Do Adults Get Intestinal Worms? What Are The Symptoms?

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Do you suffer from constant stomach pains and constipation? Worms may be the cause of your symptoms.

Intestinal worms, also known as parasitic worms, are a common type of intestinal parasite in humans.

While worms are often associated with children, adults can also suffer from worm problems. Worms can enter our bodies by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food [1].

The majority of intestinal worm infections are mild in nature and can be treated with medication. Let's examine the symptoms of intestinal worm infections in adults.

Do Adults Get Intestinal Worms? What Are The Symptoms?

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms related to worms in adults.

1. Weight loss

The worms in your body eat up all the nutrients in your body, preventing you from obtaining the nutrition you need. Consequently, you start losing weight despite eating normally, since the worm is unable to absorb calories and nutrients, resulting in weight loss.

Therefore, if you experience weight loss even if you do not diet, you should consult your physician immediately.

2. Constipation

It is possible that the reason for your constipation is the presence of worms in your body, even if you eat fibre-rich foods or drink a lot of water throughout the day. Worms are able to cause stomach irritation, affecting digestion. This causes your body to absorb less water, resulting in constipation [2].

2. Hunger issues

A worm infestation in your stomach can make you feel like you are never full or hungry. You may also feel nauseous, gassy, or full as a result of intestinal worms [3].

3. Tiredness

There is a possibility that worms are taking up nutrients from your body. And these nutritional deficiencies can lower your energy levels, leaving you feeling drained.

4. Sleeplessness

Getting up frequently during the night or having difficulty sleeping are signs of intestinal because the eggs they lay release toxins into your bloodstream. When this happens, the toxin travels to the brain and affects normal brain functions. As a result, you can also experience mood swings, where you suddenly feel restless, causing disrupted sleep patterns [4].

5. Skin irritation

Pinworms, also known as threadworms, can irritate the skin because they release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins build up on the skin and cause an itchy rash that looks and feels like eczema [5].

6. Muscle and joint pain

A toxin released from the pinworm eggs may also affect the muscles and joints of your body. Although it appears as mild pain, it can have a lasting effect on your health [6].

7. Teeth grinding while sleeping

It is possible that you may have a pinworm infection if you have suddenly begun grinding your teeth at night. The toxins that pinworms release can cause you to become restless, causing you to grind your teeth at night [7].

On A Final Note...

Before preparing or eating food, always wash your hands with soap and hot water to prevent intestinal worms.

Typically, intestinal worms are treated with medication for one to three days. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks. Your doctor will take and analyse another stool sample once treatment has been completed to determine whether the worms have disappeared.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.