Children are particularly susceptible to intestinal worms because they often play in environments with contaminated soil, such as sandboxes and school playgrounds. Older adults are also at increased risk due to weakened immune systems.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 24 percent of the worlds population is infected with soil-transmitted worms. Infections are most common in tropical and subtropical regions, in particular, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, China, and East Asia.

 

People living in and visiting developing countries are at the highest risk due to drinking water from contaminated sources and decreased sanitation levels.

 

Intestinal worms increase your risk for anemia and intestinal blockages, as well as malnutrition. Complications occur more frequently in older adults and in people who have suppressed immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS infection.

 

Intestinal worm infections can pose a higher risk if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant and are found to have an intestinal worm infection, your doctor will determine which antiparasitic medication therapy is safe to take during pregnancy and will monitor you closely while you are treated during pregnancy.

 

Most types of worms that infect humans only cause mild symptoms, but it is still important to contact a doctor if you suspect a worm infection so you can get treated early. Medication is often effective at getting rid of worms.

 

It is a good idea to see your doctor if you:

 

If you have any of the above signs, and especially if you have traveled out of the country recently, you should make an appointment with a doctor. A doctor may then examine your stool. It may take several stool samples to confirm the parasites presence.

 

Another test is the “Scotch tape” test, which involves applying tape to the anus several times in order to retrieve pinworm eggs, which can be identified under a microscope.

 

If worms or eggs are not detected, a doctor may carry out a blood test to look for antibodies that your body produces when it is infected with a parasite. However, only some parasites are detectable with blood tests.

 

Additionally, a doctor may take an X-ray or use imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), depending on the extent or locations of the condition suspected.

 

Some types of intestinal worms, such as tapeworms, may disappear on their own if you have a strong immune system and healthy diet and lifestyle. However, depending on the type of intestinal worm infection, you may require treatment with an antiparasitic medication.

 

Your treatment plan will be determined based on the type of intestinal worm you have and your symptoms.

 

Tapeworm infections are usually treated with an oral medication, such as praziquantel (Biltricide), which:

 

Common treatments for a roundworm infection include mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm) and albendazole (Albenza).

 

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 analyze another stool sample after treatment is complete to see if the worms have disappeared.

 

To prevent intestinal worms, regularly wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after using the toilet and before preparing or eating foods.

 

You should also practice food safety:

 

 

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