Discovering a worm in your stool can be unsettling. This often indicates an intestinal worm infection, a common condition that can be effectively addressed with medical attention. This article clarifies what to do if you observe worms in your stool.
Common Intestinal Worms
The appearance of worms in human stool can vary significantly depending on the type of parasite present. Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are small, white, thread-like worms, typically a quarter to half an inch long. They are often seen wiggling around the anal area or in the stool.
Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) are much larger, resembling earthworms, and can grow to lengths of 6 to 13 inches. These worms are typically pale white or light brown and have a smooth, cylindrical body. Tapeworms, from the genus Taenia, can be quite long, sometimes reaching several feet. They appear flat and segmented, resembling a ribbon, and may be passed as individual segments, known as proglottids, or as a longer chain. These segments are often white or yellowish and might be seen moving shortly after being passed.
How Worms Enter the Body
Intestinal worms typically enter the human body through the ingestion of their eggs or larvae. A common pathway involves consuming food or water contaminated with microscopic worm eggs, such as produce washed with contaminated water or food handled by unwashed hands after contact with contaminated surfaces or soil. Eating undercooked meat from infected animals, such as pork or beef, can also introduce tapeworm larvae into the digestive system.
Another route is direct contact with contaminated soil, particularly where human or animal feces are present. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil can allow certain worm larvae, like hookworms, to penetrate the skin. Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands thoroughly after using the restroom or before preparing and eating food, can facilitate the transfer of microscopic eggs from contaminated surfaces to the mouth, particularly for pinworms.
Other Signs of Worm Infection
Beyond the direct observation of worms, several other symptoms can indicate an intestinal worm infection. Abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea are frequent complaints as parasites irritate the digestive tract. Unexplained weight loss may develop because worms compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malabsorption. Persistent fatigue can also be a symptom, resulting from the body’s response to the infection and potential nutrient deficiencies. Anal itching, particularly at night, is a characteristic symptom of pinworm infections, as female pinworms migrate to the anal region to lay their eggs.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing an intestinal worm infection typically begins with a medical professional evaluating symptoms and patient history. The most common diagnostic method involves examining stool samples under a microscope to identify the presence of worm eggs or larvae. Multiple samples may be required over several days to increase the likelihood of detection due to the intermittent shedding of eggs. For suspected pinworm infections, a “tape test” is often used, where a piece of clear adhesive tape is pressed against the skin around the anus in the morning to collect eggs for microscopic examination.
Once diagnosed, treatment for intestinal worm infections primarily involves antiparasitic medications, also known as anthelmintics. These medications are highly effective at eliminating the worms from the body. For example, mebendazole and albendazole are commonly prescribed for pinworms and roundworms, while praziquantel is often used for tapeworm infections. These medications are typically taken orally and work by either paralyzing the worms or interfering with their metabolism, leading to their expulsion from the body. These medications require a doctor’s prescription, and completing the full course of treatment is important for complete eradication.
Preventing Worm Infections
Implementing good hygiene practices is fundamental in preventing intestinal worm infections. Thorough hand washing with soap and water is important, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before handling or eating food. Properly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption helps remove any lingering soil or contaminants that might carry worm eggs. Cooking meat, such as pork and beef, to safe internal temperatures ensures that any potential tapeworm larvae are destroyed.
Drinking safe, treated water and avoiding untreated water sources also reduces the risk of ingesting worm eggs. When traveling to areas with questionable sanitation, consuming bottled water or boiling water before use is a prudent measure. Avoiding walking barefoot in areas where soil might be contaminated with human or animal feces can prevent certain larvae, like hookworms, from penetrating the skin. These preventative actions significantly lower the chances of acquiring new worm infections.