ROUNDWORMS

(Ascariasis & Other Roundworms)

 Basic information

description

Roundworms thrive in the gastrointestinal tract (and sometimes in the lungs). They are contagious and affect all ages, but are most common in children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Often, there may be no symptoms.
• Irritability.
• Restlessness at night.
• Erratic or poor appetite.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weight loss or lack of weight gain.
• Stomach (abdominal) discomfort.
• Diarrhea (sometimes).
• Cough and wheezing (rare).
• Worms may sometimes be seen in bowel movements or in the child's bed. Rarely, one may be vomited.
• Fever.

causes

There are several types of roundworms (or nematodes). Some can be seen by the human eye, and others can only be seen with a microscope. Their eggs can enter the human body through contaminated water, food, or soil-contaminated hands. In some types, the larvae (young worms) enter through the skin.

risk increases with

• Crowded or unclean living conditions.
• Using human feces as a fertilizer.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wash hands often, and always before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Keep fingers away from the mouth.
• Have pets treated for worms. Avoid strange animals.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in one week with treatment.

possible complications

• If untreated:
  • Worms migrate to other body parts.
  • Intestinal obstruction (rare).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include studies of the stool or a study of an adult worm, if passed, to identify the worm. X-ray of the lungs or an ultrasound may be done in some cases.
• Treatment can be given at home and involves anti-worm drugs.
• Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before meals. Keep fingers away from the mouth. Keep nails short and clean.
• In rare cases, surgery may be needed for complications, such as a bowel perforation (tear).

medications

Drugs called anthelmintics that kill roundworms will be prescribed. Follow the instructions provided for taking the drug.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or your child has symptoms of roundworms.
• Roundworms reappear after treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: