How to Kill Round Worms in People
Ascariasis is a common parasitic roundworm infection found in humans. According to mayoclinic.com, these roundworms infect about 25 percent of the entire world's population. Roundworm adults can produce approximately 600,000 eggs per day. These eggs are transmitted through contact with infected feces that could be mixed in soil, on garden produce or that your pet tracks into the house. Once treated, good hygiene is the best preventative tool.
Instructions
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Contact your physician if you have symptoms listed at mayclinic.com that will not go away. Symptoms of an infestation may include a persistent cough or breathing problems, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools or diarrhea.
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Undergo tests for diagnosis. This may include blood tests, stool tests or imaging tests. Blood tests will reveal an increase in eosinophils---a type of white blood cell---that may indicate an ascariasis infection. Stool testing is effective after you have been infected for about two months. At this time, roundworm eggs can be found in your stool. Imaging may be used if a large infestation is suspected. An X-ray is capable of showing large masses of roundworms.
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Begin treatment by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. This may include one or more of several drugs on the market, including mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate or albendazole.
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You may have to undergo surgery if your infestation is so large that you are experiencing an intestinal or bile duct obstruction and your doctor determines that medication alone is not the proper treatment.
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Revisit your physician in two months to be tested for any remaining roundworms. He may recommend another round of prescription treatment.
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Tips & Warnings
Prevent reinfestation by practicing good hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap after handling soil or pets, and wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating them.
Some infestations may die off and not require medical attention. If only male or only female larvae are present, they may complete their life cycle and dissipate on their own.
Intestinal blockage may occur in severe infestations. This could result in a ruptured intestine, which is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency.
Parasite infestations can cause nutritional deficiencies, especially in children.
