Types of Stomach Worms in Humans

There are hundreds of types of parasites that can be found living within the human body. Among these are a number of stomach or intestinal worms. According to Diagnose-Me.com, most worms can be treated easily after diagnosis and cause no long-term effects to the host if they are caught before the infection becomes severe. In some of the more severe cases problems may persist.

Pinworms

• Pinworms are found in the human stomach or intestinal tract and are small white worms about 1/2 inch long. They are also known as seatworms or threadworms and affect up to 40 million Americans, most of the time due to accidental ingestion of the worms' eggs. Pinworms can affect people of any age, but children are at the highest risk for infestation. The worms migrate to the person's rectum where each female worm can lay up to 1500 eggs per day and cause irritation around the person's anus, which is usually the most prominent symptom. According to many sources, including EMedicineHealth.com, after diagnosis, one dose of medication, followed by a second dose two weeks later, is all that is required to treat the person and rid him of the worms

Hookworms

• Hookworms are intestinal parasites that affect up to one billion people throughout the world. Infection happens to people who come in contact with larvae through the soil or by ingesting hookworm eggs or larvae. Hookworms that enter the body through direct contact penetrate the skin, leaving irritation at the penetration site, and enter the bloodstream.

  There are many symptoms associated with hookworms including weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort/pain and anemia from blood loss. After diagnosis, medications are given to treat the worms and help treat the anemia.

Roundworms

• Roundworms are the most common stomach worms throughout the world but are uncommon in the United States. Children are at higher risk, although people at any age can become infected. Infection occurs when a person accidentally ingests roundworm eggs. Most people that are infected with roundworms show no symptoms, but the most severe cases may cause abdominal pain/discomfort, intestinal obstructions and slow weight loss due to the worms "eating" the majority of the valuable nutrition. After diagnosis, medication is given to treat the person and rid her of the worms.

Tapeworms

• Tapeworms are stomach and intestinal parasites that enter the body through ingestion of under-prepared meats, such as pork, beef and fish. Most cases of tapeworm infection are in areas where living standards are below average. Symptoms include increased appetite, irritability, insomnia, sensitivity to light and anemia. According to many sources, including the MERCK Online Medical library, after diagnosis a single dose of oral medication is given to the person to treat the worm infection and rid the person's body of the parasites.

Whipworms

• Whipworms are a type of roundworm that infects people through ingestion of the eggs, usually as a result of consuming dry goods such as rice or beans. The eggs hatch in the person's small intestine and make their way to the large intestine where they burrow into the lining to breed and multiply. Most infections have little to no symptoms, but severe infections can cause a person to have diarrhea, anemia, vitamin A deficiency or even rectal prolapse. After diagnosis the infection is treated with a medication that rids the body of the worms through the person's stool.