Learn more about the common parasites which call the human body home (and their pets). Research about the parasite life-cycles and the stages of their development in the body.
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Dec 6, 2023 · Why are the majority of worm infections in adults asymptomatic?How do pinworms transmit and what are the key symptoms?What are the health risks associated wi...
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find a large worm, a piece of worm or worm eggs in your poo; have a red, itchy worm-shaped rash on your skin; have sickness, diarrhoea or a stomach ache for longer than 2 weeks; are losing weight for no reason; These could be symptoms of something like roundworm, hookworm or tapeworm. These infections are usually caught while travelling.
Aug 5, 2024 · Symptoms range from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain to changes in stool appearance. You may also see parts of a worm in your stool or changes in stool appearance. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms of intestinal worms include rashes, respiratory problems, anemia, and malnutrition.
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Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:
•Itching of the anal or vaginal area
•Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
•Occasional stomach pain and nausea
Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.
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Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.
Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.
Risk factors for pinworm infection include:
•Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
Typical pinworm infections don't cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.
The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).
Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:
•Urinary tract infections
•Weight loss
•Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)
Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:
•Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
•Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
•Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
•Don't scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child's fingernails so there's less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
•Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.
Pinworm symptoms. You might have anal itching, especially at night. You could also have stomach pain, nausea, or vaginal itching. Sometimes, pinworms can be seen around your anus or on your ...
Mar 18, 2024 · Intestinal worms are organisms that feed off the human body. Tapeworm, hookworm, pinworm, and other types of worms affect the body in different ways. A person may notice worms in stool. Types of ...
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Feb 23, 2024 · Intestinal worms include: Pinworms (enterobiasis): These thread-like worms spread when you touch a surface contaminated with pinworm eggs and put your hands to your mouth. The eggs hatch in your small intestine. At night, female adults lay eggs around your anus (butthole). The process can cause anal itching.
