Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
ASCARIASIS
(ROUNDWORMS)
About Your
Diagnosis
Ascariasis is an earthworm-shaped intestinal
parasite that can easily be seen without a microscope. The parasite is never
transmitted from individual to individual, but the eggs are spread through
contaminated water, food, or soil-contaminated hands (such as eating poorly
washed raw vegetables grown in contaminated soil). If left untreated, the worms
can migrate to other parts of the body such as the lungs. With treatment,
ascariasis is usually curable in 1 week. Anybody can be affected, but it is more
common in children.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms include
restlessness at night, irritability, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss,
abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea and fever. Occasionally worms may be seen
in the bowel movement or in the child’s
bed.
Treatment
Your
doctor will prescribe medication to kill the worms. These medications cannot be
used if you are pregnant. They may also aggravate a seizure disorder. Side
effects of these medications include stomach upset, dizziness, headache, and
itching. They may also color the bowel movements red. Wash hands carefully after
using the toilet and always before eating. Shower daily with careful attention
to cleaning the anal area twice a day. Linens, nightclothes, towels, and
washcloths used by someone with roundworms should be boiled or soaked in a
solution of 1 cup ammonia to 5 gallons of water. After treatment, bathroom
floors and fixtures, including toilet seats, should be scrubbed thoroughly. Toys
should be sterilized or scrubbed with the ammonia solution. Other family members
should be checked for infection.
The
DOs
• Take medication as directed
by your doctor. Tell him if you think you might be pregnant or if you have a
seizure disorder.
• Wash your hands
thoroughly before eating and after using the
toilet.
• Keep nails clean and
short.
• Shower instead of taking tub
baths.
• Boil soiled linens if
possible, or soak them in an ammonia solution before
washing.
• Sterilize toys or scrub
with the ammonia solution, then rinse with clear
water.
• Have pets treated for worms,
and advise children to avoid strange
animals.
• Clean bathroom fixtures
thoroughly after treatment.
• Have
all family members checked for
infection.
• Drink only bottled water
when traveling in underdeveloped
countries.
The
DON’Ts
• Don’t eat
unwashed vegetables.
• Don’t
drink water when traveling in economically underdeveloped
countries.
• Don’t share towels
or washcloths.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• A high fever
develops.
• You have severe abdominal
pain.
• Chest pain or shortness of
breath occurs.
• After treatment is
completed, you continue to have symptoms.