Symptoms, Causes, Drugs, etc.
Definition of roundworm infection
Ascaris lumbricoides is the Latin name for roundworms that live in the stomach or intestines of humans. This worm is the cause of ascariasis, aka worms in humans.
Roundworms are parasites in the human body of a kind roundworms. These worms often live in unsanitary environments and live in warm climates.
The length of adult roundworms that breed in the human intestine can be more than 30 cm. That is why, this large roundworm can be seen with the naked eye.
If not treated immediately, intestinal worms or ascariasis can cause serious health problems, such as blockage and injury to the intestines.
How common is roundworm disease?
Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common worm-causing parasite. Anyone can get worms due to infection with this worm parasite.
Even so, this disease is more common in children who live in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
You can avoid this disease by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor about preventive steps you can take.
Signs and symptoms
The initial infection from these worms usually has no symptoms. Symptoms will appear as the worms grow.
There are two symptoms of worms that can occur, depending on which part of the body the worm infects.
The organs of the body that are commonly attacked are the lungs and intestines. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of disease caused by roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), according to the organs that are attacked are:
Symptoms in the lungs
Symptoms that will appear when there is a worm infection in the lungs include:
- Cough
- Breath feels getting shorter
- There is blood in the mucus
- Chest discomfort
- Fever
Symptoms in the intestine
Symptoms that will appear when Ascaris lumbricoides aka roundworms attack the inside of the intestine, including:
- Nausea
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Stomach feels uncomfortable
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Intestinal blockage so that the stomach can feel pain and severe vomiting occurs
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor.
Everyone’s body is different in responding to a condition. There may be other symptoms not listed above. Consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Causes of roundworm infection
The cause of worms is worms Ascaris lumbricoides, aka roundworms. Even though this worm not passed from person to person, these worms can be transmitted by contact with contaminated water, food, or hands.
Eating raw vegetables grown in contaminated soil without washing them first can cause this condition. Eating undercooked meat can also cause roundworms to appear in your body.
Worm Ascaris lumbricoides young (larvae) move from the intestines to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. These worms then return to the intestine, as a place these worms grow up and produce eggs.
Risk factors for roundworm infection
Some of the factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing ascariasis, aka roundworm infection, are:
- Age
Most people are infected with worms Ascaris lumbricoides are children, especially children under 10 years of age. Children in this age group can be at a higher risk because they are having a lot of fun playing on the ground. - Climatewarm
Roundworm infection too is more common in countries with warm temperatures throughout the year, such as Indonesia. - Poor sanitation
Worms Ascaris lumbricoides breed in a place that has poor sanitation.
Complications of roundworm infection
Most cases of ascariasis or roundworm infection are mild and will not cause significant symptoms.
However, it is possible that the number of worms in the body will increase and affect various organs of the body.
If this happens, the infection is at risk of causing complications, including the following:
- Slowing growth
Because this infection causes decreased appetite and absorption of nutrients from food is not optimal, sufferers are at risk of experiencing slowed growth. This complication is more common in children.
- Perforation and blockage of the intestine
In cases of severe ascariasis, too many roundworms can block part of the intestine. This can cause vomiting and severe stomach pain. The blockage can even form a hole in the intestinal wall, putting it at risk of bleeding.
- Blockage of the ducts in the liver or pancreas
In some cases, worms can also block the ducts of your liver or pancreas, causing unbearable pain.
Diagnosis and treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
Some of the tests that are commonly done to detect worms are:
- Stool test
To diagnose the disease, the doctor will check your stool for eggs and larvae of worms or not. Even so, usually new eggs will appear at least 40 days after you are infected. If you are only infected with male worms, your body will not have worm eggs. - Blood test
Your blood can be tested to measure the presence of an increase in the number of certain types of white blood cells, called eosinophils. The cause is because ascariasis can increase your eosinophils. However, apart from intestinal worms, several other health conditions can also increase your eosinophils. So, high eosinophils don’t necessarily mean you have worms. - Imaging test
Depending on your situation and health condition, your doctor may also use X-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans to detect the presence of worms in the body.
How to treat a roundworm infection?
Usually, only severe infections need to be treated. In some cases, worms Ascaris lumbricoides it will heal on its own. The following are the treatment options for intestinal worms:
- Drugs
Deworming or anthelmintic is the first choice of treatment for roundworm infection. Quoted from the CDC, the choice of antiparasitic drugs is albendazole, ivermectin, and mebendazole. These drugs are taken for one to three days to kill adult worms. - Operation
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove worms from the body. Worms complications such as blockage or injury to the intestine also usually require surgery.
Prevention of roundworm infection
Some of the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you prevent roundworm infection include the following:
- Avoid contaminated food and drink. Cook food and drinks until cooked.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet with soap.
- Check your pet for worms or not.
- Check all family members whether anyone has a certain infection or not.
- Clean clean bathroom fixtures thoroughly after treatment.
- Call your doctor if you have fever and severe stomach pain.
- Call your doctor if you continue to have stomach pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- If necessary, try to consume deworming regularly. However, consult your doctor first before taking deworming medication.
Remember to always consult a doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
