Categorized into two categories - helminths [these are multi-cellular worms] and protozoa [single cellular worms], worms can affect anybody no matter the age or gender. Toddlers and young children are more prone to this infestation [generally found in the stomach or intestines] and over the counter treatment is quite easy and readily available, worms do not pose a serious health risk but if left untreated can cause serious complications and may be life threatening. Infected humans are found in all parts of the world but it more prevalent in the tropical or sub-tropical regions [especially during the rainy season]. Helmiths do not have the ability to multiply [once they are adult] while in the human body, whereas the protozoa can multiply rapidly and thereby cause severe health problems and certain infections.
Symptoms
Though found mainly in the stomach or intestines these parasites do have the ability to live in other areas of the human body. Listed below are some of the more common infestations with their own symptoms:
* Round-worms - inflammation of the lungs or intestines, nausea, vomiting, fever, irritability, nervousness and loss of weight.
* Thread-worms - bouts of diarrhea followed by constipation, cough, fever, loss of weight and severe itching around the rectum of the infected patient
* Pin-worms - this infestation can take up to 2 weeks to manifest[after ingestion of the larvae], this is because the female moves to the rectal area and begins laying eggs [ about 15 000 a day] which causes severe rectal itching and irritation of the anus
* Hookworm - there are a few different species but the common one is medically known as Necator americanus, these enter through the skin [get into the bloodstream and end up in the intestine] and can cause irritation at the point of entry, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and anemia
* Roundworms - most common in tropical or sub-tropical areas and do not produce any symptoms, severe cases have however shown symptoms like weight gain, abdominal pain and these worms can cause complications like a blockage in the intestine
* Tapeworms - prevalent in pets with a low risk of cross infection to humans, this infestation shows no symptoms other than the appearance of white particles in the stool [rice shaped]
Common symptoms not mentioned above
* Dark Circles under the Eyes
* Foul Breath
* Constant desire for food
* Restlessness at night
* Bad dreams
* Headaches
Causes
There are a variety of ways one can get infected with worms, first and foremost is general hygiene, contaminated foods or water, contact with contaminated soil [in the case of youngsters], over population and poverty.
Prevention
This is probably one of the hardest infestations to prevent [especially in children], as they are always playing with their pets or in infected soil, ensuring that they wash their hands thoroughly with a sterilizing soap is easier said than done as parents are not always around when they come back inside and grab a bite to eat etc.
As adults, we can prevent infestation by ensuring good hygiene in the home, making sure all fruits are washed thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are washed, getting our raw meat from a well-known source etc. We can also ensure our pets are worm free to try keep the soil in our gardens clear. De-worming the entire family [as well as our pets] at least every six months with over the counter medication is a must.
Never neglect the fact that someone in the family has worms, they can infect the entire family and ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. Medical treatment should be sought if over the counter medication does not clear the problem - ineffective treatment can cause severe complications and have lasting consequences.
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