Signs of Roundworms

Roundworms infect humans when the larvae are transferred from the hands to the mouth. The larvae may be on food grown in the ground that has been fertilized with human feces, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An infection of roundworm is avoided with hand washing and proper hygiene before eating.

Abdominal Pain

• Abdominal pain is one of the first signs of a roundworm infestation. During a mild infestation before the worm has multiplied, the pain symptom may be vague and mild, according to the Mayo Clinic. A heavy infestation of worms will cause severe abdominal pain in patients.

Nausea

• Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a mild and heavy infestation. The roundworms are located in the intestine and can cause severe digestive upset. As the quantity of worms grows, the symptoms will become increasingly severe.

Diarrhea

• Along with nausea and vomiting, patients may also experience diarrhea. The stool may be bloody in a mild infestation.

Respiratory Symptoms

• Roundworm larvae infect the lungs of patients and can cause a cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. The symptoms of a roundworm infestation of the lungs are similar to the symptoms of pneumonia or asthma.

Fatigue

• Patients become fatigued in severe roundworm infestations. The roundworms feed on the nutrients of foods eaten before they are digested. This can cause nutritional imbalances in patients, resulting in tiredness and fatigue.

Weight Loss

• Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea cause patients to lose weight when the infestation of worms becomes heavy. A heavy infestation means that there are many worms in the intestines and lungs.

Worms in Stool or Vomit

• A heavy infestation causes worms to become displaced, and they may appear in the vomit and stool of patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, a roundworm may be visible in the mouth and nose of a patient. When an infestation becomes severe, there is an increasing risk of intestinal blockage and perforation of the intestinal wall.