The presence of worms in the abdomen and intestines is one of the most common health problems that affect adults and children, and it also has symptoms that many may not notice, but they should really beware of them because they may cause many health complications. Learn about the types of worms. Intestinal worms Symptoms and method of treatment.

What are intestinal worms?

Worms are also called Parasitic worms It is one of the most famous parasites that infect the human body, feeding and multiplying inside it. It is an infectious disease transmitted from one person to another. Types of intestinal parasitic worms in:

• Flatworms: such as tapeworms and flukes.
• Roundworms: such as roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms.

Symptoms of intestinal worms

Symptoms usually vary from person to person and may differ from one type to another, but there are general symptoms of abdominal worms that may be similar to the symptoms of other digestive disorders, and general symptoms include:

• Anorexia.
• Feeling tired and exhausted.
• Tummy ache.
• Worms cause flatulence and flatulence.
• Nausea.
• Weight loss.
• diarrhea.
• Stomach disorders.

Symptoms of intestinal worms according to each type

As we mentioned, symptoms and signs may differ according to each type of parasite present in the intestine, as follows:

Tapeworm symptoms

• Nausea.
• Vertigo.
• diarrhea.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• The urgent need to eat salty foods.
• General weakness resulting from the lack of absorption of nutrients from foods.
• Tummy ache.

It may happen that the tapeworm invades the rest of the body and spreads to other parts, so you should pay attention to these signs:

• Headache.
• The appearance of strange lumps or cysts that appear under the skin.
• The appearance of an allergic reaction caused by caterpillars.
• Neurological symptoms such as convulsions.

Read more about the causes of tapeworms and ways to treat them

Pinworm symptoms

• Feeling itching in the anal area, especially at night.
• Inability to sleep comfortably.
• Itching in the vagina due to the transmission of worms into the vagina.
• Abdominal pain that goes away and comes back.

Read more about pinworms and how to diagnose and treat them

Ascariasis symptoms

• abdominal cramps
• fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal swelling and bloating.
• Exit worms with feces.

Read more about Ascaris infection and ways to treat and prevent it

Hookworm symptoms

• Itchy skin at the beginning of the infection due to the larvae entering the skin.
• Tummy ache.
• diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite and weight.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• anemia.

Causes of intestinal worm infection

The main and basic cause of infection is eating undercooked meat from animals infected with parasites such as cows and fish. Once it enters the human body, it moves to the intestines, multiplies and grows to cause signs of disease. There are several other possible causes, which are:

• Use of contaminated food and water.
• Dealing with contaminated soil.
• Dealing with contaminated feces.
• Being in unclean places.
• Poor personal hygiene.

risk factors

• Children are more susceptible to infection due to contact with contaminated surfaces such as pet soil contaminated with feces, and playing in school playgrounds and parks.
• According to the World Health Organization, 10% of people living in developing countries become infected with intestinal worms and parasites due to their exposure to polluted water and poor hygiene.

Complications of intestinal worms

Diagnosis of intestinal worms

When you go to the doctor and you or your child complain of these symptoms, he will ask you for several tests and tests, including:

• stool analysis To search for the presence of parasites.
• Blood tests to detect the presence of certain types of parasites.
• Colonoscopy.
• X-rays on other organs to look for any damage caused by these parasites.
• The adhesive tape test is used on the anal area by placing an adhesive tape on the skin so that pinworm eggs, if any, stick to it.

Treating intestinal worms

Fortunately, worms can be treated and eliminated, and in some mild cases, they may not require any treatment because the worms come out with the stool on their own or because of the strength of the immune system that resists them easily. The doctor may prescribe some anti-parasitic drugs that kill worms.

It may also require other treatments if other symptoms associated with the worms appear, such as blood in the stool, fever, dehydration, vomiting, and a change in the color of the stool.

As for medicines, they differ according to the type of worms that the doctor will determine after the tests, such as:

• Praziquantel for the treatment of tapeworms.
• Mebendazole or albendazole for the treatment of hookworm.
• Other medicines that can be dispensed from the pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription to treat different types of worms.

Diet for patients with intestinal worms

You can follow some nutritional advice while treating worms to get rid of them:

• Temporarily avoid caffeine, refined sugar, and incomplete grains.
• Add garlic to your food.
• Eat more beta-carotene-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
• Eat foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt.
• Eat foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B.
• Avoid eating undercooked fish and meat.

Prevention of intestinal worms

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and preparing food, and after using the bathroom and cleaning your pet.
• Drink bottled or well-boiled water if you live in an area with contaminated water.
• Always check your pets and make sure they are free of worms and parasites.
• Get rid of pet feces first.
• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly after purchasing them or after picking them from your own garden.
• Do not let your child play in places where dogs and cats abound.
• Do not walk barefoot in places where parasite infections are common.
• Do not eat undercooked meat and fish.

Finally, you must take good care of your personal hygiene, not only to protect you, but also to protect those around you from infection with intestinal worms that may be tiring for life without you knowing about their existence, and be sure to go to the doctor if you feel any of the previous symptoms.