
Worms are a very common source of illness for both adults and children, so experts recommend that deworming should be done two times a year, or every six months, beginning at the age of two years.
Deworming is the process of eliminating intestinal parasites, such as worms, using medication. In places where soil-transmitted helminths are prevalent, the WHO advises periodic medication treatment to deworm all children. This suggestion is supported by research suggesting that helminths transferred through soil harm children's growth and development, as well as their cognitive growth and future economic possibilities.
What are intestinal worms?
Worms are parasites that depend on the human intestines for both nutrition and survival. The worms induce poor nutrition, blood loss, and stunted growth by consuming resources intended for the human body. In some of the world's poorest regions, intestinal worm infections affect more than 2 billion people.
Hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm have been around for a long time. The infection spreads when they lay eggs in human feces that contaminate the soil, a major problem that is common in impoverished communities with poor sanitation. Eggs from this contaminated soil that is found on unwashed vegetables, water sources, or unwashed hands enter the body, causing an intestinal parasite infection.
Infected people experience intestinal blood loss due to the worms, which results in iron deficiency and malnutrition, as well as a lack of energy and motivation.
What are the symptoms of intestinal worm infection?
Parasites can live for years in the intestines without causing any symptoms. When they do, the following symptoms occur:
Hookworm infection
Most children with hookworm infections exhibit no symptoms at all.
- However, because of bleeding from the gut wall where the worm is attached and especially when the infection is chronic, it can result in:
- Rarely, when the larvae are moving through the lungs, the lungs become inflamed and cause cough, wheeze, and fever.
- A decrease in appetite and weight loss may develop several weeks following exposure to this hookworm.
- Poor nutrition can be brought on by ongoing infections.
Roundworm infection
If you have ascariasis (a roundworm infection of the intestines), you might not have any symptoms. However, live worms may be seen in your feces.
If you do experience symptoms, they might include:
- Cough
- Sleep disturbance
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Severe stomach and abdominal aches
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Malnutrition
Tapeworm infection
Many people who have an intestinal tapeworm infection don't exhibit any symptoms. Your symptoms, if any, will depend on the type and location of the tapeworm. Depending on where the larvae have moved, invasive tapeworm infection symptoms can change.
Intestinal infection symptoms
- Nausea and weakness
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Craving for salt
- Loss of weight and insufficient food nutrient absorption
Invasive infection symptoms
In the long run, tapeworm larvae that have left your intestines and developed cysts in other tissues may harm your organs and tissues, leading to:

QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerHow can you stop the spread of worm infections?
By practicing better hygiene, you can stop the spread of worm illnesses.
A few examples include:
- Washing your hands, especially before and after using the restroom
- Using hygienic restrooms
- Consuming hygienic water
- Consuming well-prepared food
- Washing fruits, vegetables, and salads in sanitary water
- Keeping fingernails trimmed and clean
- Wearing slippers
What is the treatment of intestinal worms?
According to the WHO, these anti-worm medications (often albendazole or mebendazole) allow school-age children to "earn their way out of poverty" due to the significant effects they have on cognitive and intellectual development.
The most widely used deworming medication is called albendazole, and it is a secure method of treating intestinal worms that are used all over the world.
- Children aged between one and two years should take half a tablet (200 mg), and those aged between 2 and 19 years should take one tablet (400 mg).
- Break and smash the tablets first before giving them (with water) to small children.
https://speakingofmedicine.plos.org/2012/07/18/should-deworming-policies-in-the-developing-world-be-reconsidered/
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/11/15/452298843/the-debate-is-on-to-deworm-or-not-to-deworm
https://www.nhp.gov.in/national-deworming-day_pg
https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/NDD/FAQ/FAQ_for_NDD-FrontlineWorkers_Eng.pdf
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/worms-in-humans#avoid
https://speakingofmedicine.plos.org/2012/07/18/should-deworming-policies-in-the-developing-world-be-reconsidered/
https://www.vitaminangels.org/assets/content/uploads/OneSheetDewormINTL_ENG_2017040pdf
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15240-roundworms
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Hookworms.aspx
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tapeworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20378174
Top How Often Should You Deworm Related Articles
How Can I Test Myself For Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are the flatworms that live in the human digestive tract. If you suspect you might have tapeworms, you need to visit a doctor for stool sample analysis, a blood test, and imaging tests.How Do I Know If I Have Tapeworms?
What are tapeworms? Learn the signs and symptoms of this parasite. Learn what medical treatment works best to get rid of tapeworms and speed up your recovery from tapeworms.How Do You Get Rid of Tapeworms Naturally?
Tapeworms are flat intestinal worms that enter the human body via foods contaminated with their eggs or worms. Get rid of tapeworms naturally with garlic, papaya, neem, turmeric, and cloves.How Would I Know if I Had a Tapeworm?
Flatworms that can live in the digestive tract are called tapeworms. You would know if you had a tapeworm if you had nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis)
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Is Ringworm Contagious?
A fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm can be transmitted from person to person. Animals may also spread ringworm. Ringworm causes an itchy, ring-shaped red rash with hair loss. Treatment incorporates the use of topical medication.Parasites: See What's Eating Your Skin
WebMD gives you the facts about common parasites and their diseases. Learn about lice, bedbugs, hookworms, ringworms, scabies, and more.Pet Ringworm Picture
Ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans). See a picture of Pet Ringworm and learn more about the health topic.Pinworms in Children and Adults
Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the ankus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus while a person is asleep. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the U.S. Symptoms include anal itching or vaginal itching. Pinworm infection is generally spread by inadequate handwashing from infected persons. Treatment is effective after a diagnosis is made with a pinworm test.Pinworm Test
Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the U.S. The pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) is a small white worm. Symptoms of pinworm infection include anal or vaginal itching. The pinworm or "sticky tape test" is performed with adhesive tape or a pinworm paddle. The test should be performed first thing in the morning before showering.Pinworms Slideshow
Pinworm symptoms include itching and redness around the anus. Pinworm infection is common in children and adults. Pinworms are treated with over-the-counter medication. Your doctor can help confirm the diagnosis by checking for the presence of pinworms in stool.Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.Ringworm: Treatment, Pictures, Causes, and Symptoms
What is ringworm? How do you get rid of ringworm? View ringworm pictures on the scalp and body and learn about ringworm treatment, causes, symptoms, types, and prevention tips for this fungal skin infection.Is Ringworm Contagious Quiz
What Are the Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Humans?
Worm infestation occurs in humans when parasitic worms, also known as intestinal worms, live and grow inside the body. The occurrence of worm infestations is more common among children of developing countries due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Older adults may also be vulnerable to worm infestation due to a weakened immune system.Digestive Disorders: What You Should Know About Tapeworms
How much do you know about tapeworms? Find out more about what tapeworms are, how tapeworms get into your body, and how you can treat and prevent tapeworms.