How to tell if you have worms in your stomach
Intestinal parasitic infections are a common health problem, especially in areas with poor sanitary conditions or among children. How can you tell if you or a family member is infected with parasites? This article will give you detailed answers from three aspects: symptoms, detection methods and preventive measures.
1. Common symptoms of intestinal parasitic infections
| Symptom type | Specific performance | Common parasites |
|---|---|---|
| digestive symptoms | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abnormal appetite (bulimia or anorexia) | Roundworms, tapeworms |
| skin symptoms | Anal itching (worse at night), rash, or hives | Pinworm |
| systemic symptoms | Weight loss, anemia, fatigue | hookworm, whipworm |
| special performance | Insect bodies or eggs can be seen in the feces, and molars (children) | Roundworms, tapeworms |
2. Comparison of diagnostic methods
| Detection method | Operation mode | Accuracy | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| stool test | Collect fresh stool samples for testing | 60-80% | Requires 3 consecutive days to submit for inspection |
| Tape test | Use tape to remove the skin around the anus before getting up in the morning | 90% (pinworms) | Need to repeat 3-5 times |
| blood test | Test eosinophil levels | Auxiliary diagnosis | non-specific indicators |
| Imaging examination | X-ray/B-ultrasound to observe intestinal conditions | Adult insects found | higher cost |
3. High-risk groups and preventive measures
The following people are more susceptible to intestinal parasites:
1. Children aged 2-10 (who have not yet developed hygiene habits)
2. Pet owners (without regular deworming)
3. Raw food lovers (sashimi, pickled raw food, etc.)
4. Residents in rural areas (more opportunities to come into contact with soil)
Prevention advice:
• Wash your hands regularly (at least 20 seconds) before eating and after using the toilet
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly (soaking for 15 minutes is recommended)
• Meats and seafood are fully cooked (core temperature above 70°C)
• Deworm pets regularly (every 3 months)
• Avoid walking barefoot in dirt
4. Treatment precautions
If a parasitic infection is confirmed, please note:
1. Treat the whole family at the same time (to prevent cross-infection)
2. Use medication according to the course of treatment (commonly used are albendazole, metronidazole, etc.)
3. Change bed sheets and underwear frequently during treatment (wash in hot water above 60℃)
4. Repeat stool examination after 2 weeks
5. Clarification of common misunderstandings
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Teeth grinding must be parasites | Teeth grinding can occur for a variety of reasons |
| Taking anti-insect medicine can prevent infection | Blind use of medication may lead to drug resistance |
| Urban people will not be infected | Infection is still possible through raw food/pets |
| If you can’t see it with the naked eye, there are no insects. | Most eggs require microscopic observation |
Through the observation of the above symptoms and scientific testing, we can accurately determine whether there is intestinal parasitic infection. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly when suspicious symptoms occur and avoid self-medication. Maintaining good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent parasitic infections.
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