Intestinal Worms: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Intestinal worms, also called parasitic worms, are one of the main intestinal parasites. Common types of intestinal worms include:
- Tapeworms, which include tapeworms and fluke
- Roundworms, which cause roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms
Intestinal worms, or parasitic worms like tapeworms and hookworms, feed on the human body and can cause symptoms similar to other intestinal disorders. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic drugs and is effective for most people.
What Types of Intestinal Worms can Infect Humans?
Tapeworms and roundworms are common parasitic infections found in various habitats and may not always be visible.
Tapeworm
- Tapeworms are flatworms that are spread by drinking water tainted with the eggs or larvae of other tapeworm species. Another way that tapeworms can infect people is through raw or undercooked meat.
- Tapeworms push their heads into the intestinal wall and stay there. From there, some types of tapeworms can produce eggs which become larvae that migrate to other parts of the body.
- A tapeworm looks like a long white ribbon. They can grow up to 80 feet long and live in humans for up to 30 years.
Flukes
- Flukes, a type of flatworm, are less common in humans than in animals. Raw watercress and contaminated water are primary sources of fluke infections in humans.
- Intestines, blood, or tissues become their habitat. Flukes come in a host of different types. Only a few inches are the maximum length of any.
Hookworms
- Hookworms are transmitted through feces and contaminated soil. Walking barefoot on infested ground can lead to contact with hookworm larvae, which can penetrate the skin.
- Hookworms are found in the small intestine, where they use a "hook" to attach into the intestinal wall. Typically, they are not longer than 0.5 inches.
Pinworms (threadworms)
- Pinworms are small, generally harmless parasites more commonly found in children.
- These roundworms reside in the colon and rectum, with females laying eggs around the anus, typically at night.
- Eggs can survive on various surfaces and are transmitted when touched and ingested.
- Pinworm infection is generally harmless and easily treatable.
- Rare cases of pinworms in the appendix, more common in children than adults, have been reported.
- Studies suggest that pinworms are a rare cause of acute appendicitis.
- Parasitic infections rarely cause acute appendicitis, but symptoms can mimic those of appendicitis.
Trichinosis Worms
The roundworms of trichinosis are transmitted in animals. The most common way to get trichinosis in humans is by eating undercooked meat that contains the larvae. The larvae mature in your intestines. As they reproduce, these larvae can travel out of the intestines to muscles and other tissues.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the causes and risks of intestinal worms?
Causes of intestinal worms
- Contaminated Food and Water: Eating food or drinking water that has worm eggs or larvae can cause infection.
- Contact with Infected Soil: Walking barefoot on soil that has worm eggs, especially hookworms, can lead to infection.
- Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands after using the bathroom or touching dirty surfaces can spread worm eggs, especially pinworms.
- Eating Undercooked Meat: Eating undercooked beef, pork, or fish can introduce tapeworms into the body.
Risks of intestinal worms
- Malnutrition: Worms can take nutrients from the body, leading to weight loss and lack of vitamins.
- Anemia: Worms like hookworms can suck blood, causing weakness and tiredness.
- Stomach Problems: Worm infections can cause pain, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating.
- Weakened Immune System: Long-term infections can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get sick.
- Serious Complications: Some worms, like the pork tapeworm, can cause problems if they spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain.
Good hygiene, safe food practices, and avoiding contact with contaminated soil can help prevent intestinal worm infections.
Symptoms of Intestinal Worms
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Gas/bloating
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
Complications of Intestinal Worms Cause
Intestinal worms can lead to several problems, including:
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Nutrient Deficiency: Worms can steal essential nutrients from your body.
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Bowel Obstruction: Worms can block the intestines, causing discomfort and pain.
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Low Iron Levels: Some worms can cause blood loss, leading to anemia.
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Damage to Organs: Certain worms can affect organs like the brain and liver.
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Secondary Infections: If not treated, worms can cause other infections.
Early treatment is essential to avoid these serious issues.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Worms
The physician may request several tests to diagnose intestinal worms.
Tests may include:
- Fecal tests for signs of infection
- Blood tests for certain types of parasites
- Colonoscopy, using a thin camera to check the intestine for parasites
- Imaging tests to check other organs for signs of damage from the parasite
- tape tests
A duct tape test involves placing a piece of duct tape over the anus while the person is sleeping to check for signs of eggs.
Anyone who suspects they have an intestinal worm should see a doctor.
What are the Treatments Available for Intestinal Worms?
Some intestinal worms, like tapeworms, may resolve without treatment with a strong immune system and healthy lifestyle. However, specific infections may require antiparasitic medication
- Treatment for intestinal worms depends on the type of infection and your symptoms.
- Tapeworms are typically treated with praziquantel, which paralyzes and removes them from the intestine.
- Roundworm infections are commonly treated with mebendazole or albendazole. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks of treatment, and your doctor may retest your stool afterward to ensure the worms are gone.
Here are some common medicines used for treating intestinal worm symptoms:
- Albendazole: Effective against a broad spectrum of intestinal worms.
- Mebendazole: Commonly prescribed for pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
- Pyrantel Pamoate: Often used to treat pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
- Ivermectin: Used to treat various parasitic infections, including strongyloidiasis.
- Praziquantel: Specifically used for treating tapeworms and flukes.
- Nitazoxanide: Treats a variety of protozoal and helminthic infections.
What are the Home Remedies for Worm Infections?
Here are some home remedies that may help with worm infections:
- Garlic: Garlic has natural anti-parasitic properties. Eating raw garlic or adding it to meals may help in fighting off intestinal worms.
- Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds contain compounds that can paralyze worms, making it easier for the body to expel them. Consuming a handful of raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds may help.
- Papaya Seeds: Papaya seeds have been shown to help remove intestinal worms. Eating a teaspoon of crushed papaya seeds with honey is a common remedy.
- Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Ajwain has anti-parasitic properties. Boiling and drinking ajwain seeds in water can help reduce the effect of worm infections.
- Coconut: Fresh coconut or coconut milk is believed to have natural properties that help expel worms from the body.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming a mixture of turmeric powder and warm water may help in treating worm infections.
- Cloves: Cloves contain compounds that can help kill eggs of parasites. Grinding cloves and mixing them with honey or water may assist in treating worm infections.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It is believed that consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water may help balance the body's pH and create an environment that is unfavorable for worms.
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Book an AppointmentWhat is the Prevention of Intestinal Worms?
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Cook food well, especially meat and fish.
- Drink clean water and avoid dirty water.
- Wear shoes to keep your feet safe from dirt.
- Keep your home clean and practice good hygiene.
- De-worm pets regularly if they go outside.
By following simple hygiene practices and taking care with food and water, you can reduce the risk of getting intestinal worms and stay healthy.
When to visit a Doctor?
Your family doctor can refer you to a gastroenterologist. You may need to see a doctor if the worms have blocked the intestines. What you can do Before your appointment, you may want to write down the answers to the following questions:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Does anything improve or make your signs worse?
- Have you noticed worms in your stool or vomited?
- Have you recently traveled to developing countries?
- What medications and supplements are you taking?
