Infectious diseases are among the most dangerous diseases that can harm humans or animals. Once they infect a human body, they start multiplying and deteriorating health if not monitored correctly.

What is ascariasis?

Ascariasis is a worm infection caused by unclean surroundings, contact with unhygienic soil and water, and unhealthy sanitation. Though the disease is not serious, it can worsen if not treated promptly.

It happens because the ascariasis worm infects the individual and multiplies rapidly if neglected. Hence, such issues should be immediately treated to avoid deteriorating the situation.

Causes of Ascariasis

Infected Soil : Soil infected with ascariasis worms and their eggs is one of the biggest causes of worm disease. If an individual comes in contact with such infected soil, the probability of getting infected with worm disease increases. Hence, one should ensure to avoid unhygienic places to avoid being infected by such forms of disease as well.
Infected Water : Another primary reason for getting infected with worm disease is contaminated water. When they come in contact with a human, the larvae found in a pool of infected water immediately spread the infectious disease. Hence, water for drinking or sanitisation should strictly come from a hygienic source.
Infected Meat : Uncooked or infected meat is another significant reason for getting affected by the worm disease. Consuming meat raw or uncooked can also spread worms and infections. Such meat, too, contains the larvae of worms, causing rapid spread of infection. Therefore, washing and boiling the meat properly before consuming it is advised.

Symptoms of Ascariasis

Persistent Cough : People infected with ascariasis often experience heavy and persistent coughing. It occurs due to the formation of worm eggs in the larynx and trachea, causing persistent coughing and pain in the throat as well. Hence, the affected individual feels heavy in the throat and may also experience issues breathing or while consuming food and water.
Abdominal Pain : Another symptom of worm infection is vague abdominal pain. It happens due to the rapidly multiplying worms, leading to the blocking of the intestine. The affected individual may vomit and feel a severe stomach ache. Hence, in case of such symptoms, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider for timely treatment and keep track of water and food consumed.
Blood in Stools : When streaks of blood are found in stool, it is also a symptom of worm infection. It happens because a vast mass of worms blocks the small intestine and makes a hole in the walls of the organ, leading to severe vomiting and abdominal pain. Hence, consulting a healthcare provider at the right time is vital in case of such symptoms.
Vomiting : An individual suffering from the worm disease vomits severely many times in a day. It leads to weakness and fatigue. It happens due to a small intestine blockage, causing abdominal pain and preventing digestion. In such situations, it is advised to rush to a healthcare provider to get timely treatment and avoid other severe symptoms.

Treatment Options for Ascariasis Disease

Medications- Anti-parasitic medications are given to the patient as the first line of treatment. The medicines help to lower the infection and kill the multiplying worms inside the small intestine.

Albendazole (Albenza), Ivermectin (Stromectol), and Mebendazole are a few common parasitic medications given to kill the multiplying worms inside the body and lower the symptoms of the disease. The medication helps to kill the adult worms, leading to a minor stomach ache or vomiting.

Surgery is the last resort when different preventive measures and medications do not work. Surgery helps obliterate the worms and repair the damage they do. Issues such as intestinal blockage or holes, appendicitis, or bile duct blockage are some of the issues caused by worms that require surgery.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Ascariasis

Mentioned below are some of the preventive measures that can help one to stay safe from ascariasis disease:

Stay hygienic
Avoid unclean sources of water and food
Use bottled water while travelling
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables while travelling

Conclusion

Ascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by worms. These worms attack the small intestine by blocking and making holes in the organ’s walls. The issue can be resolved by practising hygiene and staying alert about the cleanliness of the surroundings. Though medications help to resolve the problems, surgery may be required in case of a severe issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is ascariasis?
A1. Infection caused by ascariasis worms is known as ascariasis disease.

Q2. How can one be infected with ascariasis disease?
A2. Contact with pig faeces, polluted soil, or water are some of the significant reasons for being affected by ascariasis disease.

Q3. What are the causes of ascariasis?
A3. Some of the significant causes of ascariasis and water consumption and water from unhygienic sources and contact with polluted soil.

Q4. How can ascariasis be avoided?
A4. Staying hygienic, washing fruits and vegetables with soap and water, and drinking water from clean sources are preventive measures to avoid ascariasis.

Q5. How is ascariasis treated?
A5. Anti-parasitic medicines help kill worms in the small intestine. If the condition is severe, a doctor may advise surgery.

Reference Links:

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/parasitic-infection-causes-symptoms-and-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ascariasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369593