Testing for human worms involves stool exams for eggs/parasites, the Scotch tape test for pinworms (eggs on skin), blood tests (antibodies/antigens/blood cells), and sometimes imaging (CT/MRI) or endoscopy for deeper issues, with a doctor diagnosing based on symptoms and test results. A healthcare provider is essential for proper diagnosis, especially for identifying specific types like tapeworms or hookworms, which require specialized tests.
Diagnosis of worms
Sometimes, with heavy infections, the thin adult threadworms may be seen on the surface of freshly passed faeces. Sometimes the worms can be seen around the child's anus if examined with a torch at night time. The best method of diagnosis is by the 'sticky tape test'.
Stool tests
In time, these eggs can be found in the stool. Your healthcare professional checks your stool for the tiny eggs and larvae. But eggs won't appear in stool until at least 40 days after you're infected. And if you're infected with only male worms, you won't have eggs in your stool.
Worm infection symptoms vary but commonly include an itchy bottom (especially at night for threadworms), abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, and changes in appetite, with some infections causing no symptoms at all. More severe or persistent issues can involve weight loss, vomiting, skin rashes, or even muscle/joint pain, requiring medical diagnosis for confirmation and treatment, as these signs overlap with other conditions.
Another test that can be done at home is called the tape test. In general, you need see-through cellophane tape to do the test. Press the sticky side to the skin around the anus after waking up and before bathing or using the toilet. If eggs are present, they stick to the tape.
find a large worm, a piece of worm or worm eggs in your poo. have a red, itchy worm-shaped rash on your skin. have sickness, diarrhoea or a stomach ache for longer than 2 weeks. are losing weight for no reason.
How is a worm infection treated? The treatment for threadworms is worming tablets, which are available from the pharmacy. The whole household should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. When taking the medicine, you should also ensure you follow strict hygiene practices to prevent reinfestation.
10 FOOD TO KILL INTESTINAL WORMS NATURALLY:
You know you might have parasites through digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating, pain), fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin problems (rashes, itchiness), sleep disturbances (insomnia, teeth grinding), increased appetite, muscle aches, or even seeing worms or eggs in your stool; however, many infections have few or no symptoms, so a doctor's diagnosis via stool sample, blood tests, or other imaging is needed for confirmation.
The most common intestinal parasite infection globally is ascariasis. It affects about 1 billion people worldwide. In the U.S., the most common infections are from protozoa, especially the giardia parasite. Pinworms are the most common intestinal worm in the U.S.
Other examples of parasitic infections include:
There are many at-home tests for parasites. Testing for parasites at home is very easy. Our Ultimate and Advanced Gut Health Tests both test for parasites.
Threadworms live about 5-6 weeks in the gut, and then die. However, before they die the female worms lay tiny eggs around the anus. This tends to be at night when you are warm and still in bed. The eggs are too small to see, but cause an itch around the anus.
Most are accessible with a prescription, but some are available over the counter (OTC). Mebendazole (Emverm), ivermectin (Stromectol), and pyrantel pamoate (Reese's Pinworm Medicine, others) are three common anthelmintics. They're oral medications that are typically taken for a short period of time.
Can intestinal worms go away on their own? In some mild cases, the immune system can eliminate parasites without treatment. However, without intervention, many infestations persist and worsen, leading to complications. Therefore, it is essential to actively treat these infections.
If you notice the following symptoms in yourself or your family members, particularly in children, it may be time to consider deworming: Frequent abdominal pain, especially around the navel, along with loose or hard stools. A noticeable loss of appetite, skipping meals, weight loss, persistent fatigue, and paleness.
Common parasite symptoms may include:
Knowing if you have parasites involves recognizing symptoms like digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating, pain), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, skin rashes, or muscle aches, but often infections are subtle or asymptomatic, so a doctor's diagnosis through stool samples or blood tests is crucial for confirmation, especially if you have persistent symptoms like fever, extreme fatigue, or blood in your stool.
Food
Various metabolic interactions among hosts, helminth parasites, and intestinal microbiomes can impact the immune system, potentially aiding or hindering worm expulsion through chemical signaling. Implementing a comprehensive strategy using probiotics may reduce the impact of drug-resistant helminth strains.
Parasites drain nutrients from your body, leaving you with a constant feeling of fatigue. Digestive issues: Frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating can be signs of a parasitic infestation. These digestive disturbances affect not only your physical well-being but also your daily comfort.
Tapeworm infection in the intestines
You can buy a medicine called mebendazole for threadworms from pharmacies. This is usually a chewable tablet or liquid you swallow. Treat everyone over 2 years old in your household, even if they do not have symptoms.