Stomach worms are a common, treatable health concern. These internal parasites reside within the digestive system. This article outlines the typical indicators of an infection, the medical approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and practical strategies to prevent their recurrence and spread.
Recognizing the Signs of Stomach Worms
Stomach worms can manifest through various symptoms, often depending on the worm type. Individuals may experience abdominal pain, ranging from mild to intense cramping. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and bloating are common digestive disturbances. Pinworms, for example, cause intense anal itching, especially at night when females lay eggs around the anus.
Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue can signal infection, as worms interfere with nutrient absorption. Individuals might notice worms or segments in their stool, appearing as small, white threads (pinworms) or larger, earthworm-like creatures (roundworms). A red, itchy, worm-shaped rash on the skin indicates hookworms, which enter the body through contaminated soil.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Accurate medical diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals inquire about symptoms, travel history, and dietary habits, including raw meat or fish consumption. The most common diagnostic method is analyzing stool samples (ova and parasite or O&P test) to identify worm eggs or larvae. For suspected pinworm infections, a “tape test” collects eggs from the anal area, especially in the morning, for microscopic examination.
Blood tests can reveal a higher number of eosinophils, indicating parasitic infection. When standard tests are inconclusive or to identify worms blocking ducts, imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs may be used. Seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis, as symptoms can overlap with other conditions.
Once diagnosed, stomach worms are treated with anthelmintic medications designed to eliminate parasites. The specific drug prescribed depends on the type of worm identified. Common medications include mebendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. Mebendazole and albendazole prevent worms from absorbing sugars, effectively starving them. Pyrantel pamoate paralyzes worms, allowing expulsion from the body.
Mebendazole treats pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections, often taken as a chewable tablet for 1 to 3 days. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and headache, usually mild. Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against various intestinal parasite infections, including some tapeworms and roundworms. Albendazole side effects mirror mebendazole’s, with gastrointestinal issues, headache, and fatigue. Rarely, more serious side effects like liver problems or bone marrow suppression can occur with albendazole, especially with longer courses, requiring careful medical monitoring. Pyrantel pamoate, available over-the-counter for pinworms, paralyzes worms. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dizziness. Completing the full prescribed course of medication ensures all worms are eradicated.
Preventing Re-infection and Transmission
Preventing re-infection and transmission relies on consistent hygiene and food/water safety. Thorough handwashing is important, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after handling pets or changing diapers. Keeping fingernails short helps prevent microscopic worm egg accumulation.
Ensuring food and water safety is another preventive measure. This involves washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoiding undercooked meat or fish, and cooking meat to its recommended internal temperature. Drinking potable water, or bottled water if the source is questionable, reduces contaminated water ingestion risk.
Proper sanitation prevents the spread of worm eggs in the environment. This includes prompt disposal of human and animal waste. For pet owners, regular deworming of animals (especially puppies and kittens) and immediate cleanup of pet feces reduces zoonotic transmission risk. Roundworm eggs, for instance, can be transmitted through contaminated pet feces.
General environmental precautions further contribute to prevention. Avoiding walking barefoot in areas with contaminated soil, especially in regions with less developed sanitation, prevents hookworms from entering the body through the skin. Maintaining a clean living environment and covering children’s sandboxes when not in use minimizes exposure to contaminated soil.