Ascariasis: Symptoms & Signs

Ascariasis is a disease caused by a parasitic infection. Risk factors for developing ascariasis include living in and/or visiting tropical and subtropical areas combined with poor hygienic conditions and eating or drinking contaminated foods.

Signs and symptoms of ascariasis include

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain or discomfort,
• cramping,
• abdominal swelling,
• fever,
• cough,
• wheezing, and
• passage of parasites (worms) or their eggs in the stool.

Most complications of the condition arise from inflammation or obstructions in the digestive system.

Cause of ascariasis

Infection with a roundworm parasite known as Ascaris lumbricoides causes ascariasis. The parasite is a large nematode (roundworm) that infects the human gastrointestinal tract. Adult A. lumbricoides worms are visible to the naked eye and can reach over 12 inches in length.

Other ascariasis symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
• Abdominal Swelling
• Cough
• Cramping
• Fever
• Nausea
• Passage of Parasites (Worms) or Their Eggs in the Stool
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

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