ROUNDWORMS

General Information

DEFINITION--Intestinal parasites shaped like earthworms that can be seen easily without a microscope. Roundworms thrive in the gastrointestinal tract (and sometimes the lungs). They are contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gastrointestinal tract; lungs (sometimes).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in children.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Irritability.
• Restlessness at night.
• Erratic or poor appetite.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Weight loss or lack of weight gain.
• Colicky abdominal discomfort.
• Diarrhea (sometimes).
• Cough and wheezing (rare).
• Worms may sometimes be seen in bowel movements or in the child's bed. Rarely, one may be vomited.
• Fever.

CAUSES--A parasite called Ascaris whose eggs enter the human body through contaminated water, food or soil-contaminated hands.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.

> Wash hands frequently--

always before eating.

• Keep fingers away from the mouth.
• Have pets treated for worms. Avoid strange animals.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of the stool or a study of an adult worm, if passed, to identify the worm; x-ray of the lungs (sometimes).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Home care after diagnosis.
• Treatment can be given at home and involves antiworm drugs and other hygienic care.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--

If untreated:

• Worms migrate to other body parts.
• Intestinal obstruction (rare).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 1 week with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Wash hands carefully after using the toilet or before meals. Keep fingers away from the mouth. Keep nails short and clean.
• Wash the anus and genitals with warm soap and water at least twice a day. Rinse well, preferably under a shower. Don't take tub baths.
• If possible, boil all soiled linen, nightclothes, underwear, towels and washcloths that have been used by anyone with roundworms. Fabrics that cannot be boiled can be soaked in an ammonia solution (1 cup of household ammonia to 5 gallons of cold water).
• After treatment, scrub all toilet seats, bathroom floors and fixtures. Vacuum rugs, table tops, curtains, sofa and chairs carefully. Sterilize metal toys or similar objects in a hot oven.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe drugs to kill roundworms, such as pyrantel pamoate, piperazine or mebendazole (this medication may cause fetal abnormalities; don't use it if you are pregnant). These drugs can be effective after a single dose.

ACTIVITY--Patient may resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You or your child have symptoms of roundworms.
• Roundworms reappear after treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.