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Ascaris is a roundworm that can live in human intestines and is transmitted through contact with soil, unwashed produce, or direct feces. Infection is rare in the US but more common in developing countries. Symptoms include stomach pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis is made through stool samples and treated with drugs. Epazote herb can also be effective. Long-term untreated infections can lead to scarring and death. Travelers to developing countries should be cautious and practice good hygiene.
Ascaris is a parasitic roundworm that can live inside the intestines of a human being. Its eggs are present in the faeces of infected people or pigs. Contact with soil, unwashed fruit or vegetables, or direct faeces are considered primary means of transmission.
Roundworm infection is very rare in the United States, although it can occasionally occur in the southeastern part of the country. It is more likely to be contracted in developing countries where sanitation may be poorer.
Roundworms can cause stomach upset if they live in the intestines. This usually manifests as stomach pain. If the worms enter the lungs, they can also cause coughing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of congestion in the lungs. Usually, one must be infected with multiple roundworms for the worms to reach the lungs. Diarrhea and fever may also be noted in those with an infection.
Diagnosis is made through analysis of stool samples, which can help identify the presence of roundworm eggs easily. Once the diagnosis is made, doctors usually prescribe drugs called immunobiologics. Drugs such as mebendazole, piperazine and albendazole can treat an infection in about three days. You may need follow-up tests of stool samples about two weeks after taking the drug.
Native Americans used the herb epazote to treat roundworm infections, and it is effective for mild cases. However, as with any herbal supplement, treatment must be cleared by a physician. Pregnant women with infections may delay treatment until after delivery as both herbal and chemical remedies can be dangerous to the unborn baby.
Difficulty can occur if the infection remains untreated for an extended period of time. People who may not have access to medications may have long-lasting roundworm infections that can scar the intestines. Individual worms can migrate to other parts of the body and eventually cause death. Deaths from this parasite are extremely rare in developed nations, but can occur in developing countries where access to medicines is limited.
If you are traveling to a developing country, you should be especially careful about consuming fresh fruit or vegetables, which may have been grown in infected soil. Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed and/or cooked. Additionally, untreated water sources can harbor parasites and people are advised to drink only bottled water.
Those who work with pigs on a regular basis should also be careful to wash their hands after handling or grooming the animals. Although pigs carry a slightly different type of roundworm, it can jump to humans. Worms are unlikely to jump from person to person unless people practice hygienic toilet behavior. Washing your hands after using the bathroom is the main way to avoid infection.
