Worms is the term for worm infections that enter the human body. The parasite infects the intestines, causing a series of symptoms.
This condition can happen to anyone, from children to adults. However, children usually experience it more often because their immune system is still not perfect.
What are the Symptoms of Worms in Adults?
The signs vary widely, depending on the type of worm that is infecting you. However, common symptoms include:
- Feces contain worms.
- Redness, itching and rashes. Some people even see worms on their skin.
- Having diarrhea for more than two weeks.
- Prolonged constipation.
- Bloated and swollen stomach.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- The anus feels itchy, especially at night.
- Often experience allergic reactions on the skin.
- Often tired.
- Joint and muscle pain
- Inhibition of child growth and development.
- Experiencing elephantiasis or filariasis.
Actually, the above symptoms can also occur in children. For parents, it is also important to know the Right Way to Recognize Worm Symptoms in Children. That way, parents can take their children to the doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of Worms
You may be wondering what are the dangerous worms. Well, there are various types of worms that can infect the human body, namely tapeworms, pinworms, roundworms, Trichinella, mines, and flatworms.
A person can become infected in the following ways:
- Touching objects that have been contaminated with worm eggs.
- Consuming food or drinks that have been contaminated with parasite eggs.
- Not washing hands after touching the ground.
- Walking barefoot on the ground.
- Consume raw or undercooked foods.
Worm Risk Factors
Anyone can experience this condition. However, there are some people who are more susceptible to it, such as:
- Children, because they more often play in environments that contain contaminated soil, such as sandboxes and school playgrounds.
- People who have weak immune systems, such as people with lupus, cancer or HIV/AIDS.
- Living in an environment with poor sanitation.
- Not maintaining personal hygiene.
Worm Diagnosis
The doctor needs to do a complete physical examination. Additional examinations can include taking a sample of worms through the stool. The doctor can also do a blood test in cases of filariasis (elephantiasis).
Worm Treatment
The first line of treatment is taking worm medicine for one to three days. Not only the sufferer but also family members in the same house need to take the medicine to break the chain of transmission.
The type of medicine depends on the type of worm, for example albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. For more complete information, you can read Various Medical Worm Medicines for Children and Adults.
The sufferer must also maintain personal hygiene and consume hygienic and perfectly cooked food. If you have pets, they also need to be checked for worms.
Complications That Can Occur
Diseases that are left untreated and not treated properly can cause the following complications:
In children, this condition can inhibit growth and development. Complications are more common in older adults and those with suppressed immune systems.
Prevention
There are several things that need to be done to prevent infection, such as:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, before eating, or when preparing food. You should also carry hand sanitizer with you in case water is not available.
- Wash meat, fruit, and vegetables thoroughly before cooking.
- Cook food until thoroughly cooked.
- Consume bottled water or boiled water.
- Give your pets deworming medication regularly, especially for dogs and cats.
- Immediately dispose of pet waste in the trash. Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up pet waste.
- Always wear footwear when outdoors.
- Store dirty footwear outside the house.
When to See a Doctor?
Most types of worms that infect humans cause only mild symptoms, but it is still important to see a doctor if you suspect an infection so that it can be treated early. See a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- There is blood or pus in the stool.
- Vomiting every day or frequently.
- Fever or high body temperature.
- Fatigue and dehydration.
- Losing weight for no apparent reason.
- Feeling sick, having diarrhea, or having stomach pain for more than 2 weeks.
- Having a red, itchy rash on the skin that looks like worms.
