Helminth Infections

Helminth symptoms can range from zero to many. The most common symptoms of helminth infections and intestinal worms include diarrhea (the body’s first instinct in ridding itself of parasitic organisms), foul breath, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and itching. Constipation, gas, and bloating can also arise, due to the worms’ obstruction of certain vital digestive organs such as the colon and upper intestine. Most of the time worms manifest symptoms through these physical reactions, but sometimes they are excreted and can be visible in stool. This symptom is less visible in the United States or in developed nations.

Helminths in children can at times be difficult to detect in children, especially those too young to communicate specific physical distress. Therefore, it’s important to take note of any blisters that appear on the mouth or lips, increased runny nose, restlessness, or inability to sleep. Also note any abnormal hyperactivity, bed wetting, eye twitching, or nose bleeding. Any of these symptoms may be indicative of a helminth infection and should pre-empt a doctor’s visit.

Less common, but possible symptoms include asthma, anemia, and nervousness. Worms tend to leach food from its host, leading to a loss of important nutrients from the host’s body. If enough worms multiply in the body, they can leach enough nutrients to cause iron deficiency or blood loss. Some patients experience allergic reactions in response to cell mobilization. A small segment of herminths can cause the collapse of muscle tissue and heart problems, resulting in death if not treated.

Because Helminth symptoms, when present, can be general and quite vague, it is important that testing be done to determine the type of parasite. Usually, physicians and lab prefer to test a stool sample using an ova and parasite method, which can detect the specific worm present in the intestinal tract.