Roundworm infections are caused by consuming roundworm eggs, often from contaminated water or food. Anthelmintic drugs such as pyrantel, medendazole, or albendazole are the most effective treatment, but surgery may be required in severe cases. Alternative medications such as wormwood, pumpkin seed, and grapefruit seed extract may also be used. Both humans and pets can be infected, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms occur.
The most effective treatment for a roundworm infection is an anthelmintic drug such as pyrantel, medendazole, or albendazole. These drugs kill the worms, allowing patients to express them from their bodies. Other treatments are available for serious complications of worm infections, and some patients have success with alternative medications such as wormwood, pumpkin seed, and grapefruit seed extract that are designed to kill and expel worms, although these means have not been extensively tested and may not be safe in all patients.
Roundworms are parasites that people become infected with when they consume roundworm eggs. The most common reason for coming into contact with eggs is drinking water contaminated with human fecal material or eating products handled by people with roundworms. When the eggs enter the body, the roundworm life cycle begins. The eggs will hatch, producing worms that can colonize the intestines and lungs, the worms will reproduce, and more eggs will be produced and shed.
People with roundworms may develop cough, pneumonia, bloody sputum, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and wheezing. Sometimes the worms can be seen around the nose or anus and are also present in the stool, along with the eggs. People can be diagnosed with the use of medical imaging studies that reveal worms inside the body or the analysis of a fecal sample to identify worms and eggs.
Treating people with medications designed to treat parasitic infections usually clears up a roundworm infection. When used in animals, these drugs are known as dewormers, but in humans the term “anthelminthic” is more common. It’s important to be aware that both people and pets can develop roundworm infections and can pass them on to each other. If a household has a nematode problem, it is important to treat all mammals present, regardless of species.
A roundworm infection can have serious complications. Sometimes, people have large clusters of worms in the intestinal tract that aren’t cleared out with medication. For these patients, surgery to clear the intestines may be required. Surgical treatment is rarely needed, and if so, x-rays of the intestines usually indicate whether or not a patient will need surgery. The longer a roundworm infection is allowed to go untreated, the greater the risk of complications such as malnutrition or developing the need for surgical treatment.
If people suspect they have parasitic infections such as a roundworm infection, medical attention should be sought. It is important to receive appropriate medication for the infection, and many parasites cause similar symptoms. A doctor can diagnose and offer a prescription or advice on complementary and alternative medicine if these options are preferred by the patient. Likewise, veterinarians can examine animals for suspected parasitic infections and provide the appropriate medications.
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