10 symptoms of intestinal worms (with online test)

The main symptoms of worms are abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite, which may vary according to the worm associated with the infection.

​Symptoms of intestinal worms arise due to ingestion of the eggs and cysts of these microorganisms, which can be present in the soil, in raw meat or on dirty surfaces, and which can develop in the intestine after ingestion.

In the presence of symptoms of intestinal worms, it is important that the doctor identifies the worm responsible for the infection and, thus, recommends the most appropriate treatment, which is normally carried out with the use of antiparasitic medications.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of intestinal worms are:

1. Abdominal pain, which may cause discomfort around the navel;
2. Abdominal bloating or excess gas;
3. Frequent diarrhea;
4. Nausea and vomiting;
5. Itching in the anus;
6. Feeling of a swollen belly;
7. Excessive tiredness;
8. Weight loss for no apparent reason;
9. Presence of white dots in feces;
10. Decreased or increased appetite.

Although the appearance of intestinal symptoms is more common, it is possible for the worm to develop in other locations outside the intestine, such as the stomach, lungs or brain, for example, resulting in the appearance of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, cough, fever, difficulty breathing and neurological changes.

Symptoms of worms in baby

Symptoms of worms in babies and children can be:

• Vomiting, diarrhea or cramps;
• Lack of desire to play;
• Swollen belly, which does not disappear after abdominal massage;
• Itching in the anus, especially at night, making it difficult to sleep;
• Presence of worms in the baby’s diaper, anus or feces;
• Yellowish skin;
• Growth retardation.

Symptoms of worms in childhood appear mainly in babies over 6 months of age, as they have greater contact with the floor and dirt, in addition to the fact that their immune system is less developed. In these cases, it is important to consult your pediatrician to begin appropriate treatment.

When to get tested for worms

It is recommended to be tested for worms every year, however, in the presence of signs and symptoms of worms, the doctor may recommend carrying out this test more frequently.

The main test carried out for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is the parasitological examination of feces, as eggs or cysts of these parasites can be found in feces, as they are intestinal parasites. See how worms are diagnosed.

Worm treatment

The best treatment for worms is medication, but it is also important during and after treatment to wash your hands well to avoid transmitting worm eggs to other people, especially after defecating or before cooking, for example.

It is also important that hygiene and prevention measures are adopted to avoid transmission to other people. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands well after going to the bathroom and before preparing food, avoiding the consumption of potentially contaminated water and food, keeping your nails trimmed and cooking meat well. Learn more about worm treatment.

What to take for worms

The most commonly used medicines to treat intestinal worms are Albendazole and Mebendazole, but you should consult your general practitioner before using either medicine, as there are different types of worms and their use may be recommended. of other antiparasitics, such as Secnidazole, Tinidazole and Metronidazole, for example.

These remedies can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of a single-dose tablet or syrup for adults and children over 2 years old, however their use varies according to the type of worm and a doctor’s consultation is necessary before taking them.

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