Intestinal worm infection is something that can occur in people irrespective of age. Some of these infections come along with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, itching around the anus area, nausea, fatigue, or appetite changes, while others do not have symptoms at all.
What would be the safest treatment will depend on what kind of infection someone has. There could be some medications like ivermectin, albendazole, mebendazole, or other anti-parasites medication. Ivermectin is good for dealing with some parasite infections but not with all kinds of intestinal worms.
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What Are Intestinal Worms?
Intestinal worms are parasites that can be found in the digestive system of people. The most common are: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, pinworms, tapeworms, and Strongyloides. These can be contracted through:
- Contaminated food and/or water
- Unwashed hands
- Soil that is contaminated
- Bare feet in the affected area
- Raw meat and fish
- Infected people
Worm infection via soil transmission is more commonly seen in areas of poor sanitation, although it can happen almost anywhere.
Common Signs of Intestinal Worms
Symptoms depend on the type of parasite and level of infestation.The following symptoms are possible:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Diarrhea or nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss without reason
- Fatigue
- Itching around the anus, particularly at night
- Worms or parts of the worms in feces
- Anemia in certain infestations
Symptoms can be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases. An examination is necessary before treatment.
| Possible Sign | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|
| Nighttime anal itching | Pinworm infection |
| Abdominal pain | Several possible worm infections |
| Tiredness or weakness | Possible anemia or nutrient loss |
| Visible worm in stool | A possible parasitic infection |
| Ongoing diarrhea | A worm infection or another digestive condition |
How Are Intestinal Worms Diagnosed?
Stool Testing
A doctor may ask you to provide a stool sample to check for parasite eggs, larvae, and/or worm segments. It may be necessary to collect more than one sample, as parasites can go undetected on a single test.
Additional Testing
In cases where the symptoms are severe or a particular infection is suspected, blood tests, imaging or specialized testing for parasites may be conducted. For a case of pinworm infection, a tape test rather than a stool test can be employed.
Safe Treatment Options
The correct deworming medicine depends on the type of parasite.
| Medicine | Common Use | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Albendazole | Several intestinal worm infections | Used only as advised |
| Mebendazole | Some roundworm and pinworm infections | May not treat every parasite |
| Ivermectin | Certain parasitic infections and strongyloidiasis | Not effective for all intestinal worms |
| Praziquantel | Certain tapeworm and fluke infections | Requires correct diagnosis |
Several soil-transmitted worm infections can be treated effectively with short courses of antiparasitic medicine, but treatment should match the parasite involved.
What Is the Role of Ivermectin?
Every patient needs to know when to use ivermectin. Generally, doctors recommend the following medicines:
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that can be prescribed to treat certain infections. Ivermectin is very effective against intestinal strongyloidiasis, which is a parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis.
Nevertheless, ivermectin cannot be called a drug for deworming patients from any worms. This drug is not the first-choice treatment for pinworms and tapeworms.
Why Self-Treatment Can Be Risky
Never take ivermectin without identifying the particular parasite causing the problem. The dosage will depend on things like your weight, age, general health status, other medications you are taking, and type of infection. Do not use veterinary ivermectin. Veterinary ivermectin can contain different strengths of the drug and may contain other substances.
Preventing Reinfection
Therapy does not guarantee that an infection will not recur. Maintaining cleanliness is helpful in decreasing the chances of passing on the worms or reinfection. The following actions can be beneficial:
- Washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals
- Maintaining short and clean nails
- Washing produce
- Ensuring meats and seafood are well-cooked
- Wearing shoes in places where the ground could be contaminated
- Disinfecting surfaces often touched at home
- Washing linens and clothes upon recommendation during infectious diseases
Pinworms have great potential to spread in households.
When Should You See a Physician?
Medical consultation should be sought when one experiences prolonged stomach-related complaints, the presence of worms in the stool, weight loss without known cause, anemia, or symptoms following travel. The same applies to children, pregnant women, elderly people, or those with compromised immunity. Urgent medical attention should be sought if one is experiencing intense abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, dehydration, or intestinal obstruction.
Conclusion: Be Consistent to Get Optimal Results
The intestinal worms may be treated effectively but depend on which type of worm the correct medicine will be used. Ivermectin will be helpful in some cases, like the infection of strongyloidiasis, but it is not always the best choice when dealing with intestinal worms. Correct diagnosis, proper treatment and hygiene are the safest ways to go. Consult with a doctor before using ivermectin or any dewormer. Think you may have intestinal worms? Get the right diagnosis before taking ivermectin or another deworming medicine. A healthcare professional can help identify the parasite and choose safe, effective treatment. Follow Medipedia for more information about antiparasitic medication to ensure you take the drug properly for optimal results.