Worms are not only experienced by children, but also by adults. This disease is more common in people who live in environments with poor sanitation or do not lead a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS).
Worms can sometimes cause no symptoms at all. Although symptomatic, this disease usually causes atypical complaints and can be similar to other diseases.
In general, the symptoms of intestinal worms are in the form of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, no appetite, to weight loss. If not treated properly, intestinal worms can cause more serious health problems, such as anemia.
Recognizing the Causes of Worms in the Body
Poor hygiene or a dirty environment is still one of the main factors causing intestinal worms, especially in areas with poor sanitation. However, the cause of worms can be different for each person, depending on what type of worms enter the body.
Here are some of the most common types of worms that cause intestinal worms in humans:
1. Worms pita
Tapeworms or Cestoda can be recognized from their shape that looks like a ribbon, which is flat with segments throughout its body. Adult tapeworms can reach 25 meters in length and can survive for 30 years.
Tapeworms enter the human body when hands come into contact with feces or soil containing worm eggs, which are then carried into the mouth when eating.
In addition, tapeworms can also enter through consumption of food or drink that has been contaminated with worm eggs. Consumption of raw or undercooked pork, beef or fish can also lead to the entry of tapeworms into the human body.
2. Worms tthreshold
Adult hookworms with a length of about 5–13 millimeters and hookworm larvae (newly hatched hookworms) can penetrate the skin, for example through bare feet, then enter the blood circulation and are carried into the lungs and throat.
Meanwhile, if swallowed, hookworms will enter the digestive tract and live in the small intestine.
Hookworms can enter the body through physical contact, namely when a person touches or steps on soil that contains larvae and adult hookworms. In addition, hookworm infection can also occur through food or drink that has been contaminated with the eggs and larvae of these worms.
Hookworm infection is still common in tropical and humid climates with poor environmental sanitation, including Indonesia. Not only humans, hookworm infection can also be experienced by animals, such as dogs and cats.
3. Worms krummy
Pinworms are white and smooth, about 5–13 millimeters long. Pinworm infections are mostly experienced by school-age children.
Pinworm infection generally occurs when a person consumes food or drink contaminated with the parasite. In addition, pinworms can also enter through dirty and rarely washed hands.
The pinworm eggs then pass into the intestines and develop into adult worms within a few weeks. If the egg reaches the anus and is scratched, it can be transferred to the finger, which unwittingly touches the surface of another object or person.
4. Roundworms
Roundworms are quite large, with a length of about 10-35 cm. Roundworms can enter the human body through soil that has been contaminated with worm eggs.
When it enters the body, the eggs will hatch in the intestines, then spread through the blood vessels or lymph channels to other body organs, such as the lungs or bile.
To treat a worm infection, the doctor may give deworming medicine not only for the patient, but also for all family members to prevent repeated infections. Commonly prescribed drugs can be: mebendazole, albendazole, ivermectin, or praziquantel.
If the patient is anemic, the doctor may also prescribe iron supplements. To treat infections with worms that are large enough, such as roundworms, or worms that block the bile duct or appendix, your doctor may need surgery.
Preventing Tips DiseaseWorman
There are several things you can do to prevent infection with intestinal worms, including:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, changing a baby's diaper, before cooking, and before eating.
- Store raw meat and fish properly, then cook until done.
- Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them.
- Give deworming medicine for pets, such as cats and dogs, regularly.
- Avoid walking barefoot and touching the ground or sand without gloves.
- Trim nails regularly and avoid biting
Meanwhile, if you have a worm infection, there are several things you can do to speed up healing and prevent the spread of worm eggs, including:
- Wash the anus in the morning to reduce the number of worm eggs, because worms usually lay eggs at night.
- Change underwear and bed linens every day while infected.
- Wash nightwear, sheets, underwear, and towels in hot water to get rid of worm eggs.
- Avoid scratching the itchy area around the anus.
Worm disease should not be taken lightly. If you or a family member experience symptoms of intestinal worms, consult a doctor to find out how to properly handle it.