Ascariasis - Symptoms & Treatment

Ascariasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasitic roundworm. Ascariasis is causes the most common helminthic infection in the world, ascariasis. . Ascariasis occurs when worm eggs commonly found in soil and human feces are ingested. The eggs can be transmitted from contaminated food, drink, or soil. Ascariasis is found most commonly in countries with poor sanitary conditions Ascaris eggs are found in human feces. After feces contaminates the soil, the eggs become infectious after a few weeks. Infection occurs when a person accidentally ingests (swallows) infectious Ascaris eggs. Once in the stomach, immature worms hatch from the eggs. The larvae are carried through the lungs and then to the throat where they are swallowed. Once swallowed, they reach the intestines and develop into adult worms. Adult female worms lay eggs that are then passed in feces; this cycle will take between 2-3 months. Most people have no symptoms that are noticeable, but infection may cause slower growth and slower weight gain. If you are heavily infected, you may have abdominal pain.

Causes of Ascariasis

Common causes of Ascariasis

• Parasitic roundworm.
• Ascaris lumbricoides.

Symptoms of Ascariasis

Common Symptoms of Ascariasis

• Worms in stool.
• Coughing up worms.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever.
• Wheezing .
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal distention.
• Severe stomach
• Abdominal pain.

Treatment of Ascariasis

Common Treatment of Ascariasis

• Treatment includes medications that paralyze or kill intestinal parasitic worms, such as albendazole or mebendazole.
• Do not defecate outdoors.
• Dispose of diapers properly.
• Paralyzing vermifuges (eg, pyrantel pamoate, piperazine, ivermectin) should be avoided if complete or partial intestinal obstruction is present since the paralyzed worms may necessitate surgery or make surgery more complicated
• Avoid water or food that may be contaminated.
• Surgery may be necessary to repair damage the worms have caused and to remove worms.
• Improved sanitation and hygiene in developing countries will reduce the risk in those areas.
• Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human faeces;
• Use of toilet facilities; safe excreta disposal; protection of food from dirt and soil; thorough washing of produce; hand washing; and common-sense sanitary measures.

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