How to Cure Hookworms

Adult hookworm

Human can become infected with hookworms, an intestinal parasite, if they come into contact with soil contaminated with hookworm larvae. A heavy hookworm infection can lead to anemia and other complications, especially in children and women. However, a hookworm infection is easily treatable.

Things You'll Need

• Visit to a doctor Albendazole, mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate Iron supplements (optional)

Instructions

1. Go to your doctor if you suspect that you have a hookworm infection. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen often accompanied with diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite. People with a moderate infection may be anemic.

2. Submit a stool sample which will be sent to a lab that will look for hookworm eggs.

3. Get a prescription for albendazole, mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate. These three parasite killing medicines can kill hookworms. If you are also anemic, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement.

4. Return to your doctor after at least 3 days to give another stool sample. The lab will be able to confirm if the infection is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Allicin, which is found in garlic, is often used as a natural remedy for parasitic infections, including hookworm.

References

• NIH Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia - Hookworm

Resources

• U.S. CDC Division of Parasitic Diseases - Hookworm Fact Sheet