This infection is known as helminthiasis, although it’s sometimes called helminthosis or simply a worm infection.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Helminths are most common in areas that have moist, warm climates and poor sanitation.
When worms are in someone’s intestines, that person passes eggs through their stool.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
As the feces come into contact with soil, the eggs can spread.
People can contract the infection if the infested soil reaches their mouths, often through dirty hands.
Some people with helminthiasis have no symptoms.
However, as the infection becomes severe, people may experience abdominal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Intestinal worms are treatable.
In children, the condition can lead to physical and cognitive growth problems if left untreated.
Types of Helminths
Three types of helminths infect humans.
However, if the infection persists it can lead to more severe symptoms that often include abdominal discomfort.
Its because of the roundwormAscaris lubricoides.Ascarislarvae and adult worms live in the intestines.
Many people with ascariasis dont have symptoms, but a severe infection can lead to abdominal symptoms.
Ascariasis can also migrate outside the intestines, leading to cough and other symptoms as the worms spread.
Whipworm
Whipworm is an infection because of a key in of roundworm.
Whipworms live in the large intestine and generally cause a more severe infection than ascariasis.
The symptoms of whipworm include painful bowel movements, diarrhea that contains blood or mucus, and frequent defecation.
Hookworm
Hookworm infectionsare triggered by the helminthsAncylostoma duodenaleandNecator americanus.
These worms infect the small intestine.
With mild infections, there may be no symptoms after that.
Treatment
Helminth infection is diagnosed through the analysis of a stool sample.
If you have a worm infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antihelmintic medications.
They come as a chewable tablet thats taken twice daily for three days.
They can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, and other symptoms.
They occur more often in tropical climates where there is poor sanitation.
Ascariasis, whipworm, and hookworm are some of the more common helminth infections.
Helminth infections are treated with anthelmintic medications.
A Word From Verywell
Helminth infections have a strong ick factor.
Luckily, theyre very easy to treat with a three-day course of medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helminths occur most often in moist, warm climates where people have poor sanitation.
Helminth infection can be treated effectively with a three-day course of medications.
These medications have few side effects.
Most helminth infections are passed when a person unintentionally ingests helminth eggs.
These eggs are passed through the stool of an infected person and can get into the soil.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites - Soil-transmitted helminths.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Acanthocephaliasis.
World Health Organization.Soil-transmitted helminth infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ascariasis FAQs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites - Trichuriasis (also known as Whipworm Infection).
December 23, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hookworm FAQs.
2016;17(9):1456. doi:10.3390/ijms17091456
