Intestinal worms, also known as parasitic worms, are organisms that live inside the intestines and feed off the nutrients from the food we eat. They can cause a variety of symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, weakness and weight loss. Though not very common in developed countries, intestinal worm infections affect over 1.5 billion people globally. The most common worms that infect humans include roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms and hookworms.
Some of the ways you can get infected with intestinal worms include:
- Ingesting microscopic worm eggs from contaminated food, water or surfaces
- Eating undercooked meat that contains worm larvae
- Walking barefoot on contaminated soil that contains worm larvae which penetrate the skin
- Coming in contact with feces of infected persons
Deworming refers to using medication to kill and expel the intestinal worms from your body. Whether you need to deworm yourself or not depends primarily on if you are showing symptoms of a worm infection or are at high risk of getting infected.
What are the symptoms of intestinal worms?
Some common symptoms and signs that may indicate an intestinal worm infection include:
- Abdominal pain, tenderness or discomfort
- Diarrhea, usually mild
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and excess gas
- Fatigue, tiredness and weakness
- Nutritional deficiencies due to poor absorption
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Itchy bottom or vagina, especially at night
- Grinding teeth during sleep
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Cough and wheezing if the infection spreads to the lungs
- Fever (in case of massive worm infection)
However, many people with intestinal worms may not show any symptoms initially as the infestation is minor. The symptoms tend to gradually worsen as the number of worms increases inside the body.
Who is at risk of getting infected with intestinal worms?
You are more vulnerable to getting worm infections if:
- You live in or travel to tropical or subtropical areas of the world with poor sanitation and hygiene.
- You walk barefoot outdoors in areas where soil is contaminated with human or animal feces.
- You eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
- You eat unwashed fruits and vegetables.
- You drink contaminated water.
- You have pets and other domesticated animals at home.
- You or your child goes to daycare centers.
- Your work involves handling soil or animal feces such as farming and gardening.
- You live in crowded housing conditions.
Children are at higher risk as they are more likely to put contaminated fingers and objects in the mouth. Weakened immunity in elderly and HIV/AIDS patients also increase susceptibility.
Should you deworm yourself?
If you are experiencing symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and fatigue, consult your doctor and get tested for intestinal worms. Simple blood and stool tests can detect worm eggs or larvae.
You should also get screened if you are in a high risk group even without overt symptoms. Periodic deworming may be recommended in:
- People traveling to or living in tropical regions
- School going children
- Institutionalized groups like refugee camps
- People working with soil or animals
- HIV/AIDS patients
Deworming treatment is advised if the tests are positive for a worm infection. The medication kills the worms and clears up related symptoms.
Some reasons for self deworming without a doctor’s prescription include:
- You were diagnosed with worms earlier and the symptoms have returned indicating reinfection.
- Other family members have been diagnosed and treated for worms.
- You traveled to a high risk region and feel unwell on return.
However, consult your doctor first before self medicating even in the above cases. Proper diagnosis is important to identify the type of worm and choose the right medication. Indiscriminate deworming without tests can do more harm than good.
When should you avoid deworming yourself?
While periodic deworming is beneficial for at risk populations, you should not treat yourself with anti-worm medications in the following cases:
- You have no symptoms of a worm infection.
- You have not been exposed to any risks such as travel or contaminated food/soil.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have other medical conditions and are on regular medication.
- You are allergic or sensitive to deworming drugs.
Indiscriminate deworming can kill good gut bacteria and cause adverse reactions. Always consult your doctor before taking anti-parasitic drugs.
What medicines can be used for deworming?
The anti-parasitic medication prescribed depends on the type of worm causing the infection.
- Albendazole: Used for roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infections.
- Mebendazole: Treats roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infections.
- Praziquantel: Effective against tapeworms and fluke worms.
- Nitazoxanide: Used for tapeworms and other intestinal protozoa.
- Ivermectin: Treats roundworm and whipworm infections.
- Pyrantel pamoate: Used for pinworm and hookworm infections.
These anthelmintic or anti-worm drugs come in tablet or liquid form and are taken orally. The dosage and duration depends on the type of intestinal parasite and response to treatment. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache and dizziness.
Always complete the full course of medication as prescribed even if symptoms improve to ensure complete elimination of worms. Avoid self medicating and overusing deworming tablets.
How to prevent worm infections
You can take some simple precautions to avoid getting intestinal worms:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
- Wash, peel or cook fruits and vegetables well before eating.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and fish.
- Drink filtered or boiled water when traveling.
- Wear shoes when walking outdoors in endemic areas.
- Clean pet feces from yard to prevent spread of worm eggs.
- Teach children hygienic habits.
- Use gloves while gardening or handling soil.
Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene standards is key to preventing transmission of worm larvae or eggs through contaminated food, water and surfaces.
Conclusion
Deworming treatment is recommended if you are experiencing intestinal worm symptoms or are at high risk of infection such as from travel or work exposure. Periodic deworming without a prescription may be beneficial in some cases but should be avoided if there is no evidence of infection. Indiscriminate use can disturb gut flora and cause adverse effects. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. Preventive measures like good hygiene, safe food and clean water help protect against worm infestations.