Worms: what they are, symptoms, causes, transmission and treatment

Worms correspond to a group of diseases caused by parasites, popularly known as worms, which can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water and food or by walking barefoot, for example and, therefore, to avoid them it is It is important to always wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom, in addition to drinking filtered water and avoiding walking barefoot, avoiding not only worms but also other diseases that can be caused by fungi and bacteria.

The most common worms, such as giardiasis, enterobiosis and ascariasis, for example, can occur in both adults and children and lead to the appearance mainly of intestinal symptoms, such as constant abdominal pain, a feeling of a swollen belly and changes in appetite.

Symptoms of worms

Symptoms of worms usually involve the gastrointestinal system, as they are usually acquired after consuming water or food contaminated with parasite eggs or cysts. Symptoms may vary depending on the infectious agent, however, in general, the main symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain and discomfort;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Loss of weight and/or appetite;
• Pallor;
• Weakness and excessive tiredness;
• Very dark, white or yellowish stools;
• Itching in the anus, in some cases.

In cases of worms in which the infection occurs through the parasite entering the skin through a small wound, it is also possible to notice redness in the area, itching and an increase in temperature in the region. Know how to recognize the symptoms of worms.

In the presence of signs and symptoms of worms, it is important that the gastroenterologist or general practitioner is consulted so that an assessment of the symptoms can be carried out and a parasitological examination of feces can be indicated to identify the worm responsible for the symptoms and, thus, be possible to initiate the most appropriate treatment.

Symptom Test

To find out the risk of worm infection, select the symptoms presented in the following test:

Causes of worms

Worms are diseases caused by parasites, the main ones being:

• Ancylostoma duodenale or American killer, which are the parasites responsible for hookworm, popularly known as yellowing;
• Ascaris lumbricoides, popularly known as roundworm, which is a parasite responsible for ascariasis;
• Taenia sp., also known as solitary, it is a parasite responsible for taeniasis;
• Schistosoma mansoni, which is the infectious agent responsible for schistosomiasis;
• Enterobius vermiculares, which is responsible for oxyuriasis, also called enterobiosis;
• Trichuris trichiurawhich causes trichuriasis;
• Toxoplasma gondiiwhich is the agent responsible for toxoplasmosis;
• Giardia lambliawhich causes giardiasis.

It is important that the agent responsible for the worm is identified, as this means that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated by the doctor. To this end, according to the symptoms presented, the doctor may recommend carrying out blood tests, such as a blood count and C-reactive protein dosage, and/or a stool test, especially a parasitological stool test, which aims to identify the presence of parasites. Understand how the parasitological fecal examination is carried out.

How transmission happens

The way in which worms are transmitted can vary according to the infectious agent, and is most common through the consumption of contaminated water and food. However, some worm infections can occur when the parasite enters the body through a small wound.

Treatment for worms

Treatment for worms is carried out according to the intensity of the symptoms presented by the person and the infectious agent responsible for the worms, with the doctor normally recommending the use of antiparasitic drugs, which can be a single dose or indicated for a period of 5 days. .

Therefore, depending on the worm, the doctor may recommend the use of Albendazole, Mebendazole, Praziquantel, Metronidazole, Nitazoxanide, Piperazine. Find out more about the remedies recommended for worms.

How to prevent

Depending on the parasite responsible for the worm, transmission can occur in different ways, including through the entry of the parasite through small wounds present on the skin, as is the case with hookworm, or through the consumption of contaminated food and water, such as what happens in the case of giardiasis and ascariasis.

Therefore, it is important to adopt measures that avoid all forms of transmission, thus preventing further developments. To achieve this, some recommendations are:

1. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and keep it in adequate hygiene conditions, as parasite eggs are normally found in feces;
2. Avoid walking barefootas some parasites, such as the hookworm, for example, which causes yellowing, enter the body through the skin;
3. Cut and keep your nails cleanto avoid the accumulation of dirt and possible parasite eggs, this recommendation being very important in the case of pinworm;
4. Drink filtered, boiled or disinfected water with sodium hypochloriteto eliminate possible contaminants;
5. Wash and cook food wellas they may be contaminated;
6. Wash your hands before mealsto eliminate any microorganism capable of causing disease;
7. Wash household items with drinking wateras this water is treated and free of contaminants.

Any prophylactic and treatment measures for worms must be repeated by all family members. Furthermore, it is important to check the sanitary conditions of the place you live in, as poor sanitary conditions can increase the chances of having worms.