Intestinal Worms in Humans

Our body is home to numerous worms. These worms make intestine their homes, hence the name. Obtaining nutrition is an easy task for them, as they reside in the intestine. Because they live inside a human body, which is the host, they are also called endoparasites. Intestinal infection is more commonly seen in children as compared to adults. Although the worms in humans are normally found in the intestines, they may also make the stomach and the rectum their homes. Most of the worms spend their entire life in the human intestines, but there are some worms, who lay their eggs around the rectum area. Although every human has intestinal parasites, when their number goes beyond a certain limit, the digestive health of the person suffers. The most common complaint caused by intestinal worms is stomach aches. There are two types of human intestinal worms. They are the flatworms and the roundworms. Flatworms are commonly known as tapeworms. The common type of roundworms are the pinworms or threadworms.

Causes of Intestinal Worms in Humans

Humans may be infected with intestinal worms through a number of ways. One of the common cause of intestinal parasite infection is through poorly cooked meat. It is more commonly seen in pork and beef. In some cases, sea water fish can also be the carriers of worm infection. Contaminated water is the other common cause of intestinal parasites. Coming in contact with feces can also give rise to the condition. They can also be transmitted during sexual contact.

People coming in contact with the soil are also more prone to this kind of an infection. Unhygienic habits are also known to cause human intestinal worms. There are certain worms, which make their way into the human body through the soles of the feet. Therefore, people with cracked heels commonly suffer from intestinal worms. The eggs, larvae or even adults can make their way into the human body through the skin, nose, mouth or anus. These worms make their way to the intestinal tract.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms in Humans

The first symptom of pinworms is anemia. They stay in the intestine and suck out nutrients. If the person is infected with a large number of worms, they can cause enough blood loss, which will give rise to iron deficiency. Intestinal worms cause fatigue in humans. Immune system may be affected due to the worms, therefore people should be on the look out for immune dysfunction. Worms can cause constipation, if they obstruct the colon, bile duct, liver, etc. It in turn can also lead to gas and stomach bloating, if the worms have made colonies in the upper intestinal region. The parasitic waste is known to irritate the nervous system. This causes nervousness, anxiety and restlessness. Pinworms in children can give rise to bed wetting, grinding of the teeth while sleeping, hyperactivity, etc. The other symptoms of intestinal worms include sensitivity to light, headaches, dark circles under the eyes, blisters in the inside of the mouth, etc.

Treatment for Intestinal Worms in Humans

The best treatment for pinworm, roundworm infection, etc., in humans is to prevent infection altogether. It is important to pay attention to hygiene. Drinking filtered or boiled water is recommended. Along with this, it is important to launder linens, towels and clothing regularly. It is commonly seen, that people do not wash their towel everyday, however it is not a healthy practice.

For the right treatment for roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, there are prescription medicines available. It is important to consult a health care professional before you take any of these medicines. At the same time, there are a number of home remedies, which can be used for treating tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms in adults and children. For tapeworms treatment, pumpking seeds, garlic, capsicum, thyme can be used. Walnut leaves, garlic, carrots, papaya, rock salt, cloves, male fern, etc., can also be used in treatment for pinworm, roundworm and threadworms. Camphor is also a good remedy for treating human tapeworms and other intestinal worms.

It is important to identify the type of intestinal worm infection at the earliest. Some of the human intestinal worms are also known to enter the blood stream and give rise to a number of health complications. At the same time, taking the necessary hygiene precautions is also important.