Understand Intestinal roundworms: Treatments and Preventions
Ascaris Lumbricoides is a parasitic roundworm which infects the human intestines. The worms can lead to a variety of problems, including weight loss and abdominal pain. In severe cases they may even cause life-threatening complications. It is important to understand the cause, treatment, and prevention of intestinal roundworms in order to maintain good health.
Intestinal roundworms are what?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1,5 billion people or 24 percent of all humans are infected by soil-transmitted parasites, including intestinal roundworms. The parasites are found in the intestinal tracts of those infected and lay eggs in their feces. Defecating the eggs into the environment contaminates the soil. They can then be consumed by another host to complete the life cycle of the parasite.
In tropical and subtropical areas, where hygiene and sanitation are lacking, roundworms tend to be more prevalent. The risk is higher for children who play in dirt or put their hands into their mouths. The number of roundworms in your body will determine the severity of symptoms. Roundworms are known to cause severe health issues, including stunted growth and malnutrition in heavy infestations.
The most common causes of intestinal roundworms
Ingestion of soil contaminated with eggs is the main way in which intestinal roundworms are transmitted. It can occur in several different ways.
- Consuming contaminated water or food
- Contact with soil contaminated by children, for example when they play in the dirt
- Unhygienic and poor sanitation practices
In areas where feces from humans are being used for fertilizer, or in places where people defecate openly, the risk of infection increases. Roundworms are more likely to infest households that lack access to clean drinking water.
Intestinal roundworms: Treatment
You can treat intestinal roundworms with several different treatments.
- The most common treatment is antiparasitic medication. Albendazole, mebendazole, and other medications kill the parasites to allow them to be excreted from the body.
- Surgery may be necessary in severe cases, where there are many worms blocking the intestines.
The World Health Organization reports that mass deworming has been a successful way to reduce the infection burden in many countries. Roundworms can be controlled with regular treatments and improved sanitation.
Roundworms in the Intestine: Expert opinions
The best way to deal with intestinal roundworms, according to experts, is through prevention. It is important to improve sanitation, provide access to clean drinking water and promote good hygiene. Numerous studies have shown that regular handwashing can reduce transmission by a significant amount.
The World Health Organization also recommends that all people at risk who live in areas with endemic worms be dewormed periodically. It has been proven that this approach reduces the severity of infection and improves nutritional status in children.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
There are many natural treatments and prevention measures you can take to lower the chance of roundworms.
- Regularly washing your hands, particularly before and after eating
- Cooking your food to the point of destroying any parasites
- Only drinking safe water from treated sources
- Avoiding soils that could be contaminated by human excrement
These methods can reduce roundworm infections and improve overall health.
Conclusion: Intestinal roundworms are a major global health problem, especially in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation practices. It is important to understand the cause, the available treatment, and the preventive measures in order to reduce the impact of this parasitic infection. Combining regular deworming with better sanitation and hygiene, we are able to control the parasites and eliminate them.
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