Ascariasis is caused by a roundworm called Ascaris lumbricoides.The worms can grow to 12 inches or more in length and drain the body of vitamins and minerals.In the United States, ascariasis is rare in children who live in tropical and subtropical regions and where there are poor Sanitation Practices.It can be difficult to detect ascariasis because most people show mild or no obvious symptoms, but getting appropriate treatment can help prevent a variety of health problems.
Step 1: Take notice of respiratory symptoms.
Most people with Ascaris lumbricoides worms don't have any noticeable symptoms, but those with weak immune systems do.The first signs of ascariasis can be similar to mild-to-moderate cases of asthma or pneumonia.You can see blood and cough up mucus.The lung symptoms are related to the worm's life cycle.The Ascaris eggs hatch in the small intestine and get absorbed into the blood and lungs, causing irritation and a type of allergic response.After a week in the lungs, the larvae are put down the throat and swallowed up into the stomach.
Step 2: You should be aware of abdominal pain and nausea.
The Ascaris can leave the lungs and end up in the small intestine, where they can live for many months or a few years before dying.One of the first signs of worms in the gut is vague abdominal pain and mild nausea.The worms can block the bile duct and cause abdominal pain.The abdominal pain can be mistaken for indigestion, but it's not relieved by taking antacids or passing gas.Mild cases of nausea do not usually lead to vomiting.Children who live in poor sanitary conditions and have weakened immune systems are more likely to get infections.
Step 3: You should watch for bloody stools.
If the body's immune system can't fight the worm, then more of them will grow and cause more uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.Blood can be seen in the toilet as the disease becomes chronic.If the blood is dark and resembles coffee grounds, it's a sign of bleeding from the small intestine.Bleeding from the rectum from too much wiping or a burst blood vessel is what it means if the blood is bright cherry red.The Ascaris worm can be seen in the toilet, in addition to blood.
Step 4: Look for weight loss and chronic vomiting.
In moderate-to-severe cases of Ascariasis, the worms can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea, as well as triggering bouts of vomiting.Rapid weight loss can be seen once vomiting becomes regular and chronic.Food is often not eaten due to loss of appetite and painful digestion.Weight loss can be seen around the face, upper body and buttocks.The abdomen can be protruded due to the mass of worms.People with severe Ascaris infections can often see worms in their vomit.
Step 5: There are signs of malnutrition.
As the symptoms of ascariasis progress, particularly in children, signs of malnutrition become more obvious and include: severe weight loss, stunted growth, weakness, fatigue, skin rashes, visual problems and intellectual/developmental disability.The most common deficiencies related to ascariasis are vitamins and minerals.Lack of vitamins leads to problems with vision and skin.Lack of vitamins C and D can lead to skin issues, internal bleeding, hair and teeth loss, as well as fatigue and listlessness.
Step 6: Distinguish it from other infections.
There are many types of infections and diseases that can be mimicked by Ascariasis.It can be similar to asthma and upper respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold and pneumonia, when the Ascaris larvae cause symptoms in the lungs.Adult worms can mimic other infections, such as food poisoning and stomach flu, when they affect the gastrointestinal system.There's also some overlap with other diseases.It's only when actual worms are found in vomit that Ascariasis is more obvious to doctors and patients.
Step 7: It's a good idea to avoid contact with the contaminated soil.
The soil has human and animal feces in it.fecal matter is used to fertilize crops in many places in the world, so be careful when traveling in rural areas.Children who live in these areas often get sick after putting their hands in their mouths.Infections can be caused by eating fruit and veggies that have been grown in contaminated soil or wastewater.Even though you bought it from a different place, always wash produce at home.You should cook all the raw veggies before eating them.It's possible to kill parasites, as well as some viruses andbacteria, by soaking fresh produce in water.
Step 8: Good hygiene is practiced.
In addition to washing your produce, washing yourself and practicing good hygiene is another method to help prevent Ascaris worm infections.Before and after handling food, wash your hands.The worm can be spread in soil, water, or unwashed hands.If you're traveling to Asia and Africa, you should wash your hands with warm water and soap.When traveling, carry a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently to clean your hands.If you don't have soap or sanitizer, you can use fresh lemon, lime or grapefruit juice on your hands to clean them.
Step 9: Traveling to developing countries is not advisable.
If you want to reduce your risk of Ascariasis, you should avoid countries where the disease is most common, such as rural China, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, India, Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of the Middle East.Take the sanitary precautions if you need to travel to these areas for work or family reasons.Don't eat raw veggies, use only bottled water, and wash your hands frequently.In the U.S., ascariasis is most common in the southeastern states, but not as prevalent as it is in developing countries with warm temperatures year-round.
Step 10: Wait and see what happens.
Most of the time, only Ascaris infections that cause symptoms need to be treated.The symptoms of ascariasis can flare up for a short period of time, then become unnoticeable over time.In some cases, ascariasis can be defeated on its own due to a stronger immune system.In parts of the world where ascariasis is endemic, the lack of clean water and food is more of a concern than the infections.Adults deal with ascariasis better than kids.It is time for a doctor's visit if a child is failing to thrive and lose weight.A doctor will look at a stool sample to make a diagnosis.
Step 11: Take anti-parasitic medication.
Anti-parasitic drugs are the first line of treatment against parasites.Albenza, ivermectin, and mebendazole are the most commonly prescribed medications to kill Ascaris worms.Between one to three days is how long ascaris can be treated with pills.pyrantel pamoate is the drug of choice for pregnant women.The drugs kill the worms and don't cause any side effects.A follow-up treatment is needed for people who carry larvae that aren't killed by drugs.
Step 12: Consider surgery as a last resort.
In cases of severe Ascaris infections, surgery may be necessary to remove the mass of worms and repair the damage they have caused.Appendicitis is one of the primary reasons for surgery.The extent of your problem will likely be determined by x-rays (abdomen and chest) and other tests, before your doctor recommends surgery.A small tube with a cutting device and a camera on the end is inserted through the anus or down the throat to reach the worms in the small intestine.