Stomach Worms (Intestinal Parasites): Types, Causes, Symptoms & Medicines

Stomach worms, also known as intestinal parasites, are a common health concern that can lead to various digestive issues and complications. These organisms infect the gastrointestinal tract and feed on the host’s nutrients, causing discomfort and potential health risks. In this article, we will explore the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for stomach worms, empowering you to take proactive steps towards maintaining your digestive health.

What are Stomach Worms?

Stomach worms are parasitic organisms that reside in the digestive system, particularly the intestines. They can be acquired through various means, such as consuming contaminated food or water or coming into contact with infected soil. These parasites absorb essential nutrients from the host, leading to a range of health problems, especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Understanding the different types of stomach worms is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Stomach Worms

Several types of worms can infect the human digestive system, each with its own characteristics and potential health implications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of stomach worms.

Tapeworm

• Tapeworms are long, flat parasites that attach to the intestinal wall, such as Taenia saginata and Taenia solium.
• Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, perianal itching, and psychological distress from seeing proglottids in stool or undergarments. In severe cases, migration to other parts of the body can cause seizures, decreased vision, and vitreous or retinal detachment.
• Treatment involves antiparasitic medications like albendazole and mebendazole, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Hookworm

• Hookworms, such as Ancylostoma duodenale, are small, blood-sucking parasites that enter the body through the skin.
• Symptoms include itching and localized rash at the site of entry, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and growth retardation in children.
• Treatment involves anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate, along with iron supplements to treat anaemia.

Fluke

• Liver flukes, such as those from the genus Fasciola, primarily infect the liver but can also affect the intestines.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, and biliary colic (pain in the bile ducts).
• Treatment involves antiparasitic medications like triclabendazole and albendazole, along with supportive care, including nutrition and hydration.

Pinworm

• Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are small, thin parasites that primarily infect the large intestine.
• Symptoms include intense perianal itching, especially at night, restlessness, sleep disturbances, abdominal pain, and vaginal itching in females.
• Treatment involves anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate, along with good hygiene practices.

Ascaris

• Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) are large, intestinal parasites that can cause significant health issues.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, weight loss, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction or migration to other organs.
• Treatment involves anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate, along with supportive care and monitoring for complications.

Trichinella

• Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic roundworm that infects the intestines and can migrate to muscle tissue.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, muscle pain, and facial swelling, which can progress to difficulty breathing and heart and lung problems in severe cases.
• Treatment involves anthelmintic medications such as albendazole and mebendazole, along with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and supportive care for symptom management.

Causes of Stomach Worms

Stomach worms might be caused by the following:

• Consuming contaminated food or water containing tapeworm eggs or other worm larvae
• Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands regularly, especially after using the toilet
• Living in areas with inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of access to clean water
• Skin contact with contaminated soil, particularly when walking barefoot
• Hand-to-mouth contact with roundworm eggs can lead to ascariasis

Symptoms of Stomach Worms

Having understood the causes of stomach worms, you can identify the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. Here are a few to look out for:

• Abdominal discomfort, including pain, bloating, and an upset stomach
• Reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss, and hunger pangs
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools
• General health concerns, including fatigue, dizziness, and muscle aches
• Specific symptoms, such as itchy bottom (threadworms) or fever and chills (trichinosis)

Risk Factors of Stomach Worms

Living in hot or tropical climates, having a low income, and residing in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water can significantly increase your risk of contracting stomach worms. Additionally, consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish, practising poor hygiene, and walking barefoot in contaminated areas are major risk factors. Travelling to or living in high-risk regions also elevates your chances of acquiring a worm infection.

Complications of Stomach Worms

Stomach worm infestations can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Intestinal blockage, perforation, and internal bleeding may occur due to heavy infestations. Children may experience slowed growth due to poor nutrient absorption. In severe cases, vision loss and seizures can result from human cysticercosis. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent these complications and ensure effective treatment.

How Stomach Worms Are Diagnosed

Here are some ways to diagnose stomach worms:

• Stool exams, such as the ova and parasite (O&P) test, are the most common diagnostic method for detecting parasite eggs.
• Blood tests can identify antibodies or antigens produced in response to the parasites.
• Colonoscopy or endoscopy may be used when standard tests are inconclusive to visually inspect the digestive tract.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRI scans, can help identify organ lesions caused by parasites.
• The tape test is specifically used for pinworms to collect eggs from the anal area.

Treatment Options for Stomach Worms

Once diagnosed, several treatment options are available to effectively eliminate stomach worms and alleviate symptoms:

• Anthelmintic drugs, such as praziquantel (Biltricide), albendazole (Albenza), and nitazoxanide (Alinia), are commonly prescribed to treat tapeworms and other intestinal worms.
• Prescription medications are necessary for specific infections like trichinosis and must be administered under medical supervision.
• Follow-up care, including regular stool sample checks, is essential to ensure the infection is fully cleared after treatment.

Prevention of Stomach Worms

While treatment is crucial, preventing stomach worm infections is equally important to maintain overall health and well-being. Here are some prevention methods:

• Practise good hygiene by regularly washing your hands, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish to prevent tapeworm infections.
• Ensure access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Avoid walking barefoot in areas where soil-transmitted worms are prevalent.
• Maintain personal item hygiene by not sharing clothing, bedding, and other personal items to prevent the spread of pinworms and other intestinal worms.

Medications for Stomach Worms

Anthelmintic medications are commonly prescribed to treat stomach worm infections. These medicines work by either killing the parasites or expelling them from the body. Mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm) and albendazole (Albenza) are effective against roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infections. These medications are usually taken for 1 to 3 days. If you suspect a stomach worm infection, it is essential to contact a doctor promptly.

When to Contact a Doctor

If you find a large worm, a piece of worm, or worm eggs in your stool, experience persistent sickness, diarrhoea, or stomach ache for more than 2 weeks, or have unexpected weight loss, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have recently travelled abroad and are experiencing symptoms, inform your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure complete recovery.

Conclusion

Stomach worms are a significant health concern, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. By understanding the types of worms, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments, individuals can take steps to prevent and manage these infections effectively. Maintaining good hygiene practices and seeking prompt medical advice when symptoms persist or worsen is key to reducing the risk of worm infections and maintaining overall health. Staying informed and taking preventive measures can help individuals protect themselves and their families from the discomfort and potential complications associated with stomach worms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)