Roundworms in Humans - Symptoms

Roundworms are the parasitic, invertebrate worms belonging to the phylum Nematoda. These worms have unsegmented elongated bodies that are pointed at the ends. Certain roundworms are microscopic whereas some can be visible to the naked eye. Pinworm, hookworm and whipworm are the three major types of roundworms. As they are parasites, they can be found anywhere, in the soil, in bodies of animals as well as humans. Roundworm infection is most common in hot or tropical climates.

Roundworms in Humans
Roundworms in humans are found in the intestines, the gastro-intestinal tract and sometimes even in the lungs. They are intestinal parasites. Roundworm infection is most commonly observed in children than in adults. Eggs of roundworms (never the mature worms) enter human body through contaminated food, water and soil. Children are more prone to getting infected with roundworms as they play in the dirt and mud and are not aware of the importance of maintaining hygiene. What are the symptoms of roundworms in humans? Let us have a look.

Read more on:

    Intestinal Parasites in Humans
    Roundworm Parasitic Infection in Humans

Roundworms in Humans - Symptoms
There can be mild or severe signs of roundworms in humans, depending on the type of worm and its number in the human body. The following are the common symptoms of roundworms in humans.

    Weight loss / inability to gain weight
    Diarrhea
    Loss of appetite
    Abdominal discomfort / pain
    Fatigue
    Irritability
    Malnutrition (in children)
    Insomnia (in adults)
    Anorexia nervosa (in adults)
    Allergies

In some cases, symptoms like that of flu like cough, sweating and temperature can also be observed. In case of pinworm infection, vaginal or anal itching along with abdominal pain is experienced. Whereas in case of hookworm and whipworm infection, one may find blood in stools or black colored stools. The person may also experience a rash if infected with hookworm or whipworm. In case of severe roundworm infection in children, the worms are even found in bed or during passing of stools. One should remember that heaver the infection of roundworms, more severe are the symptoms. Sometimes, the other symptoms are not observed but one should definitely look out for the classical symptoms like weight loss, lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Roundworms in Humans - Treatment
If one experiences the above symptoms or notices roundworms or blood in stools, one must immediately consult the doctor. The doctor will undertake blood test or stool test to conform the presence of microscopic roundworms. Treatment of roundworms in humans is possible with the help of anti-parasitic drugs. These medication vary according to the type of the roundworms found in the body and are highly effective in managing and expelling the roundworms from the body. However, pregnant women are advised against the use of these drugs. One should also be aware that infection of roundworms in humans can be chronic. Therefore, if you experience the symptoms even after being treated, you will have to undergo other treatment for the complete extermination of the roundworms.

Roundworms in Humans - Prevention
If you are thinking how to get rid of roundworms in humans, then remember that prevention is the best way to avoid roundworm infection. As mentioned above, roundworms can enter the human body from contaminated food, water and soil; therefore, it is extremely necessary to follow good hygiene habits like washing hands before having meals, or after using the bathroom, etc. Similarly, having a bath everyday, wearing clean clothes and disposing waste regularly from the house is essential. Children should especially be encouraged to follow these habits of cleanliness and hygiene. On the other hand, one should also have nutritious and balanced diet to avoid roundworm infection through food. It is also better to avoid eating uncooked or left over food.