Worldwide, there are hundreds of types of worms (helminths) that can infect humans. Common types of worms that can infect people include roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm, hookworm, and threadworm.
Deworming is a way to get rid of intestinal worms or parasitic worms by the use of an anthelmintic medication. Not everyone needs to deworm.
- Parasitic worms are usually found in contaminated food and water in poor communities or areas where cleaning does not occur regularly.
- People who walk barefoot in high-risk areas, people who do not have a good body or food hygiene due to poor living conditions or unclean habits, people who handle pets, and people who handle raw meat are most likely to contract worms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends deworming of children who live in endemic areas:
- Once a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is over 20%
- Twice a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is 50%
People at greatest risk for illness from worms include:
- Preschool and school-aged children
- Females of reproductive age
- Includes people who are pregnant in the second and third trimesters
- Includes those who are breastfeeding
- Adults in certain high-risk occupations such as tea-pickers or miners
What Are Symptoms of Intestinal Worms?
Common symptoms of intestinal worms are:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Rectal itching
- Redness or rash on the buttocks
- Fatigue
- Urinating frequently
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Hunger
- Dehydration
- Blood in the stool
- Worms in stool
- Problems sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Wheezing
- Cough
Symptoms of severe infestations of intestinal worms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Abdominal distention (bloating)
- Anemia (due to hookworm infestation)
- Weight loss (due to tapeworm infestation)
What Causes Intestinal Worms?
There are hundreds of types of worms (helminths) that can infect humans. People may become infected if they swallow worm eggs, larvae, cysts, or adult worms that live in food, drink, soil, and feces.
Some worm eggs are so small they can only be seen using a microscope and these tiny eggs can be airborne.
How Are Intestinal Worms Diagnosed?
Intestinal worms are diagnosed with a patient history which may include questions about recent travel to an area where worms are endemic A physical exam will be performed which may involve checking under fingernails if worms are suspected because worms often leave their eggs under the fingernails and the hands are the primary way worms get inside the body through ingestion.
Tests used to diagnose intestinal worms may include:
- Fecal tests to check for infection
- Blood tests to detect parasites
- Colonoscopy
- Imaging tests to check other organs for signs of damage from the parasite
- Tape tests
- A piece of tape is placed over the anus while the patient sleeps to check for signs of worm eggs
What Is the Treatment for Intestinal Worms?
Treatment for intestinal worms may not be necessary if a person has a healthy immune system.
When treatment is needed it may include one or more antiparasitic medications to get rid of the intestinal worm such as:
- Albendazole
- Mebendazole
- Ivermectin for the control of S. stercoralis
In addition, medicines may be recommended to reduce inflammation or other symptoms, such as nausea.
Everyone in the family should be treated, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Home remedies that can help relieve the discomfort of intestinal worms and may help get rid of worms include:
- Garlic
- Raw garlic may act as a natural dewormer for children by killing parasites and expelling them out of the body
- Pumpkin seeds
- Contain cucurbitacin, which can paralyze worms and make it impossible for them to survive inside the body
- Raw papaya
- Contains the enzyme papain, which works as an anthelmintic to kill intestinal worms, and papaya seeds help expel worms out of the body
- Carrots
- Rich in Vitamin A, they have immune-boosting properties to help fight against intestinal worms
- Turmeric
- Has medicinal and antiseptic properties and helps eliminate parasitic worms from the body
- Coconuts
- Rich in lauric acid, which forms into monolaurin, a compound known for enhancing immunity
Talk to your doctor before taking any home remedies for intestinal worms.
From 
Infectious Disease Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Image source: iStock Images
https://gidocjhb.co.za/deworming-importance/
https://www.disabled-world.com/health/digestive/humanworms.php
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infections