Symptoms of Worms in Adults You Must Recognize
Apparently, not only children can get worms. Even adults can get worm infections. Do you already know what are the symptoms of intestinal worms in adults? Read on to this article so you can be aware of the various symptoms of worms in adults, based on the type of worm that enters the body.
Actually, what are worms?
Worms is a parasitic worm that lives in the human intestine. The worms that stay in the intestine will survive by taking the food juices that enter the intestine.
The types of worms that can infect the human body are very diverse, ranging from roundworms to tapeworms to hookworms.
Worms that infect the human body not only cause digestive disorders, but also skin diseases. The causes of worms can be different, as well as the symptoms that appear.
In order for you to have a clearer picture of the characteristics of worms in adults, keep on paying attention to the following explanation.
Symptoms of worms due to roundworms
Ascariasis worms, aka roundworms, are infections caused by worms Ascaris lumbricoides. Ascaris is a parasite in the human body of a kind roundworms. These worms often live in unsanitary environments and live in warm climates.
The initial infection from these worms usually has no symptoms. Symptoms will appear as the worms grow. There are two symptoms that can occur, depending on which part of the body the worm is infected with. The organs of the body that are commonly attacked are the lungs and intestines.
According to the Mayo Clinic page, the symptoms that will appear when a roundworm infection occurs in the lungs are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or getting shorter
- Wheezing (wheezing)
- Other symptoms that mimic pneumonia
Meanwhile, the symptoms that will appear when these worms attack the intestines are:
- Nausea
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Stomach feels uncomfortable
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Blockage of the intestine so that the stomach can feel pain and severe vomiting occurs
Symptoms of hookworms due to worms
Hookworm is a type of parasite hookworm which will enter the human body in the form of eggs or larvae. Eggs or larvae of these worms are usually in places contaminated with faeces containing worm eggs.
Barefoot habit (plug it in) and stepping on contaminated sites will make it easier for hookworm larvae or eggs to get into the skin.
When it first penetrates the skin, the worm larvae will cause itching and a rash. After itching and rashes, an infected person will experience diarrhea, a sign that these parasites have started to grow in the intestines.
Additional worm symptoms in adults that will appear are:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- There is blood when defecating
The characteristics of worms due to pinworms
Pinworms are very small, flat, white worms that will infect parts of the human digestive system. Pinworms belong to the group of parasites pinworm.
Adults are less likely to experience pinworm infections. Adults who are most at risk of getting pinworm infections are family members or carers who care for children who are infected with pinworms. If this child’s nurse is contaminated with pinworms, he also runs the risk of transmitting these worms to his partner during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of pinworms to watch out for include:
- Frequent itching in the anal area. The itching feels very strong, especially at night. This is because at night, the female species of this worm will hatch its eggs in the anus.
- Restless sleep because the rectum (anus) feels uncomfortable
- Pain, rash, or irritation on the skin around the anus
- Presence of pinworms in feces
- Found worms in the anal area
Symptoms of worms due to tapeworms
Tapeworms are one type of parasite from the group tapeworm. Tapeworms will infect the human intestine. These worms cannot live freely in nature and need a host to live, namely in the body of an animal or human body.
Usually these worm eggs enter the human body from eating raw or undercooked meat. However, infection can also occur due to contact between humans and animal feces and contaminated water.
When tapeworms first enter the human body, there are no symptoms of worms that appear. However, over time the growth of worm eggs in the body will cause various symptoms, such as:
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Feel limp
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Change in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping, presumably due to the symptoms
- Dizzy
- Seizures can be in severe cases
- Vitamin B12 deficiency in some cases
Symptoms of worms caused by whipworms
Whipworm, a type of parasite from the group whipworm, often found in warm, humid climates that are not clean. Soil in this area is at risk of contamination with feces.
If people in the area eat fruits and vegetables that are still contaminated with soil, the risk of worms entering the body is very large. That’s why, make sure you wash, peel, or cook your fruits and vegetables until they’re cooked.
At first, people who are mildly infected usually experience no symptoms or signs. In general, your symptoms of whipworm infection include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Unexpected weight loss
If left untreated, this condition can get worse. People who have severe infections due to these worms will experience bowel problems. Some of the symptoms that appear if the symptoms of a whipworm infection get worse include:
- Chapter hurts
- Stool mixed with mucus, water and blood
- The stool has a strong, unusual smell
If you experience the symptoms described above or you suspect symptoms of intestinal worms, you should immediately see a doctor. Usually, the doctor will prescribe a deworming medication according to your condition.
Detection of the disease as early as possible can help treatment to be effective and prevent complications from worm infections.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.