Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the human digestive system. They enter the body when worm eggs are swallowed through contaminated food or water, or through the skin, for example when walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Children are often most affected, but adults can get infected too.
If you suspect you or your child might have intestinal worms, you can get an online consultation with a qualified healthcare provider through Hope Plus, who can guide you on testing and treatment from the comfort of your home.
Common Types and Symptoms
- Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
- Usually affects the small intestines.
- Often causes no symptoms, but heavy infections may lead to abdominal pain, nutritional deficiencies, or intestinal blockage.
- Some people may cough as larvae pass through the lungs or even notice worms coming out of the mouth, nose, or anus.
- Threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
- Common in children.
- Causes intense itching around the anus, especially at night.
- Hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale)
- Enters through the skin from contaminated soil.
- Causes skin irritation or “ground itch” at the entry site, cough, and lung inflammation during larval migration.
- Long-term infections can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia and protein loss.
- Strongyloides (Strongyloides stercoralis)
- Can cause skin rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and coughing if larvae reach the lungs.
- Severe infections may affect other organs, especially in people with weak immunity.
- Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
- Lives in the colon and caecum.
- Often symptomless, but heavy infestations can cause bloody or mucous-filled stools, diarrhoea, anaemia, and in children, rectal prolapse.
How Worm Infections are Diagnosed
- Stool tests can detect eggs, larvae, or worm segments.
- Blood tests may reveal anaemia or signs of infection.
Treatment of Intestinal Worms
Most worm infections are easily treated with medications:
- Albendazole: 400 mg single dose for adults; 200 mg for children under 2.
- Mebendazole: 500 mg single dose for adults; 250 mg for children under 2.
- Strongyloides infections: Albendazole 400 mg every 12 hours for 3 days or Ivermectin 150 micrograms/kg as a single dose.
Home Care and Support
- Keep fingernails short and clean.
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.
- Drink safe, clean water.
Prevention Tips
- Regularly deworm children every 3-6 months.
- Dispose of human waste safely.
- Avoid walking barefoot in soil that may be contaminated.
- Practice good personal and food hygiene.
