Intestinal worms also known as parasitic worms are one of the main types of intestinal parasites. Common types of intestinal worms include:
- flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes
- roundworms, which cause ascariasis, pinworm, and hookworm infections
Read on to learn more about intestinal worms.
- Symptoms
Common symptoms of intestinal worms are:- abdominal pain
- diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- gas/bloating
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- abdominal pain or tenderness
A person with intestinal worms may also experience dysentery. Dysentery is when an intestinal infection causes diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool. Intestinal worms can also cause a rash or itching around the rectum or vulva. In some cases, worms will pass out with stool during a bowel movement.
Some people may have intestinal worms for years without experiencing any symptom
Causes
One way to become infected with intestinal worms is eating undercooked meat from an infected animal such as a cow, pig, or fish. Other possible causes leading to intestinal worm infection include:
- consumption of contaminated water
- consumption of contaminated soil
- contact with contaminated faeces
- poor sanitation
- poor hygiene
Roundworms are typically transmitted through contact with contaminated soil and faeces.
Once a person consumes the contaminated substance, the parasite travels into the intestine. Then they reproduce and grow in the intestine. Once they reproduce and become larger in amount and size, symptoms may appear.
