Ascaris Infection: What Are the Symptoms?

An Ascaris infection, also called ascariasis, is an infection of the small intestine caused by a parasitic roundworm. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the most common roundworm infection in the world. In 2002, more than 1.5 billion people in the world were infected by the parasite, mostly in tropical and subtropical climates; however, ascariasis is not common in the United States and occurs mainly in rural areas of the southeast, according to the CDC. Many people with an Ascaris infection have no symptoms of the infection, or they have symptoms so mild they are not noticeable.

Growth

• Children who are heavily infected by the Ascaris parasite may grow abnormally or may gain weight more slowly than normal. In some cases of severe infestation, weight loss may occur in both children and adults.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• People with ascariasis may feel mild abdominal pain and may also experience nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea and bloody stools are also signs of the infection. In severe cases where the gastrointestinal tract is heavily infected, you may see a worm in your vomit or stool. In some people, the intestine can actually become blocked because of the heavy worm presence.

Fatigue

• Some people with ascariasis feel fatigued as a result of the infection. The more heavily infected a person is, the more likely fatigue is to develop.

Respiratory Symptoms

• Because an Ascaria infection typically develops when larvae from the Ascaria egg are ingested, the infection can go to the lungs if the larvae are absorbed into the bloodstream. When the lungs are affected by ascariasis, symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. You may experience wheezing and a persistent cough as well as shortness of breath. In some cases, people cough up the worms and then re-swallow them.