Worms in adults can occur without realizing it. The appearance of this condition can be characterized by several symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss.
Not many people know about the types of worms that cause intestinal worms in adults. Different types of worms, different ways of transmission. Therefore, it never hurts to recognize the types of worms that cause worms so that you avoid worms.
Types of Worms and Ways of Transmission
There are several types of worms that can cause intestinal worms in adults. Actually, this worm does not specifically infect adults, but can also infect children, even animals.
The types of worms that cause intestinal worms include:
1. Pinworms
This worm is a type of roundworm. The form is very small, harmless, but very commonly infects adults, especially children. Pinworms live in the large intestine and rectum.
Humans can become infected with this worm if they touch the eggs of pinworms and swallow them. So small, pinworm eggs easily fly and are inhaled by humans.
2. Tapeworms
So far, many people know that tapeworms are only transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat. In fact, tapeworms can also enter the human body through drinking water that has been contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Tapeworms are scary because they can grow in the human body up to 15 cm in size and live for 30 years.
3. Roundworms
Roundworm infection can occur if you eat food that has been contaminated with roundworm eggs. Those of you who live in an environment with poor sanitation and hygiene are at higher risk of being infected with this worm.
4. Flatworms
These worms live in the blood, intestines, or tissues of the human body. In fact, flatworms infect more animals than humans. However, if you often eat raw vegetables, especially watercress, you are at risk of infection with these worms.
Flatworm eggs can also enter the human body through drinking water contaminated with worm eggs.
5. Hookworm
Hookworm eggs can enter the human body through the pores of the skin. If you walk barefoot on soil or media that is a habitat for hookworm larvae, the chances of the worms getting into your body by penetrating the skin are very high.
6. Trichinosis worms
This type of worm is found in cooked meat that has been infested with worm larvae. After entering the body, the larvae settle in the human intestine and grow into adults. After that the larvae will breed and move from the intestine to the muscles or other body tissues.
Recognize the Symptoms of Worms
Symptoms of intestinal worms in adults are more widespread than in children. Symptoms of intestinal worms in children generally include itching in the anus or vagina, especially at night, frequent awakenings at night, and weight loss. While the signs of worms in adults include:
- Fatigue
- Stomach ache
- Bloated
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss for no reason
In addition to some of the general symptoms above, the symptoms of intestinal worms can also be distinguished based on the type of worm. For example:
- If you are infected with tapeworms, you may find lumps on your body, allergic reactions, fever, bacterial infection, and seizures.
- If infected with flatworms, symptoms include fever and fatigue.
- If infected with hookworms, symptoms include itching, anemia, and fatigue.
- If infected with trichinosis worms, symptoms include fever, headache, swelling of the face, muscle aches, sensitivity to light, and conjunctivitis.
How to Prevent Worms in Adults
To avoid worms, there are several preventive measures you can take, including:
- Avoid eating watercress or vegetables from fresh water in a raw state.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, both beef and poultry.
- Separate meat storage from other foodstuffs.
- Wash cutting boards and other cooking utensils thoroughly after using them to cut raw meat.
- Make sure you know the process of preparing food purchased from outside.
- Avoid walking on soil contaminated with dirt, barefoot.
- Clean up animal waste, especially if you have pets.
- Make it a habit to wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, after using the toilet, after touching animal waste, and after caring for sick people.
- Try to only consume bottled water when you travel abroad.
In essence, there are many ways that can be done to prevent adult worms. The main key is to always maintain cleanliness, both food, shelter, and the environment where you are.
If you experience the above symptoms, do not hesitate to immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.