5 ways intestinal worms can affect your health

Symptoms-of-intestinal-worm

According to WHO (World Health Organization), around 241 Indian children in the age group of 1 – 14 years are at a high risk of suffering from intestinal worms, known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). Even adults can be at risk. Here are a few symptoms of intestinal worms you should be aware of to treat the condition at the earliest.

Anal Itching

Anal itching: Does your kid feel constant itching in the anal region? And if this is common especially at night, it’s time to visit a pediatrician to rule out intestinal worms.

Weight Loss

Severe weight loss: As worm infections interfere with nutrient uptake, it leads to appetite causing weight loss. Moreover, severe protein loss might lead to fluid build-up in the abdomen, known as ascites.

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Constipation

Digestive problems: With the loss of appetite, increased water uptake, and malabsorption, there is a high chance of suffering from diarrhea or dysentery and constipation.

Bad Breath

Bad breath: Lack of vitamin B 12 and zinc creates a foul taste in the mouth. Also, acid reflux causes the gastric acids to rise up the stomach leading to bad taste and breath in the mouth.

Anemia

Anemia: Not many people know that parasitic worms cause both inflammation and chronic blood loss as they feed on blood and tissues leading to iron-deficiency anemia.