Parasitic worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms, are common causes of parasitic infections worldwide.
This infection can sometimes be hidden and can cause serious health problems if not recognized and treated appropriately.
Pinworms are one of the most common types of parasitic worms, especially among children. The eggs are easily transmitted from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, followed by touching the mouth or food.
There are also other types of worms, such as roundworms, which are mainly transmitted in areas with poor sanitation, while hookworms and tapeworms are also types of worms that may infect people, especially if there are health or environmental conditions that increase the likelihood of infection.
Symptoms of parasitic worm infection
- Pinworms
Its main symptoms include itching around the anus, especially at night. You may also notice small white worms in your stool or around your anus.
- Roundworms
It may cause mild stomach pain, diarrhea, or coughing if the larvae move to the lungs.
- Tapeworms
Symptoms include: unexplained weight loss, nausea, or seeing parts of the worm in the stool.
In addition to these specific symptoms, there are four general symptoms that may indicate a worm infection, such as bloating, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Do worms go away on their own?
In the case of pinworms, a mild infection may clear up over time, but there is a significant risk of re-infection. Therefore, treatment is often necessary to prevent this.
Roundworms, tapeworms, and other parasites rarely go away without medication and can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.
Dr. Angad Dhillon, a gastroenterology consultant, recommends seeking treatment to prevent the spread of infection and prevent health complications.
To treat pinworms, a single dose of mebendazole (available over-the-counter) is often sufficient. For other worms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as albendazole or praziquantel.
In addition to medications, good hygiene practices should be followed, such as washing hands thoroughly, showering daily, and washing clothes and linens in hot water.
Dehillon also recommends keeping nails short and avoiding scratching the anal area to prevent reinfection. It's also best to treat all family members at the same time to prevent the spread of the infection, and to avoid habits such as nail biting or thumb sucking, especially for children.