook meat thoroughly to temperatures of at least 145°F (62.8°C) for whole cuts of meat, and wash, peel, or cook all raw fruits and vegetables.