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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Issues and Diet >>  Worms

Worms Causes, Symptoms And Treatment


There are millions of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that live within a single human body, without causing any problems (unless there is and overgrowth). However, when a parasite or a worm enters the human body, it could lead several health problems and could trigger off some painful symptoms. There are different types of parasites that could infect the human body, as they settle in the stomach, the intestines, the anus or other parts of the body. Some of the most common factors that could cause worms to infect people include lack of adequate hygiene, poor living conditions, consumption of contaminated food and personal contact with an individual, who has already been infected. Although worms may not necessarily be a very serious problem, the signs of worms can be quite alarming, especially in case of children.
Pinworm infection symptoms however, may be non-existent in some cases.

Pinworm Infection Symptoms

Pinworms are some of the most common parasites to affect humans in the United States. They are normally seen in the anal regions or even the vaginal area, where the female of the species can lay thousands of eggs, which keep multiplying. Therefore, getting rid of the infection could be quite difficult.

However, given below are some of the most common pinworm infection symptoms in children and adults:

  • Severe itching in the vaginal or anal area 
  • Restlessness and irritability 
  • Insomnia 
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting

However, it is not necessary that all people who suffer from pinworm will notice symptoms.

Worms In Children Symptoms

Though worms can affect just about anyone, they are more commonly found in children. Given below are some of the most commonly seen worm symptoms in humans:

  • Severe weight loss 
  • Digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea 
  • Formation of dark circles around the eyes 
  • Bad breath 
  • Anemia 
  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea 
  • Inflammation in the intestines and lungs

The intestinal worms in humans symptoms may vary, based on the type of worm that has infected people.

While the stomach worms symptoms are quite similar to the intestinal worm symptoms, there may be a few differences too. Given below are some of the most commonly seen stomach parasite infection symptoms:

  • Digestive problems 
  • Pain in the abdominal area 
  • Changes in the color of the skin 
  • Weight loss

The symptoms of worms could have an adverse effect on the body and therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as any of them are seen.

Types Of Worms

Parasites can infect the bodies of human beings, as well as animals. However, the types of parasites affecting humans are different from those that infect animals. There are a few types of parasites that have been known to infect the human body, which include protozoa, arthropods and helminthes. Head and body lice too, are types of parasites that live off the human body.

Many people ask doctors or look for information on how many types of worms are there. There are several different types of worms in humans, some of the most common ones being, roundworms, tapeworms, ringworms, flatworms, pinworms, threadworms and hookworms, though there may be many more.

Almost all types of worms infecting the human body are parasitic, where they rely on their human host for nutrients and can cause harm to their hosts too. Different types of worms could lead to various health problems like infections, physical discomfort or even diseases. Therefore, as soon as people realize that they or anyone in their family are suffering from worms, it is absolutely essential to consult a health care provider and follow the appropriate treatment. Seeking immediate help is of utmost importance, when it comes to elimination of almost all the different types of worms, as they easily spread from one family member to the other. In fact, it may be best for all the members living in a house to follow the treatment for parasites and worms, even if they may not be affected personally.

Worms In Children

Pinworms in children could be a major source of pain and discomfort, not only for the child who is affected, but also for the parents, who can’t bear to see their children suffering. The signs of worms in children could be quite severe, as they include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lung inflammation and anemia to name a few. Many children get very tired and feel weak, which could keep them from participating in their regular day to day activities. Of course, academic performance is also bound to be affected by this. Even worse, the entire family or any other member living in the same house is at a high risk of getting infected by intestinal or stomach worms.

What Causes Worms In Children?

While the main cause of worms in children is lack of adequate hygiene, at times, children could contract worms if they live with another person who is infected. Stomach or intestinal worms in children could also be a result of consuming contaminated food.

How to treat worms in children?

In case there are no symptoms or uncomfortable signs of worms in children, medical treatment may not be required. This is because the treatment does not get rid of the worms; it mainly alleviates the uncomfortable symptoms and kills the worms, but the eggs hatch within a short while and the worms return. Getting rid of the worms completely requires strict hygienic methods to be followed. Some of the anti-parasite medicines may also be recommended by the doctor; these should be taken under the strict guidance and prescription of the doctor. Certain home remedies for worms in children can also be used, which include raw carrots, coconut, garlic, pumpkin seeds, black walnuts, tansy, cloves, barberry, horsetail, wormwood and sage.

Worm Facts

Intestinal and stomach worms in children are more common, as children tend to spend time outdoors, playing in areas that may be contaminated. However, many parents prevent this problem, by getting as much information on worm facts for kids and by keeping their children educated. It is only natural for children to listen to interesting worm facts carefully. Hence, parents should educate them on the various problems they could face on eating contaminated food.

Since children are quite familiar with computers and the internet, parents could have them read red worm facts, or the truth about many other types of worms, through various resources.

Submitted on January 16, 2014